Peptide T Info Sheet

What Is It, Really?

Peptide T is a chain of 8 amino acids. These acids look like a portion of HIV's outer envelope. It is under investigation as a treatment for HIV-related neurological and constitutional symptoms. It is not approved anywhere in the world. In the United States, it is available only through clinical studies and buyer's clubs. It is an intranasal drug - - in other words, you squirt it up your nose. The PWA Health Group has it manufactured specifically for the underground.

What Does It Do?

In test tube studies, Peptide T can block HIV from infecting new cells. Because of the test tube data, researchers originally thought it may be an antiviral drug. In clinical studies, though, Peptide T did not show a direct antiviral affect. It does not raise T cells nor does it lower p24 antigen. However, the clinical studies showed that Peptide T may have several other uses.

Neurological symptoms

Several small studies have shown that Peptide T may be a treatment for cognitive problems, such as memory loss, and trouble with speaking. How, and if, Peptide T is able to help the nervous system is unclear. Some researchers believe that Peptide T protects cells from the harmful effects of HIV's envelope protein, gp120. gp120 can detach from HIV itself, bind to cells, and kill them. This free floating gp120 is thought to be a major factor in the development HIV-related neurologic disease. Some researchers believe that Peptide T restores part of the body's natural hormonal signalling network which may also be disrupted by free floating gp120. Other researchers are looking at its effects on cytokines including TNFalpha. A large neuro-cognitive trial is underway.

Peripheral Neuropathies

A recent phase II clinical trial reports that Peptide T does not work for severe peripheral neuropathies, as once hoped. Whether it works for less severe cases remains to be seen.

Constitutional symptoms

Peptide T may be able to alleviate symptoms like fevers, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. The studies needed to confirm this are still on-going.

Skin symptoms

Small Swedish studies have suggested that Peptide T may help treat skin rashes, itching and psoriasis which many people with HIV experience. To our knowledge, there has been no research to confirm this.

Side Effects and Toxicity

Peptide T appears to be completely non-toxic. Some people complain of a slight stinging when they squirt it up their nose. No drug interactions have been reported with Peptide T.

Dosing

Most of the clinical studies are examining a 6 mg per day dose of Peptide T. We have no way of knowing whether this is the "right" dose. Other people on the underground have been using 3 mg per day.

Peptide T now comes in a solution of 10 mg/ml. Previous supplies of Peptide T on the underground were in a concentration of 5 mg/ml. Each bottle contains 90 mg of Peptide T in 9 ml of sterile water and benzyl alcohol.

The sprayers are pharmaceutical grade, imported from Germany. Each squirt gives an even 0.1 ml -- equal to 1 mg of Peptide T. If you want to take a 6 mg per day dose, you would shoot one squirt of Peptide T into each nostril three times a day (a total of six squirts a day.) At this dose, each bottle of Peptide T is an even 14 day supply.

How To Use and Store Peptide T

1. Unscrew the blue plastic cap and screw on the sprayer. Once the sprayer is on, the bottle can leak, so keep it upright.

2. Pump the sprayer to remove the excess air in the dip stick.

3. Place the sprayer in your nostril and squirt. Do this in each nostril. Don't tip your head back. The Peptide T will run down the back of your throat.

4. Replace the plastic cap back on the sprayer and put the bottle in a cool place until the next dose. It's not necessary to keep it in the refrigerator; however, it will not hurt it if you do.

5. If you bought more than one bottle, you should keep the ones you aren't using in the refrigerator. Put them in the fridge, but make sure they don't freeze. Keep them cold not frozen!! When Peptide T gets cold, it turns into a clear goop (which looks like hair gel). If this happens, don't worry. The Peptide T is not damaged. Gently warm it in your hand or under slightly warm water (NOT HOT) and shake it. The peptide T will turn back to liquid soon.

6. Remove and clean your sprayer when you finish the bottle. Clean it by squirting warm water and bleach through it a few times. Be sure to rinse it well before you use it again to ensure there is no bleach left in it.

Quality Control

Every batch of Peptide T is made under sterile conditions in a high tech laboratory. Each batch is tested to ensure that the concentration is correct. Copies of the quality control reports for every batch are available for your inspection.

Open Peptide T Trials

As you know, Peptide T is available on the underground. However, it is expensive to purchase it through us. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you consult your doctor about entering one of the on-going clinical trials. In a clinical study, you will get the drug for free. However, as of January, 1994, there are no clinical trials open in America. This might change in the next few months, so keep in touch.