CBL-514 is an investigational small-molecule compound developed by Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (New Taipei, Taiwan) and studied as an injectable lipolysis agent that induces apoptosis, or programmed ce...
Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥98%
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
Not publicly disclosed
Sequence
Small molecule (not a peptide) — structure not publicly disclosed
About CBL-514
CBL-514 is an investigational small-molecule compound developed by Caliway Biopharmaceuticals (New Taipei, Taiwan) and studied as an injectable lipolysis agent that induces apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in fat cells (adipocytes).[1] It is widely searched as the "CBL-514 peptide", but it is not a peptide: every clinical publication describes it as a small molecule.[2][3] Pepitiva supplies CBL-514 as a lyophilized powder (10 mg vials, ≥98% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
Why researchers study CBL-514
Most injectable fat-reduction agents work by dissolving cell membranes. Deoxycholic acid (ATX-101), the only injectable approved in the United States for fat reduction, is adipocytolytic and is approved for the area under the chin only.[1][7] CBL-514 is built around a different idea: switch on the adipocyte's own apoptotic program instead of rupturing the cell. The clinical teams reported no necrosis or nerve injury, and the most common adverse events were mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions.[2][3] That contrast between apoptotic and lytic cell death is what makes the compound a useful reference in adipose tissue biology.
Development status
CBL-514 is not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Since the first Phase 1 study in 2018, sixteen studies have been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, covering abdominal subcutaneous fat, cellulite (edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy) and Dercum's disease lipomas. The first Phase 3 trials were registered in 2026, and all sixteen studies are sponsored by the developer.[8][9]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥98% purity. Lyophilized Powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
The clinical papers describe CBL-514 as an inducer of adipocyte apoptosis.[1][3] The developer's nonclinical work, summarized in the 2022 Phase IIa paper, reports that CBL-514:
inhibits DYRK1B, a kinase linked to cell survival;
upregulates the apoptosis mediators caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio;
induces dose-dependent adipocyte apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and lipolysis in vitro.[1]
The authors cite these nonclinical results as unpublished internal company reports. The molecular target and the basis of the compound's adipocyte selectivity have therefore not yet been independently confirmed in peer-reviewed literature, and the chemical structure has not been publicly disclosed.
Apoptosis versus lysis
The distinction matters experimentally. Lytic agents such as deoxycholic acid disrupt membranes and can affect nearby non-fat tissue. Apoptosis is a regulated, caspase-dependent process with measurable markers: caspase-3 activation, annexin V/propidium iodide double labeling and a rising Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The Phase IIa authors list exactly these as the biomarkers used in their nonclinical studies, and report that histology showed no necrosis in the organs and tissues around the injection site.[1]
Research Applications
Clinical research to date
Phase IIa, abdominal fat (2022): open-label study with random allocation to three dose levels. At the highest unit dose, ultrasound showed abdominal subcutaneous fat volume about 25% below baseline.[1]
Phase II, placebo-controlled (2025): 76 participants randomized 2:1. Eight weeks after the final treatment, 69.6% of the CBL-514 group had lost at least 150 mL of subcutaneous fat, against none in the placebo group.[2]
Phase 2b with MRI (2026): 108 adults randomized 1:1. 76.7% improved by at least one grade on a clinician-rated abdominal fat scale, against 18.9% on placebo, with a mean MRI-measured fat volume reduction of about 153 mL (−20.3%).[3]
Phase 2a, Dercum's disease lipomas (2025): 12 participants. Median lipoma volume fell by 46% to 59% at the 4-week follow-up.[4]
Two independent reviews published in 2026 discuss CBL-514 as an emerging agent: one among injectable lipolytics for body areas other than the chin, the other among new therapies for Dercum's disease.[5][6]
Laboratory research applications
Adipocyte apoptosis assays: caspase-3 activation, annexin V/PI staining and Bax/Bcl-2 expression in differentiated adipocyte cultures.
