Methodology

Evidence tier criteria

The badge next to each citation reflects our assessment of where that finding sits on the evidence pyramid. The criteria below are applied conservatively; when in doubt, we downgrade.

Validated

• Peer-reviewed Phase II or later randomized controlled trial in humans, or
• Peer-reviewed systematic review or meta-analysis of human trials, or
• Regulatory dossier (FDA / EMA equivalent) supporting an approved indication, or
• Replication across at least two independent investigator groups.

Pending review

• Single-study finding without independent replication.
• Phase I human study or first-in-human report.
• Preprint not yet peer-reviewed.
• Regulatory submission under active review.

Preclinical

• Animal model studies, in-vitro receptor binding, or cell-line work.
• Mechanistic studies without direct clinical translation.

Anecdotal

• Case reports, case series without controls.
• Pharmacovigilance signals not yet causally established.
• Survey or registry observations without comparator.

The 'Verify before publish' flag

Citations marked with the “Verify before publish” chip are entries where the editorial draft is confident in the underlying paper but the precise PMID, DOI, or NCT identifier has not yet been confirmed against the canonical source by a human editor. These flags exist to prevent accidental propagation of mis-cited identifiers. They are removed by a second editor cross-checking each identifier before a draft loses its “Editorial draft” banner.

Pharmacokinetic value rendering

When we list a half-life, bioavailability, or other PK parameter, we cite the source (typically the regulatory label or the registrational PK study). When the literature reports a range or significant inter-individual variation, we attempt to render the mean alongside a brief note on variability rather than a misleadingly precise point estimate.

Regulatory status rendering

The Regulatory Status block on a peptide page reflects the agency-of-record for the jurisdiction selected from the header switcher. Approval status, brand name, and the approved indication are summarized from public agency records. Local commissioning, reimbursement, and prescribing restrictions are not represented in detail. Clinicians should consult the agency's record directly before clinical decisions.

Limits of this methodology

We cannot eliminate every source of error. Regulatory positions change. New trials are reported. Real-world signals revise older safety pictures. Our quarterly review cycle is designed to catch material changes, but readers should treat any individual article as a point-in-time snapshot, with the “Last reviewed” date in the byline marking that point.