A Clinical Guide to Peptide Therapy in Philadelphia

In the evolving landscape of functional and regenerative medicine, peptide therapy has surfaced as a sophisticated tool for addressing systemic imbalances at a molecular level. Recently, “peptides” has become a buzzword in the medical and wellness fields, climbing out of the niche circles of biohackers and into the mainstream spotlight on social media. 

However, at Meeting Point Health in Philadelphia, we know that behind the trending hashtags lies an intricate science and thus requires medical oversight and high-quality sourcing to be truly effective. In this article, we want to help expand your knowledge by highlighting: 

  • What are peptides?
  • Peptide therapies that are commonly prescribed
  • How peptides are administered
  • Considerations for your safety  

What is Peptide Therapy and How Does it Work?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids connected by peptide bonds, and they function as vital signaling molecules. Much like hormones, peptides bind to specific receptors on cell membranes to trigger specific biological responses. A familiar example of this mechanism is insulin, a naturally occurring peptide produced by the pancreas. When insulin binds to cell membranes, it triggers the process of glucose absorption. Currently, over 7,000 peptides have been identified in the human body, with hundreds playing a unique, primary role in the regulation of nearly every physiological process.

Therapeutic Spotlight: BPC-157, GHK-Cu & ARA-290

At Meeting Point Health, we utilize specific peptides known for their high safety profiles and regenerative potency.

BPC-157: The Multi-System Repair Signal

BPC stands for “body protection compound.” The “157” refers to its specific sequence of amino acids. Originally discovered in human gastric juice, this peptide acts as a foundational signaling molecule for mucosal protection and internal balance (homeostasis). 

It can be an essential tool for patients dealing with leaky gut, IBS, or other systemic inflammation, as it helps re-establish the tight junctions of the intestinal wall.

Beyond the gut, a growing body of preclinical evidence suggests it plays a critical role in orchestrating the repair of the musculoskeletal system, specifically by accelerating the healing of bone fractures, ruptured tendons, torn ligaments, and damaged muscle fibers. 

It also supports collagen and reticulin formation and is anti-inflammatory. At Meeting Point Health, your provider will help choose the most appropriate administrative route that works for you. 

GHK-Cu: The Regenerative Signal

GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma, but it declines as we age. It is a powerful modulator of gene expression and widely studied for anti-aging, tissue repair, and protection against oxidative stress and inflammation. 

It works by down-regulating inflammatory cytokines and up-regulating the body’s natural antioxidant enzymes. It’s less about “adding” something to the body and more about reminding the cells how to function at their peak capacity.

Depending on targeted treatment goals, GHK-Cu may be utilized topically, intranasally, or through subcutaneous and IV delivery.

ARA-290: A New Frontier in Neuropathic Pain Relief

ARA-290 is an 11-amino acid peptide engineered from the structure of erythropoietin (EPO). However, unlike traditional EPO, it does not increase red blood cell counts. Instead, it is designed solely to activate the innate repair receptor (IRR), the body’s primary switch for tissue protection and anti-inflammation.According to research published in Molecular Pain, ARA-290 is “disease-modifying.” It works by quieting microglia, the immune cells in the nervous system that drive chronic pain when overactive. It is a powerhouse for long-term nerve pain relief, nerve regrowth, and improving metabolic markers like HbA1c and cholesterol. It may be administered IV or by subcutaneous injection.

Do Delivery Methods Matter and What is Most Effective?

Most evidence suggests that injectable and Intravenous (IV) forms of peptides are significantly more effective than oral options. At Meeting Point Health, we often favor IV peptide therapy for its 100% bioavailability. By bypassing the digestive tract, IV administration ensures the therapeutic dose reaches target receptors without degradation.

Potential Therapeutic Indications for Systemic Delivery:

  • Immune Modulation: Stabilizing and supporting balanced immune responses
  • Metabolic Enhancement: Assisting in energy balance and lean mass preservation.
  • Cognitive & Neuroprotection: Promoting memory, focus, and overall brain health.
  • Gastrointestinal Health: Enhancing mucosal integrity and digestive function.

We want you to truly feel the benefits from your treatment and get your money’s worth, so our providers work hard to help deliver peptides to their target at full potency.

Is Peptide Therapy Safe? What You Need to Know Before Starting

The short answer is yes, when managed by medical professionals. In recent years, we’ve seen incredible progress in using peptides to treat a variety of health conditions. This is largely because peptides are highly selective, meaning they target specific cells with precision, which results in a very low risk of side effects compared to traditional medications. Some side effects are reported to be from impurities in the production of peptides, which is why we bypass the unregulated online market and source exclusively from the nation’s most prestigious, licensed compounding pharmacies. 

