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Peptide History intermediate

History of Peptide Clinical Development

The evolution of peptide drugs through clinical trials from insulin to modern therapeutics.

By Encyclopeptide Editorial | 1 min read
clinical development trials history

Overview

Peptide clinical development has progressed from simple hormone replacements to sophisticated targeted therapies across multiple disease areas.

Milestones

  • 1922: First insulin clinical use
  • 1970s: GnRH agonists in cancer trials
  • 1980s: Cyclosporine transplant trials
  • 1990s: Enfuvirtide HIV trials
  • 2000s: Exenatide diabetes trials
  • 2010s: GLP-1 obesity trials
  • 2020s: Peptide drug conjugate trials

Challenges

Short half-life, injection delivery, and manufacturing complexity have historically limited peptide clinical development.

Advances

PEGylation, lipidation, and novel delivery technologies have overcome many historical limitations.

References

  • Source: ENCP Peptide Database
  • Category: Peptide History

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