Quick summary
Angiotensin 1-7 is an endogenous heptapeptide produced by ACE2 that activates the Mas receptor, countering the harmful effects of the classical renin-angiotensin system. It gained research attention during COVID-19 for its lung-protective role.
Overview
Angiotensin 1-7 is an endogenous heptapeptide produced from angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). It functions as the primary agonist of the Mas receptor, a G-protein-coupled receptor whose activation counterbalances the vasoconstricting, pro-inflammatory, and pro-fibrotic actions of the classical renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Ang-(1-7) is central to the counter-regulatory RAS axis and gained significant research attention during COVID-19 due to its protective role in the lungs.
Mechanism of action
Angiotensin 1-7 binds the Mas receptor to activate downstream signaling that opposes angiotensin II effects. Mas receptor activation promotes vasodilation through nitric oxide release, reduces inflammation by suppressing NF-κB-mediated cytokine production, and limits fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β signaling. In pulmonary physiology, the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas axis protects alveolar epithelium from acute lung injury. SARS-CoV-2 infection downregulates ACE2 expression, impairing Ang-(1-7) production and disrupting this protective axis — a mechanism implicated in severe COVID-19 lung pathology.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| research (preclinical dosing reference) | subcutaneous | 100–500 mcg/kg | once daily (animal studies) | Dosing in humans not established outside clinical trials. Human ICU trials used IV infusion protocols. |
| investigational oral formulations (research) | oral | 500–2000 mcg | once daily | Oral bioavailability is poor without cyclodextrin or lipid encapsulation. These doses are from experimental protocols only. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Preclinical research demonstrates organ-protective effects in rodent models of hypertension, heart failure, and acute lung injury. During COVID-19, multiple Phase 1-2 trials investigated Ang-(1-7) infusion in ICU patients; a 2024 trial published in Annals of Intensive Care showed safety and preliminary efficacy signals. Several synthetic Mas receptor agonist analogs (AVE 0991, cyclic Ang-(1-7)) have shown protective effects preclinically but remain unapproved. Research is active as of 2026.[1][2][3][4][5]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Angiotensin 1-7 for synergistic effects.
Legal status
No approved clinical indication. Used in research and investigational trials. Not available as a consumer supplement. Not on the FDA reclassification list for compounding pharmacy use.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
Angiotensin 1-7 is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
Angiotensin 1-7 is an endogenous heptapeptide produced from angiotensin II by the enzyme ACE2. It acts as the primary agonist of the Mas receptor, a G-protein coupled receptor that drives the counter-regulatory arm of the renin-angiotensin system, counterbalancing the vasoconstricting, pro-inflammatory, and pro-fibrotic actions of classical RAS signaling through angiotensin II and the AT1 receptor.
Angiotensin 1-7 binds the Mas receptor to activate downstream signaling that opposes angiotensin II. Mas activation promotes vasodilation through nitric oxide release, reduces inflammation by suppressing NF-kB-mediated cytokine production, and limits tissue fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-beta signaling. In the lungs it also protects alveolar epithelium from acute injury, which underpinned interest during COVID-19 research.
SARS-CoV-2 binds and downregulates ACE2, impairing Ang-(1-7) production and disrupting the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas protective axis that normally guards the alveolar epithelium. This mechanism is implicated in severe COVID-19 lung pathology. Multiple Phase 1 and 2 trials investigated Ang-(1-7) infusion in ICU patients, with a 2024 trial in Annals of Intensive Care showing safety and preliminary efficacy signals.
No. Angiotensin 1-7 has no approved clinical indication and is available only through research programs and investigational clinical trials. Human dosing is not established outside these trials, and it is not a consumer supplement or compounding pharmacy peptide. Several synthetic Mas receptor agonist analogs such as AVE 0991 and cyclic Ang-(1-7) are in preclinical development but remain unapproved as of 2026.
Research references
- The ACE2/angiotensin-(1-7)/MAS axis of the renin-angiotensin system: focus on angiotensin-(1-7)Review
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, angiotensin-(1-7) and Mas: new players of the renin-angiotensin systemReview
- The ACE2/Ang(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in cardiovascular and renal diseasesReview
- Angiotensin-(1-7) recruits muscle microvasculature and enhances insulin's metabolic action via Mas receptorPubMed
- Angiotensin-(1-7): translational avenues in cardiovascular controlReview