Apoptotic versus lytic fat reduction: side-by-side comparisons with membrane-disrupting agents such as deoxycholic acid.
DYRK1B signaling: the role of this kinase in adipocyte survival.
Lipoma and adipose depot models.
Multi-pathway adipose research: CBL-514 acts locally on the adipocyte. Studies of other pathways use compounds such as AOD-9604 and HGH Fragment 176-191 (C-terminal fragments of human growth hormone studied for effects on lipolysis), 5-Amino-1MQ (a small-molecule NNMT inhibitor), and, for systemic incretin-based metabolic models, Tirzepatide (GLP-2T) and Retatrutide (GLP-3R).
The clinical findings above come from human studies of a formulated investigational drug and are summarized as scientific background only. This product is sold for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBL-514 a peptide?
No. CBL-514 is a small molecule. It is often called the "CBL-514 peptide" because peptide suppliers sell it, but the clinical publications describe it as a small-molecule injectable drug.
Who developed CBL-514?
Caliway Biopharmaceuticals, based in New Taipei, Taiwan. The company sponsors all sixteen CBL-514 studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Is CBL-514 approved by the FDA?
No. CBL-514 is an investigational compound and is not approved by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Its first Phase 3 trials were registered in 2026.
How is CBL-514 different from deoxycholic acid?
Deoxycholic acid destroys fat cells by disrupting their membranes (lysis) and is approved in the US only for fat under the chin. CBL-514 is reported to trigger apoptosis, a regulated form of cell death, and its clinical trials have focused on larger areas such as the abdomen.
What has clinical research reported so far?
Phase 2 trials reported significant reductions in abdominal subcutaneous fat measured by ultrasound and MRI, and a Phase 2a study reported smaller lipomas in Dercum's disease. The most common adverse events were mild-to-moderate injection-site reactions. See the references below.
Why are the molecular formula and weight not listed?
The developer has not publicly disclosed the chemical structure of CBL-514, and it has no PubChem record. We do not publish values we cannot source. Purity for each batch is documented in its Certificate of Analysis.
How should CBL-514 be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Goodman GJ, Ho WWS, Chang KJ, Ling YF, Sheu AY. Efficacy of a Novel Injection Lipolysis to Induce Targeted Adipocyte Apoptosis: A Randomized, Phase IIa Study of CBL-514 Injection on Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Reduction. Aesthet Surg J. 2022;42(11):NP662-NP674. PubMed
Gold M, Schlessinger J, Goodman GJ, et al. Efficacy and Safety of CBL-514 Injection in Reducing Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Study. Aesthet Surg J. 2025;45(6):611-620. PubMed
Lorenc ZP, Gold M, Schlessinger J, et al. Randomized Phase 2b Trial of CBL-514 Injection for Abdominal Subcutaneous Fat Reduction With Clinician- and Patient-reported Outcomes and MRI Assessment. Aesthet Surg J. 2026 (online ahead of print). PubMed
Herbst KL, Ling YF, Sheu AY, Schlessinger DI, Wu SY. Efficacy and safety of CBL-514 for Dercum disease lipomas: A randomized phase 2a study. JAAD Int. 2025;25:1-4. PubMed
Carrion K, Salingaros S, Bernal C, et al. A Systematic Review of Injectable Lipolytic Agents for Nonsubmental Fat Reduction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2026. PubMed
Idris YA, Janis JE. Dercum's Disease: A Practical Review of Existing and Novel Therapies. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2026. PubMed
Rzany B, Griffiths T, Walker P, et al. Reduction of unwanted submental fat with ATX-101 (deoxycholic acid), an adipocytolytic injectable treatment: results from a phase III, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Br J Dermatol. 2014;170(2):445-453. PubMed
ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered studies of CBL-514 (16 studies, Phase 1 to Phase 3; lead sponsor Caliway Biopharmaceuticals). Accessed October 8, 2026. ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT07140939: A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of CBL-514 Injection for Reducing Subcutaneous Fat (Phase 3, recruiting). ClinicalTrials.gov
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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