Compare Peptides
Select any two compounds for a side-by-side comparison of mechanism, uses, risks, and FDA regulatory status.
Popular comparisons
5-Amino-1MQ
5-amino-1-methylquinolinium, NNMT inhibitor
An anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic compound originally approved for treating aphthous ulcers (canker sores). Gained renewed interest after research showed it inhibits NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) and IKKε/TBK1 kinases, pathways involved in obesity and insulin resistance. Being explored as a metabolic optimization compound alongside 5-Amino-1MQ.
A small molecule inhibitor of NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase), an enzyme that regulates fat cell metabolism and NAD+ availability. While technically a small molecule rather than a peptide, it is commonly grouped with peptide therapies in the metabolic health space due to its mechanism and delivery method.
Inhibits IKKε (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon) and TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1), which are upregulated in obesity and drive chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. Also inhibits NNMT, increasing NAD+ availability and energy expenditure. The combined effect improves insulin sensitivity and promotes fat oxidation.
Inhibits NNMT, which normally converts NAD+ precursors into methylnicotinamide — a metabolic dead end. By blocking NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ increases NAD+ availability in fat cells, activating SIRT1 and promoting fat oxidation. Reduces fat cell size and inhibits new fat cell formation (adipogenesis).
- Metabolic optimization research
- Insulin sensitivity improvement
- Fat loss support (investigational)
- Anti-inflammatory applications
- Aphthous ulcer treatment (original indication)
- Fat loss and body composition
- Metabolic health improvement
- Obesity treatment (investigational)
- NAD+ pathway optimization
- Contact dermatitis at application site
- Nausea and diarrhea (oral use)
- Stinging or burning sensation (topical)
- Limited data for metabolic applications in humans
- Discontinued from US market (Aphthasol) — availability limited
- Very limited human clinical data
- Long-term safety unknown
- Optimal dosing not established
- Potential off-target effects of NNMT inhibition not fully characterized
- Often sourced from gray-market vendors with variable quality
Previously FDA-approved as Aphthasol (topical paste for canker sores) but voluntarily withdrawn from the US market for commercial reasons (not safety). Not currently approved for metabolic indications. Available through compounding pharmacies and research suppliers.
Not FDA-approved and not on any compounding list. Available as a research chemical. Growing interest in the metabolic health community but human clinical trial data is extremely limited. Not a peptide in the strict sense — a small molecule — but commonly discussed alongside peptide therapies.
This comparison is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any peptide therapy.