Peptides in the clinic today: The leading families and their applications

Therapeutic peptides have experienced significant growth over the past few decades, with several new candidates entering the market each year. A comprehensive overview of peptides currently in clinical trials is essential for understanding prevailing discovery strategies, key therapeutic targets, and areas where peptides have demonstrated the most promise. In this chapter, we systematically summarize and classify 287 peptides undergoing clinical evaluation, spanning a wide range of applications; from antimicrobial agents and cancer therapeutics to peptides used in guided surgeries. While the majority of these peptides are protein mimetics inspired by naturally occurring peptides and proteins, a notable portion also includes rationally designed peptides and those identified through phage display technologies. This analysis highlights the evolving landscape of peptide therapeutics and provides insights into emerging trends and opportunities in the field.