Disclosed herein S-alkylated hepcidin peptides and methods of making and using thereof. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to an S-alkylated hepcidin peptide having the following Structural Formula IA or IB. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a composition comprising at least one S-alkylated hepcidin peptide of the present invention. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a method of binding a ferroportin or inducing ferroportin internalization and degradation which comprises contacting the ferroportin with at least one S-alkylated hepcidin peptide of the present invention. In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a kit comprising at least one S-alkylated hepcidin peptide.
