Everything you need to know to get started with research peptides.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the building blocks of proteins. While proteins can contain hundreds or thousands of amino acids, peptides typically contain between 2 and 50. This smaller size allows them to be absorbed more easily and act more precisely on specific biological targets.
In research settings, synthetic peptides are used to study a wide range of biological processes including tissue repair, hormone regulation, metabolism, immune function, and neurological activity.
Peptides work by binding to specific receptors on cell surfaces, triggering biological responses. Different peptides target different receptors:
GLP-1 and multi-receptor agonists that regulate appetite, insulin, and metabolism. The fastest-growing category in peptide research.
Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, Retatrutide
Secretagogues and releasing hormones that stimulate natural GH production from the pituitary gland.
HGH, Ipamorelin, CJC 1295, Sermorelin
Tissue repair peptides that accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and support gut health.
BPC-157, TB-500, KLOW Blend
Compounds targeting cellular energy, telomeres, collagen production, and oxidative stress.
GHK-CU, NAD+, Epithalon, MOTS-c
Nootropic peptides that enhance focus, memory, and neuroprotection without sedative effects.
Semax, Selank, Adamax
Targeted fat metabolism compounds that don't affect growth hormone or blood sugar levels.
AOD9604, 5-AMINO-1MQ, Aicar
Most peptides come as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder in a sealed vial. Before use, they need to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Wipe the top of the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with an alcohol swab.
Using a syringe, draw your desired amount of bacteriostatic water (typically 1-2ml for most peptides).
Insert the needle into the peptide vial and release the water slowly down the side of the vial. Do NOT spray directly onto the powder.
Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved. Never shake — this can damage the peptide structure.
Store the reconstituted vial in the refrigerator (2-8°C). Use within 4-6 weeks.
Peptide doses are typically measured in micrograms (mcg) or milligrams (mg). After reconstitution, you draw a specific volume from the vial using an insulin syringe.
Example: 10mg peptide + 2ml water = 5000 mcg/ml. For a 250mcg dose: 250 ÷ 5000 = 0.05ml = 5 units on an insulin syringe.
Not sure which dose is right? Use our Find Your Peptide tool — it recommends peptides and starting doses based on your research goals.
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Unreconstituted (powder) | 2-8°C (fridge) or -20°C (freezer) | Up to 24 months |
| Reconstituted (mixed) | 2-8°C (fridge only) | 4-6 weeks |
| Room temperature (unmixed) | Below 25°C | Up to 90 days |
Not sure where to start? Here are recommended beginner research protocols by goal:
Start low and titrate up. GLP-1 agonists are the gold standard for metabolic research.
The "Wolverine Stack" — the most popular healing combination in peptide research.
Copper peptide for skin/collagen + NAD+ for cellular energy and longevity research.
The classic GH stack — pulsatile release with minimal side effects. Best taken before bed.
Semax for focus and BDNF. Selank for calm focus and anxiety reduction. Both are intranasal.
Browse our collections or use our tools to find exactly what you need.