Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic apolipoprotein E-mimicking peptides, derivatives thereof, and related peptides, which are useful as therapeutic agents for reducing plasma cholesterol; synthetic methods of making the peptides; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptides, and methods of treating lipid and metabolic disorders using the disclosed synthetic apolipoprotein E-mimicking peptides and compositions thereof. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.