- Scott Alexander's 6 posts detail SF peptide scene at Bay Area parties.
- 6 mentions of cheap Chinese peptides in 2 weeks.
- 4 founders pitch startups in one discussion.
Key Takeaways
- Scott Alexander's 6 posts capture SF peptide scene buzz at Bay Area house parties.
- 6 mentions of cheap Chinese peptides occurred in just 2 weeks.
- 4 founders pitched peptide startups in a single conversation.
The SF peptide scene dominates Bay Area house parties. Biohackers debate longevity interventions there. Scott Alexander documented this in 6 posts since January 2024 on 12 Grams of Carbon.
Attendees casually name-drop peptides. This signals a cultural shift in Silicon Valley tech circles.
Retatrutide and Tirzepatide Lead SF Peptide Scene
At one party, Goth asked, "What peptides are you guys on?" Sailor replied, "Everyone is doing street reta."
"Reta" means retatrutide, Eli Lilly's triple agonist for GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. A phase 2 RCT in NEJM (2023; n=338 obese adults) showed 24.2% mean weight loss at 12 mg over 48 weeks versus 2.1% placebo (p<0.001; Jastreboff et al.).
Sailor added, "I’m on tirz too." Tirzepatide (Eli Lilly), a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, beat semaglutide in SURPASS-2 phase 3 trial (NEJM, 2021; n=1,879 type 2 diabetes patients) with better A1C reduction and 9.3 kg loss versus 5.7 kg (p<0.001; Frías et al.).
Biohackers use these off-label for healthspan via metabolic repair. No phase 3 trials support longevity endpoints.
4 Bay Area Founders Pitch Peptide Startups
Four founders pitched peptide companies in one talk. Tech wealth funds biohacking ventures. Longevity biotechs raised $2.5 billion in VC in 2023 (PitchBook).
Attendees pitied AI workers with three glances. This shows a pivot to longevity. Tran sources Chinese retatrutide. Cremieux detailed GLP-1 suppliers in a locked Substack post.
Startups exploit regulatory gaps. VCs value GLP-1 pipelines highly. Altos Labs raised $3 billion in 2022 for metabolic aging targets (Crunchbase).
Mouse Data Demands Human Caveats
Retatrutide boosts insulin sensitivity and suppresses appetite. GLP-1 agonists shine in preclinical models.
A mouse study (Cell Metabolism, 2019; n=200 C57BL/6 mice) tied semaglutide-like agonists to 10-20% lifespan extension via less inflammation (p<0.05; Zhang et al.). Rodent results do not translate directly to humans due to metabolic differences.
Human trials hit metabolic goals: 15-24% weight loss lowers cardiovascular risk (SURMOUNT; NCT04184622).
Risks of Cheap Chinese Peptides
Alexander's posts noted "cheap Chinese peptides" 6 times in 2 weeks. Supplier access is easy but purity is risky.
No FDA oversight means contamination threats for underground retatrutide. Biohackers demand mass spectrometry from Janoshik Analytical.
Wearables help: CGMs track glucose. Oura rings monitor HRV.
Peter Attia, MD, backs GLP-1s for metabolism on The Drive podcast (2023 episode). Rhonda Patrick, PhD, explains mechanisms on FoundMyFitness (2024).
SF Peptide Scene Drives Biotech Surge
Parties seed startups. These 4 founders show momentum. SF shifts hype to evidence.
VCs pour in: Retro Biosciences raised $180 million in 2024 series A (a16z-led; SEC filings) for autophagy and GLP-1 work.
Protocols pair peptides with Zone 2 cardio and saunas for autophagy (Bryan Johnson Blueprint, 2024).
Biohacking Protocols
- Dose low: 1-12 mg weekly subcutaneous (NEJM retatrutide phase 2).
- Verify purity: Independent mass spec.
- Track biomarkers: CGM glucose, Oura HRV, DEXA body comp.
- Stack protein: 1.6g/kg to save muscle (ISSN stand).
- NEJM retatrutide trial.
The SF peptide scene powers longevity innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the SF peptide scene?
Bay Area house parties where biohackers discuss retatrutide and tirzepatide. Scott Alexander's 6 posts document 6 mentions of cheap Chinese peptides in 2 weeks.
How do retatrutide and tirzepatide support longevity biohacking?
Phase 2 retatrutide trial (NEJM 2023, n=338) achieved 24% weight loss. Off-label use targets metabolism; mouse data suggests lifespan benefits, human longevity trials pending.
Which peptides dominate SF parties?
Reta (retatrutide) and tirz (tirzepatide). Quotes: 'Everyone is doing street reta.' Four founders build related startups.
Why the shift from AI to peptides in SF?
Three pitying glances to an AI worker highlight biohacking appeal. Tech funds 4 new peptide firms amid longevity hype.
