Everything about research peptides — clearly answered.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They are smaller than proteins and typically consist of 2 to about 50 amino acids. In biochemical research, peptides serve as signaling molecules, enzyme substrates, and objects of study for cellular mechanisms.

Research peptides are synthetically produced peptides intended exclusively for scientific and analytical laboratory studies (Research Use Only). They are not medicinal products and are not intended for human or veterinary use.

The difference lies mainly in size and structure. Peptides consist of up to about 50 amino acids; proteins consist of considerably more and have complex folding structures (secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structure). The boundary is fluid and not uniformly defined.

“Research grade" refers to a quality level intended for laboratory studies. At SunPept, this means: for GLOW, NAD+, and Retatrutide, analysis reports from Janoshik Analytical are linked on the product page; for GHK-Cu and KLOW, documentation is available on request.

“Research Use Only" (RUO) means that a substance is intended exclusively for scientific research and analytical purposes. RUO substances are not medicinal products, not dietary supplements, and not approved for human or veterinary use.

Peptides and steroids are chemically fundamentally different. Peptides are chains of amino acids; steroids are lipids with a characteristic four-ring carbon skeleton. Anabolic steroids are subject to strict legal regulations in Germany and are not part of the SunPept range.

Organizing by research area — such as metabolic research, longevity, or tissue research — places compounds in their scientific context. This makes targeted research easier compared with purely alphabetical substance lists.

A blanket statement is not possible: the legal classification depends on the specific substance and the intended use (including AMG, BtMG, NpSG, AntiDopG). Our range is intended exclusively for research purposes. Please check the applicable regulations on your own responsibility and seek legal advice if in doubt.

Austria has its own regulations on medicinal products and narcotics. Here, too, research chemicals are offered exclusively for scientific, non-human use. Buyers in Austria are obliged to check the national legal situation on their own responsibility.

No. SunPept currently ships only within the EU (25 countries). Deliveries to Switzerland are not possible.

The German Medicinal Products Act (AMG) governs the manufacture, approval, and distribution of medicinal products. Research peptides are not approved medicinal products and are expressly not offered as such, but as research chemicals for in vitro studies. As soon as a substance is intended for use in humans, the AMG may apply.

The BtMG covers the substances exhaustively listed in its annexes, as amended from time to time. Whether a substance is covered must be checked against the current annexes; we cannot provide legal advice.

The NpSG covers the substance groups defined in its annex, as amended from time to time. Whether a substance falls under it must be checked against the current annex; we cannot provide legal advice.

Some peptides are on the Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and are not permitted in organized sport; the German Anti-Doping Act (AntiDopG) governs such matters. Since SunPept compounds are intended exclusively for research, any use in sports is excluded.

By placing an order, the buyer confirms that they will use the substances exclusively for legal research and analytical purposes and that they will check and comply with the legal provisions applicable in their region on their own responsibility.

A Certificate of Analysis (analysis report) documents, among other things, the identity (mass spectrometry) and purity (HPLC) of a tested sample. For GLOW, NAD+, and Retatrutide, analysis reports from Janoshik Analytical are linked on the product page; for GHK-Cu and KLOW, documentation is available on request.

HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) separates the components of a sample and determines purity. When coupled with mass spectrometry (MS), the identity and molecular mass of the peptide are also confirmed. HPLC-MS is the analytical standard for determining peptide purity.

A purity of >99% means that at least 99% of the analyzed sample consists of the target substance. The value is determined by HPLC and applies to the tested sample; the respective analysis report is authoritative.

The identity of a peptide is confirmed by mass spectrometry via its exact molecular mass. The measured mass is compared with the theoretical mass of the peptide sequence; deviations indicate sequence errors or impurities.

Mass spectrometry measures the mass-to-charge ratio of molecules and thus determines the exact molecular mass of a peptide. In peptide analysis, it is used to confirm identity and sequence and to detect by-products.

Helpful criteria: traceable analysis reports with stated methods, a clearly named operator with a legal notice, transparent prices and shipping costs, clear Research Use Only labeling, and no promises of effects or applications.

