Peptides have garnered scientific interest for their potential role in treating or supporting fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components such as collagen, leading to tissue scarring and organ dysfunction. Several bioactive peptides—both synthetic and derived from natural sources—have been investigated in preclinical (animal and in vitro) models of fibrosis affecting organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and kidneys. Examples include peptides that inhibit transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, such as decorin-derived peptides or those based on relaxin, which can attenuate fibrotic processes. Other peptides, like thymosin β4 and certain collagen-derived fragments, have shown anti-fibrotic activity by modulating inflammation, reducing fibroblast activation, or promoting matrix degradation.

While these findings demonstrate mechanistic plausibility and therapeutic potential, the majority of evidence to date is preclinical. Robust clinical trials in humans are limited, and few peptide-based drugs are currently approved specifically for the treatment of fibrosis. Some ongoing research is exploring peptide-based therapeutics in clinical settings, but results are preliminary. Therefore, while there is scientific rationale and preclinical support for the use of certain peptides in managing fibrosis, the overall evidence base is emerging rather than established.