Frequently asked questions
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the same building blocks that make up proteins. Some, like insulin and GLP-1 medications, are approved drugs. Many others are sold only for laboratory research.
What does "for research use only" mean?
It means the product isn't approved by the FDA for human use and hasn't gone through the testing that approved medicines require. Vendors sell these products for laboratory research and label them that way.
Are research peptides legal?
Buying research chemicals for laboratory use is generally legal in the U.S. Selling them for human use, or making health claims about them, is not. The FDA and Department of Justice have taken action against vendors that crossed that line. Laws differ by country and state.
Which peptides are FDA approved?
In this library, tirzepatide is FDA approved, and elamipretide (SS-31) received accelerated approval for Barth syndrome. Every compound page shows its current evidence status.
How do I know if a vendor's product is what it claims?
Look for a certificate of analysis that matches your lot number and names an independent, accredited testing lab. Our guide to reading a certificate of analysis walks through what to check.
Do you give dosing advice?
No. We summarize published research, and for approved medicines we describe what the FDA label says. Dosing decisions belong with a licensed clinician.
How do you make money?
Through affiliate partnerships, which are disclosed wherever links appear. Partners don't see or influence our research summaries.
Why don't you cover Semax, Selank or Epitalon?
We focus on compounds with research published in widely indexed international journals. Peptides developed mainly through the Russian research program fall outside our current scope.