Peptides are chains of amino acids. In nature there are 21 natural L- amino acids that, in various combinations and permutations, make up the peptides and proteins of living things. Virtually every life process involves peptides in some way. Their key role is to regulate body functions such as the release of hormones, the regulation of blood sugar levels, bone metabolism and various neurological processes. Chains containing more than approx. 100 amino acids are generally called proteins.Peptides play a key role in the growing segment of biopharmaceuticals. Peptide-based drug targets are being identified at an increasingly rapid pace and a variety of new peptide drugs are being developed as novel therapies for cancer, pain treatment, viral infections, diabetes and a host of endocrine and neurological disorders.