Angiotensin II Fragment
(1-7)

The Discovery

The Mystery of the Missing Peptide

In 1988, Dr.

In 1988, Dr. Robson Santos made a surprising discovery. He was studying brain tissue when he found Angiotensin (1-7). This seven amino acid peptide shouldn't have been there based on what scientists knew. The renin-angiotensin system was supposed to be simple: one main product called Angiotensin II. But nature had a secret. Ang(1-7) appeared in his samples like an unexpected guest. Other scientists started finding it in heart, lungs, and blood vessels too. Something important was hiding in plain sight.

The Breakthrough

Finding the Missing Piece

For years, scientists couldn't figure out what Ang(1-7) did.

For years, scientists couldn't figure out what Ang(1-7) did. They knew it existed but not why. Then in 2003, Dr. Michael Bader's team made a breakthrough. They found the Mas receptor—the lock that Ang(1-7) fits into perfectly. Suddenly everything changed. When Ang(1-7) attached to Mas, it turned on protective systems in the heart. It relaxed blood vessels. It reduced inflammation. It stopped harmful scarring. The piece they'd been missing wasn't trash. It was a lifeguard protecting your heart.

The Trials

The Good Guy and The Bad Guy

Think of the renin-angiotensin system as a superhero team with a traitor.

Think of the renin-angiotensin system as a superhero team with a traitor. Angiotensin II is the villain. It squeezes blood vessels tight, raises pressure, causes inflammation, and scars the heart. For decades, doctors only knew to block Angiotensin II. But Ang(1-7) revealed a better strategy. Instead of just stopping the bad guy, you could power up the good guy. Ang(1-7) does everything Angiotensin II does in reverse. The two peptides fight for control of your blood vessels. Science was finally understanding the battle.

The Crisis

The COVID Connection

In 2020, the world learned about ACE2.

In 2020, the world learned about ACE2. The coronavirus uses this enzyme as its doorway into human cells. But ACE2 is also the factory that makes Ang(1-7). Suddenly, Ang(1-7) research exploded. Scientists asked: What if we boost Ang(1-7) to help COVID patients? What if this peptide could help lungs heal? The same enzyme that let the virus in also makes the peptide that fights inflammation. It was like discovering the villain and hero were connected. This connection turned Ang(1-7) from a curious chemical into a frontline treatment strategy.

The Legacy

The Future of Balance

Today, scientists are testing Ang(1-7) for heart failure, kidney disease, and COVID complications.

Today, scientists are testing Ang(1-7) for heart failure, kidney disease, and COVID complications. Early results look promising. The goal isn't to replace other treatments but to add a new tool to the medical toolbox. Instead of fighting only the bad guy, doctors now understand they should also support the good guy. Ang(1-7) represents a shift in thinking. Your body has balance built in. Sometimes healing means helping your own protection systems work better. The seven amino acids that seemed like a mystery are becoming a key to treating the hardest diseases.