MOTS-C
MOTS-C
Mitochondrial-derived peptide
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Peptides in New Zealand
Explore the research, potential benefits and risks of peptides, with guidance for people in New Zealand.
Peptide research. Safety in New Zealand.
Understanding peptide research
If you’ve heard about a peptide and want to understand it, start here. Each guide explains what researchers tested and what they found.
You’ll find the potential benefits being studied, the gaps in the evidence and the New Zealand context, with links to the original sources.
Explore the peptides
Search by peptide name or the code on a product label.
9 guides
DS5
DS5
Unidentified label
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NJ500 / NJ1000
NAD / NAD+
Unidentified NAD label
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MT1
MT1
Ambiguous label
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TR10
Tirzepatide
Claimed tirzepatide shorthand
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BP10
BP10
Unverified blend label
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PT141
PT-141
Bremelanotide
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CU50
GHK-Cu
Claimed GHK-Cu shorthand
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IP5
Ipamorelin
Claimed ipamorelin shorthand
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No matching guides. Try a different name or the code on the label.
Each guide explains the available research and the uncertainties around a product. The illustrations are conceptual.
Before using a peptide
Already have a product? Check its identity, instructions and supplies, then plan storage and disposal before going any further.
Read the safety guideMedsafe’s warning on peptides
Medsafe warns that unapproved peptide products can carry serious health and legal risks. “Research purposes only” does not make a product safe or legal.
Read the Medsafe advisoryPublished 21 May 2026Peptide podcasts
Watch the conversations behind the headlines. These Huberman Lab episodes are a useful starting point for questions to explore in the research.
Huberman Lab · 7 October 2024
Peptide & Hormone Therapies with Dr Craig Koniver
Andrew Huberman and Dr Craig Koniver talk through peptides, hormone therapies and the interest in them for health and performance. The conversation covers GLP-1 medicines, BPC-157 and growth-hormone-related peptides, along with sourcing and safety. Use it to get familiar with the conversation, then check the studies in our guides before drawing conclusions.
Play loads the YouTube player. Podcast discussion is context, not medical advice.
Huberman Lab · 17 June 2024
Hunger & Weight-Loss Medicines with Dr Zachary Knight
Why do we feel hungry, and what makes us feel full? Neuroscientist Dr Zachary Knight explains how the brain controls appetite, cravings and food choices. He and Andrew Huberman also explore semaglutide, tirzepatide and related medicines, including how they work and their side effects. A useful companion to the tirzepatide research guide.
Play loads the YouTube player. Podcast discussion is context, not medical advice.
Questions about peptides
Find more specific questions and answers in each peptide guide.
What are peptides, exactly?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Some act as signals in the body. A substance being naturally present in the body does not mean a manufactured version is safe to take.
Are all peptides approved medicines in New Zealand?
No. Approval applies to a specific medicine and its intended use. Some peptide medicines are regulated prescription treatments. Many products promoted online have not been assessed by Medsafe for quality, safety or effectiveness.
Does “research purposes only” mean a product is safe?
No. The wording is not a safety certification or a legal exemption. This site is for research and educational purposes only and does not recommend self-treatment.
Can this site tell me how much to take?
There is no universal safe dose. Product identity, formulation, your medical history and other medicines matter. Follow the product-specific directions for a verified, prescribed medicine. We do not provide protocols for unapproved products.