At a glance
- Class
- Oxytocin receptor agonist
- Receptor targets
- OXTR (also the vasopressin V1a receptor)
- Length
- 9 amino acids (cyclic, one disulfide bond)
- Molecular mass
- ≈ 1.01 kDa
- Origin
- Human hormone, produced synthetically
- Research area
- Reproductive & neuroendocrine
- Also known as
- –
What Oxytocin is
Oxytocin was the first peptide hormone to be chemically synthesised, in 1953 by Vincent du Vigneaud, who received the 1955 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the work.
It differs from the related hormone vasopressin at only two of its nine positions, which is why each hormone shows some activity at the other's receptors in lab assays.
What the research literature studies
- OXTR and vasopressin-receptor signalling and selectivity in cell assays
- Disulfide-bond chemistry and peptide stability
- Hypothalamic and pituitary hormone release in animal models
Evidence rating: 5/5
Approved drug, phase 3 trials. Approved medicine with decades of clinical use and randomised trials in its obstetric indications. See our methodology for how levels are assigned.
- Approval is for obstetric use and says nothing about other uses.
- Behavioural findings from oxytocin studies have had mixed replication.
Regulatory status
Oxytocin is authorised as a prescription medicine in the UK, EU and US for obstetric uses. Research-grade material is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Reviewed November 2026.
Oxytocin at Nordapep: sizes and price per mg
Every size, its price and the cost per milligram, so you can choose the best-value vial for your protocol.
Not currently listed at Nordapep.
Compare Oxytocin
Oxytocin FAQ
Is oxytocin a peptide or a protein?
A peptide. It has nine amino acids and one disulfide bridge.
How does oxytocin differ from vasopressin?
They differ at two of nine positions and bind each other's receptors to some degree.
Where can I buy Oxytocin for research?
Nordapep does not currently list Oxytocin. You can ask Nordapep about availability, or compare related compounds that are in stock.
Is Oxytocin approved?
Oxytocin is authorised as a prescription medicine in the UK, EU and US for obstetric uses. Research-grade material is not that medicine and must not be used in people or animals.
Key terms for Oxytocin
Further reading
Cite this page
peptide.wiki. (2026). Oxytocin: research peptide profile. peptide.wiki. https://www.peptide.wiki/peptides/oxytocin