Peptide · Approved

Insulin

The original peptide drug (1922): a two-chain hormone that lowers blood sugar. Prescription-only.

Key facts

  • Also known as: Humulin, Lantus…
  • Status: Approved
  • Used for: Diabetes — blood-sugar control
  • Natural counterpart: It IS the natural hormone — secreted by pancreatic β-cells.
  • Target enzyme / receptor: Insulin receptor (INSR) — a receptor tyrosine kinase (enzyme)
  • Signalling pathway: Receptor autophosphorylation → IRS-1 → PI3K → Akt → GLUT4 glucose uptake
    In plain terms: Insulin flips a switch telling cells (esp. muscle and fat) to pull glucose out of the blood.
  • Crystal / cryo-EM structure: Available  PDB 6CE9 ↗
  • Sequence: A: GIVEQCCTSICSLYQLENYCN · B: FVNQHLCGSHLVEALYLVCGERGFFYTPKT

Status & safety

This is an approved medicine — prescription-only in most countries. Only use it under a licensed clinician, obtained through a pharmacy.

Research & clinical studies

Explore the biochemistry and clinical evidence for Insulin — these open live, date-sorted searches, so they always show the latest.

Read research papers on PubMed ↗

Clinical studies (ClinicalTrials.gov) ↗ Google Scholar ↗ Related guide → All peptides & profiles →

Not medical advice. Chemdu is an educational resource and does not sell, prescribe or supply any peptide. Consult a licensed professional about any medicine or supplement.