However, it is important to note that many peptides remain classified as investigational. While their clinical use is supported by an expanding body of research in functional and regenerative medicine, they are not FDA-approved for all indications. At Meeting Point Health, we prioritize transparency, ensuring that all potential benefits and risks are thoroughly discussed with every patient before beginning a protocol. This includes an in-depth screening process with us as well. 

Why Choose Meeting Point Health for Peptide Therapy?

In a world of trending wellness fads and unregulated online shops, Meeting Point Health stands apart by treating peptide therapy as a precise medical science, not a quick fix. Here is why patients in Philadelphia and beyond trust us with their regenerative journey:

  • Clinical Expertise & Fellowships: Dr. Stephen Matta and Mary Anne Matta are not just practitioners; they are fellows and faculty members of the Seeds Scientific Research & Performance (SSRP) Institute, the global leader in cellular medicine and peptide research.
  • Pharmaceutical-Grade Purity: We eliminate the risks of the “black market.” We source exclusively from licensed, US-based compounding pharmacies that follow strict standards for sterility and third-party potency testing.
  • A Whole-Person Diagnostic Approach: Before we prescribe a single peptide, we look at the big picture. Through advanced functional testing and in-depth consultations (which often last over an hour), we identify the root cause of your symptoms, whether it is hormonal, metabolic, or musculoskeletal.
  • Maximum Bioavailability: While many clinics offer oral supplements that lose potency in the gut, we specialize in IV and subcutaneous delivery to ensure 100% of the peptide reaches your cellular receptors.
  • Medically Supervised Safety: We don’t just send you home with a kit. We provide continuous monitoring, nurse-led instruction on administration, and regular lab follow-ups to ensure your protocol is evolving with your body’s needs.
FAQs:

  1. What is the difference between oral peptide supplements and peptide injections? The majority of peptide therapies are delivered through an IV or by subcutaneous injections, rather than by oral supplements. This is largely because peptides are too big to be properly absorbed through the intestine walls after oral ingestion.
  2. How frequently does peptide therapy get administered? The frequency of peptide therapy is dependent on the severity of the condition or symptoms being treated, the form of treatment, and how the patient tolerates the therapy. Peptide therapy is most commonly administered on a daily or weekly basis for 3 months or more. This will be determined by your licensed healthcare provider at Meeting Point Health.
  3. How effective is peptide therapy? Peptide therapies vary in effectiveness based on the individual treatment being used and what ailment it is aiming to treat. Overall, peptide therapy has proven to be a very safe and effective form of treatment.
  4. What are the side effects of peptide therapy? Peptide therapy is considered to be a very safe form of treatment, with minimal side effects. The most common side effect is developing flu-like symptoms after receiving the injection. This is said to occur in a small percentage of peptide therapy patients and tends to be mild, as well as transient. A serious adverse effect of peptide therapy is an allergic reaction, although this is a fairly rare occurrence. Speak with a medical expert to determine whether you should receive peptide therapy.
  5. How quickly will I see results with peptide therapy? The effects may vary with each individual, depending on the specific peptide therapy being administered, the health issue being addressed, and its severity. Some may experience the benefits of their treatment very shortly and some may take weeks or months of treatment to experience the full effects of the treatment and an overall improved quality of life.
  6. How do I get started with peptides at Meeting Point Health? Getting started at Meeting Point Health is simple. Schedule an initial discovery call online or call our office to connect with a New Patient Onboarding Specialist.

References

  • Achilleos, K., Petrou, C., Nicolaidou, V., & Sarigiannis, Y. (2025). Beyond Efficacy: Ensuring Safety in Peptide Therapeutics through Immunogenicity Assessment. Journal of peptide science : an official publication of the European Peptide Society, 31(6), e70016. https://doi.org/10.1002/psc.70016
  • Muttenthaler, M., et al. (2021). Trends in peptide drug discovery. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery. 
  • Fosgerau, K., & Hoffmann, T. (2015). Peptide therapeutics: Current status and future directions. Drug Discovery Today, 20(1), 122–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2014.10.003
  • Vasireddi, N., Hahamyan, H., Salata, M., Karns, M., Calcei, J., Voos, J., & Apostolakos, J. (2025). Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review. HSS Journal®, 21, 485 – 495. https://doi.org/10.1177/15563316251355551.
  • Wang, L., Wang, N., Zhang, W., Cheng, X., Yan, Z., Shao, G., Wang, X., Wang, R., & Fu, C. (2022). Therapeutic peptides: current applications and future directions. Signal transduction and targeted therapy, 7(1), 48. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-022-00904-4

Written by Amanda Bates, RN and medically reviewed by Dr. Stephen Matta.