Peptide field guide
LEAP2
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is an endogenous peptide that antagonizes ghrelin receptor signaling and has been studied in humans for acute effects on appetite and post-meal glucose.
What it is
Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP2) is a naturally occurring human peptide that has been described as a ghrelin receptor antagonist and inverse agonist.
Ghrelin is often framed as a “hunger hormone.” LEAP2 is a counter-signal that can dampen ghrelin receptor activity.
Why people care about it
LEAP2 has drawn interest as a way to modulate appetite biology by turning down a strong upstream hunger signal, rather than only adding satiety signals.
What we know vs what we don’t know
What we know:
- In a small randomized crossover study in men with obesity, an intravenous LEAP2 infusion was reported to reduce ad libitum food intake and lower post-meal glucose excursions.
What we don’t know:
- Whether LEAP2-based approaches can be delivered in a practical, patient-friendly way long term.
- Long-term outcomes and safety in humans.
Latest updates
- 2026-03-30: LEAP2 infusion reduced ad libitum food intake and attenuated postprandial glucose excursions in men with obesity. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41911360/
Safety reality
LEAP2 is not an approved drug. Treat any non-regulated products claiming to be LEAP2 as high risk due to identity and purity uncertainties.