History of Peptide Science
From the first hormone discovery to today’s sophisticated peptide therapeutics.
Discovery of Secretin
William Bayliss and Ernest Starling discover secretin, the first identified hormone, laying the foundation for endocrinology and peptide signaling research.
Insulin Isolated
Frederick Banting and Charles Best isolate insulin from the pancreas. This leads to the first life-saving peptide therapeutic for diabetes.
First Peptide Hormone Synthesized
Vincent du Vigneaud synthesizes oxytocin, the first peptide hormone to be chemically synthesized (Nobel Prize 1955). Proves peptides can be made in the lab.
Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis
Bruce Merrifield invents solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), revolutionizing the ability to create custom peptides efficiently (Nobel Prize 1984).
Neuropeptides & Endorphins
Discovery of enkephalins and endorphins. Research explodes on peptides as neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the brain and pain pathways.
Recombinant & Therapeutic Expansion
Recombinant DNA technology enables production of larger peptides/proteins. First GLP-1 related discoveries. Peptide drugs like calcitonin and octreotide approved.
Modern Peptide Therapeutics
Peptide-drug conjugates, stapled peptides, and oral delivery advances. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy lineage) development begins, transforming metabolic medicine.
Peptide Renaissance
Explosion of peptide-based drugs, oral formulations, and targeted therapies. Over 60 FDA-approved peptide drugs, with hundreds more in clinical pipelines.
Why the timeline matters
Each milestone built directly on the previous ones: chemical synthesis enabled custom research peptides, which accelerated biological discovery, which in turn drove therapeutic innovation. Today we stand at the intersection of chemistry, biology, and medicine where peptides are more powerful and accessible than ever.
Pioneering Scientists
Identified secretin as the first hormone, establishing the concept of chemical messengers.
Isolated insulin, transforming diabetes from a fatal disease into a manageable condition.
First to synthesize a peptide hormone (oxytocin), proving chemical synthesis of complex biomolecules was possible.
Developed solid-phase peptide synthesis, enabling routine production of custom peptides and earning the Nobel Prize.