Peptides are linear polymers formed by a series of amino acid residues that are linked together by peptide bonds. Whereas proteins typically contain between 50 and 2000 amino acid residues and have a mean molecular weight between 5.5 and 22kDa, peptides are composed of less than 50 residues and accordingly, their weight range is below that of proteins. Short peptides have been demonstrated to play an important role in the modulation of transcription, transmission of biological information, and in restoring genetically conditioned alterations that occur with age. These peptides are signaling molecules that act as regulatory factors through their interactions with DNA and histone proteins. Moreover, the physiological process of aging is highly influenced by the peptidergic regulation of homeostasis and is related to the aging of cells, tissues, and organs.

Peptide therapy aims to renew the strength of the signals received by cells to either induce peptide production or trigger normal signaling processes, thereby rejuvenating and revitalizing tissues, and the organism. Since the signaling activity and function of peptides is largely based on their cell type, peptide therapy can utilize organ-specific extracts to target diseased or aging tissue. Due to the short length of peptides and their low molecular weight, biosynthesis and extraction processes permit these peptides to be mass produced and distributed for use in therapeutic treatments.