Rho Knowledge Series

Peptides 101

A plain-English guide to the peptides used in modern longevity medicine — what they are, how they work, and why your doctor might recommend them. Written by Rho physicians.

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BPC-157 Ipamorelin / CJC-1295 GHK-Cu TB-500 NAD+

The Basics

What exactly is a peptide?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins. Your body produces thousands of them naturally, each acting as a precise biological signal: instructing cells to repair tissue, release hormones, regulate inflammation, or produce collagen.

As we age, the production of many key peptides declines. This isn't abstract science — it shows up as slower recovery, poorer sleep, reduced skin quality, and lower energy. Therapeutic peptides are synthetic versions of these natural compounds, used to restore signalling that has diminished over time.

Unlike broad-spectrum drugs, peptides are highly targeted. They work with your body's existing systems rather than overriding them — which is why they produce meaningful results with a comparatively low side-effect burden when prescribed and monitored correctly.

2–50aa
Typical amino acid chain length in therapeutic peptides
~50%
Decline in NAD+ levels between age 20 and 50
7,000+
Known naturally occurring peptides in the human body
↓30%
Growth hormone secretion decline per decade after age 30
Prescription only
All peptides used at Rho are prescribed by a registered doctor, individually dosed, and medically monitored throughout your programme.

The Rho Peptide Formulary

Five peptides. Five distinct roles.

Each peptide targets a specific biological pathway. Click any one to read the full clinical picture — mechanism, benefits, and who it's most suited to.

How it works
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein naturally found in gastric juice. It promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), accelerates tissue remodelling, and modulates nitric oxide production — driving faster healing in gut lining, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
Best suited for
Patients with gut permeability issues, IBS, or gastric ulcers. Patients recovering from tendon, ligament, or muscle injuries. Those with chronic inflammation or post-surgical healing concerns. Often used as an adjunct to GLP-1 therapy to support gut adaptation.
Key benefits
Gut lining repair Tendon & ligament healing Reduced systemic inflammation Accelerated wound healing Neuroprotective effects
Administered subcutaneously or orally depending on the target condition. Dosing is individualised. Not available over the counter — prescription required.
How it works
Ipamorelin and CJC-1295 are typically combined because they act on two complementary pathways. Ipamorelin is a GHRP (growth hormone releasing peptide) that selectively stimulates the pituitary to pulse growth hormone. CJC-1295 is a GHRH analogue that extends the duration of that release. Together they produce a sustained, physiological GH pulse — mimicking the natural GH rhythms that decline with age.
Best suited for
Patients over 35 experiencing declining energy, reduced muscle mass, or disrupted sleep. Particularly valuable for patients on GLP-1 therapy to help preserve lean muscle during weight loss. Also used in anti-ageing and performance optimisation protocols.
Key benefits
Improved deep sleep quality Lean muscle preservation Accelerated fat metabolism Faster recovery from exercise Anti-ageing skin and tissue effects
Administered subcutaneously at bedtime to align with the body's natural nocturnal GH pulse. Does not suppress natural GH production — unlike synthetic HGH injections.
How it works
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Levels decline significantly with age. It activates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue remodelling, stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, promotes antioxidant activity, and reduces inflammation — making it one of the most broadly active peptides in anti-ageing medicine.
Best suited for
Patients focused on skin quality, collagen loss, hair thinning, or wound healing. Works well as part of a combined longevity protocol. Of particular interest to patients combining weight loss with aesthetic medicine — helping the skin adapt during significant body composition changes.
Key benefits
Collagen & elastin production Skin tightening & rejuvenation Hair follicle stimulation Wound and scar healing Anti-inflammatory & antioxidant
Can be administered topically (in a serum or cream) or systemically as a subcutaneous injection. Method of delivery depends on treatment goals and is determined at consultation.
How it works
TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4, a protein present in virtually every cell in the human body. It works primarily by upregulating actin — the structural protein that governs cell movement, muscle contraction, and tissue repair. It promotes cell migration to injury sites, reduces inflammation, and facilitates new blood vessel formation in damaged tissue.
Best suited for
Active patients, athletes, and individuals dealing with chronic tendon, joint, or muscle injuries that haven't responded adequately to conventional treatment. Also used in cardiac health protocols and in patients whose exercise capacity has been limited by recurring injury.
Key benefits
Accelerated injury recovery Reduced chronic inflammation Improved joint flexibility Enhanced muscle recovery Cardioprotective properties
Administered subcutaneously. Frequently combined with BPC-157 for synergistic injury recovery effects. Protocol duration varies by condition severity.
How it works
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in every living cell, essential for energy production in the mitochondria. It also activates sirtuins — a family of proteins linked to longevity and DNA repair. NAD+ levels decline by approximately 50% between age 20 and 50. Restoring them through direct supplementation bypasses the body's limited ability to synthesise NAD+ from dietary precursors alone.
Best suited for
Patients experiencing fatigue, brain fog, or metabolic slowdown. Those pursuing comprehensive longevity protocols. Patients recovering from illness or prolonged stress. Particularly impactful when combined with GLP-1 therapy and lifestyle optimisation as part of Rho's Elevate programme.
Key benefits
Restored cellular energy Sharper mental clarity DNA repair activation Improved metabolic function Sirtuin pathway activation
Administered intravenously (IV) for maximum absorption, or subcutaneously. Oral NAD+ precursors (NMN, NR) can also be incorporated into a protocol. Frequency and dose are determined at consultation based on your metabolic baseline.
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A deeper dive into how we use peptides in practice — including combination protocols, typical timelines, and what to expect in your first three months. Written by our physicians.

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Important note

Peptides require medical supervision

The information on this page is educational in nature and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Peptide therapy is not a one-size-fits-all intervention — dosing, delivery method, and combination protocols must be tailored to your individual health profile, bloodwork, and goals.

All peptides used at Rho are prescribed by a registered doctor following a full clinical assessment. They are not available over the counter in South Africa and should never be self-administered without medical oversight. If you're interested in exploring peptide therapy, book a consultation and we'll build a protocol around you specifically.

Ready to start?

Curious if peptide therapy is right for you?

Book a consultation with Dr Adè or Dr Pauli. We'll review your health profile, discuss your goals, and tell you honestly whether peptides belong in your protocol — and if so, which ones.

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