Application of peptide therapy for ligaments and tendons: A narrative review

The management of tendinous and ligamentous injuries is a cornerstone of orthopaedic care. Recent advances have introduced novel, minimally invasive strategies, including the use of bioactive peptides across various populations, with promising results. This review evaluates the current literature to evaluate the therapeutic potential and safety profile of peptide-based therapies for treating tendon and ligament injuries. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Embase database. This search focused on peptide mechanism of action, clinical or biochemical outcomes, specific tissue injury, and relevant review articles. Studies not supported by adequate literature, those that fell below the required evidence level, and studies not performed in the English language were excluded. A total of 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. Peptides investigated included Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157), collagen peptide, Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP), and peptide-based hydrogels. The reviewed peptides demonstrated efficacy in enhancing soft-tissue healing and regeneration, though most findings were derived from preclinical animal models.. The lack of human trials greatly diminishes the ability to evaluate the potential side effects of these peptide therapies. Bioactive peptides represent a promising class of therapeutics for enhancing orthopaedic tissue regeneration and healing. Their use may improve patient satisfaction, lower long-term medical costs, and reduce the need for more invasive interventions. However, most of the current evidence base is predominantly preclinical. Future human clinical trials are needed to validate these findings and to assess their safety profile.