Therapeutic peptides and proteins: Status and developments in drug delivery.
Peptide research keeps moving fast, and for good reason. Peptides and proteins are powerhouses in the body—running everything from cell signaling to gene regulation. But turning these molecules into practical research compounds isn’t a simple plug-and-play. Researchers face real hurdles: peptides break down easily, don’t always get where they’re supposed to go, and can clear out of the system too quickly.
J Control Release
by Hornsby BD, Lee CH, Steele CA et al.
“Therapeutic peptides and proteins: Status and developments in drug delivery. Hornsby BD(1), Lee CH(1), Steele CA(1), Tuekpe JKK(1), Lim CS(2). Author information: (1)Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States. (2)Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, United States. Electronic address: carol.lim@pharm.utah.edu. Peptides and proteins are the most dynamic class of biomolecules, performing a diverse range of physiological functions including biochemical catalysis, ion transport, molecular signaling, and genetic/epigenetic regulation and expression. Considering their indispensable functionality and tremendous diversity, peptide and protein related diseases present both an enormous challenge to human health and a valuable opportunity for therapeutic development. Unfortunately, peptide and protein therapeutics are susceptible to proteolytic degradation and often exhibit poor membrane permeability. Moreover, renal clearance, short circulation time, low plasma stability, and immunogenicity are persistent challenges for delivery. Due to inherent lability in the GI tract and poor absorption and permeability through membranes, the majority of FDA-approved peptide and protein therapeutics are approved for parenteral delivery. However, molecular engineering, drug carriers, and/or co-formulations with effective agents may be used to enhance drug delivery and enable use of more attractive administration routes. This review catalogues and describes established and emerging strategies for chemical and structural modification, formulation, and administration of peptide and protein therapeutics, additionally analyzing how such strategies and technologies have influenced scientifically ground-breaking and commercially successful therapies in the modern market. Copyright © 2026. Published by Elsevier B.V.”
The latest review out of the University of Utah breaks down where things stand and how the field is pushing forward. Parenteral delivery is still the gold standard. Most FDA-approved peptide therapeutics skip the digestive tract entirely, because oral delivery is still a rough road. The gut chews up peptides, and getting them across cell membranes is a pain.
But the solutions are getting smarter. The review highlights several standout approaches:
Chemical and structural tweaks—modifying peptide sequences to block degradation or boost stability
Carriers and co-formulations—encapsulating peptides or pairing them with protective agents to sneak them past the body’s natural defenses
New administration routes—nasal, transdermal, and even oral strategies are in the works, changing how researchers think about delivery
Key takeaway: none of this is science fiction. The field is seeing real wins—scientifically and commercially—thanks to these delivery innovations. Every new method opens the door for more complex and specific peptide research.
Curious about what’s possible with peptides? Dive deeper into the latest strategies and see where the field is headed at the peptide research index. For those sourcing new research compounds, check out the vendor directory and get connected with top suppliers. Peptide delivery tech is moving fast—keep up or get left behind.
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All content published on Pushing Peptides is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Peptides discussed in this article are research compounds and are not approved for human therapeutic use by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. All studies referenced involve animal models or in vitro research unless otherwise stated. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions related to your health. Pushing Peptides does not sell peptides — we are a vendor directory and educational resource.