What are Peptides and the History of Therapeutic Peptides
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual health conditions and responses to treatment can vary greatly, and the potential uses of peptides as discussed should not be taken as medical guidance or a treatment recommendation. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional to obtain advice tailored to your specific health situation. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
What are Peptides and the History of Therapeutic Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins. They are smaller than proteins and consist of anywhere from two to about fifty amino acids. When amino acids link together in a specific sequence, they form peptides.Peptides play a crucial role in various biological processes. They can act as signaling molecules, transmitting information within and between cells. Some peptides are hormones, like insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels, and others are neurotransmitters, which help transmit signals in the nervous system.Peptide drug development has made great progress in the last decade thanks to new production, modification, and analytic technologies. Peptides have been produced and modified using both chemical and biological methods, together with novel design and delivery strategies, which have helped to overcome the inherent drawbacks of peptides and have allowed the continued advancement of this field. A wide variety of natural and modified peptides have been obtained and studied, covering multiple therapeutic areas.
Here is a brief history of Therapeutic Peptides:
Early Discoveries (1900s-1950s): The first therapeutic peptide to be used in medicine was insulin, which was isolated in the early 1920s. Insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, was a groundbreaking discovery for the treatment of diabetes. In the 1950s, oxytocin, a peptide hormone involved in labor and lactation, was synthesized and used in medical practice.
Growth Hormone (1960s): The synthesis of human growth hormone in the 1960s was a significant milestone in peptide therapeutics. Growth hormone is essential for normal growth and development.
Development of Analogs and Derivatives (1970s-1980s): During this period, researchers began creating analogs and derivatives of naturally occurring peptides to enhance their stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic properties. For example, enalapril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used to treat hypertension, is derived from a naturally occurring peptide.
Advancements in Peptide Synthesis (1990s):The 1990s saw significant progress in peptide synthesis techniques. Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) and other methodologies allowed for the more efficient and cost-effective production of peptides.
Peptide Drugs for Cancer (2000s): In the 2000s, there was a surge in research on peptides for cancer treatment. Peptide-based cancer therapies like somatostatin analogs and GnRH analogs were developed.
Recent Advances (2010s-2020s):The 2010s saw a growing interest in therapeutic peptides due to their specificity, high potency, and lower toxicity compared to some small-molecule drugs. Peptides have been investigated for a wide range of conditions including cancer, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
Emerging Technologies and Approaches: Advances in drug delivery technologies, such as nanotechnology and liposomal formulations, have expanded the range of peptides that can be used therapeutically. These technologies enhance the stability and bioavailability of peptides, allowing for more effective delivery to target tissues. More than 80 therapeutic peptides have reached the global market to date, and hundreds of peptides are undergoing preclinical studies and clinical development.
References:
1.Cancer Treatment Using Peptides: Current Therapies and Future Prospects - PMC (nih.gov)
2.Peptides: What are they, uses, and side effects (medicalnewstoday.com)