Amino acids are organic compounds that contain both amino and carboxylic acid functional groups. While more than 500 amino acids occur in nature, the 22 α-amino acids used to build proteins are the most biologically significant. Amino acids and proteins serve as the fundamental building blocks of life.
A peptide is a short chain of amino acids connected by peptide bonds (also known as amide bonds). When the chain consists of 51 or more amino acids, it is referred to as a polypeptide.
Peptide APIs are biologically active compounds or pharmaceuticals with peptide structures. They play a crucial role in various therapeutic areas, including the treatment of metabolic disorders, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular conditions. Their popularity is growing rapidly due to their established pharmacological effectiveness and strong safety profiles.