Lyophilization removes water from the peptide by sublimation under vacuum. The result is a dry powder that preserves the peptide’s native structure considerably more stably than a liquid formulation. Lyophilized peptides can therefore be stored for a long time.

A batch or lot number identifies a production batch. On analysis reports, it links the tested sample to that batch.

Independent laboratory analysis means that purity testing is carried out by an independent laboratory separate from the manufacturer. This increases the credibility of purity specifications, as no vested interest influences the measured values.

Storage recommendation: −20 °C, dry and protected from light. Shelf life depends on the substance and storage conditions.

Bacteriostatic water is water containing a small amount of benzyl alcohol (usually 0.9%), which inhibits bacterial growth. In the laboratory context, it serves as a solvent for reconstituting lyophilized peptides and extends their shelf life in solution.

This depends on the substance, the solvent, and the storage conditions. Store refrigerated (2–8 °C) and protected from light; details are defined in the respective experimental protocol.

Hygroscopic means that a substance attracts moisture from the air. Lyophilized peptides are hygroscopic — if they absorb moisture, hydration begins and the peptide becomes more susceptible to degradation. This is why dry storage and temperature equilibration are important.

The copper center of GHK-Cu makes the peptide more susceptible to oxidative degradation. Contact with oxidizing agents should therefore be avoided, and reconstituted solutions should be stored under inert gas (argon or nitrogen) where possible, protected from light and cool.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide of 15 amino acids, derived from an endogenous gastric protective protein. In preclinical models, it is investigated in the context of angiogenesis signaling and cell migration (Sikirić et al.).

TB-500 refers to the synthetic, acetylated thymosin β4 fragment Ac-LKKTETQ (amino acids 17–23), which contains the actin-binding region of the protein. It is studied in preclinical models of cell migration and tissue remodeling (Goldstein et al. 2012).

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper, CAS 89030-95-5) is a naturally occurring tripeptide–copper complex. In basic dermatological research, it is investigated with regard to collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, and extracellular matrix biology, among other topics (Pickart & Margolina).

NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a central cofactor in more than 500 metabolic reactions and a substrate for sirtuins and PARP enzymes. In longevity research, the age-related decline in intracellular NAD+ levels is being investigated intensively.

Retatrutide (LY3437943) is a synthetic peptide that simultaneously activates three related hormone receptors, including the receptors for GLP-1 and GIP. This triple agonism is being investigated in metabolic research (Jastreboff et al., NEJM 2023). It is available exclusively as a research compound.

KPV (Lys-Pro-Val) is a tripeptide and the C-terminal fragment of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In immune cell models, it is investigated for anti-inflammatory activity via melanocortin receptors.

GLOW is a lyophilized research combination of three peptides: GHK-Cu (50 mg), BPC-157 (10 mg), and TB-500 (10 mg). It is investigated in research on matrix biology and cell migration.

KLOW contains the same three components as GLOW (GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500) and adds KPV (10 mg), an α-MSH fragment from melanocortin research.

The difference lies in one additional component: compared with GLOW, KLOW additionally contains KPV (Lys-Pro-Val, 10 mg). GLOW combines GHK-Cu, BPC-157, and TB-500; KLOW adds the α-MSH fragment KPV.

A triple agonist activates three different receptors at the same time. In retatrutide these include the receptors for GLP-1 and GIP — a combination studied in metabolic research on energy homeostasis.

A copper peptide is a peptide that has a copper ion (Cu²⁺) bound in a complex. The best-known example is GHK-Cu. The copper center is relevant to many of the biochemical properties investigated, but also makes the peptide more sensitive to oxidation.

GLP-1 and GIP are endogenous metabolic hormones from the group of incretins. Their receptors (GLP-1R, GIPR) play a central role in research on insulin secretion and energy balance.

In the Vial, the substance is supplied as a lyophilized powder (3 ml of bacteriostatic water included). In the Pen, the substance is already dissolved. Both formats contain the same research compound.

Many SunPept compounds are available in different strengths, for example 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg — each as a Vial or Pen. The available strengths are listed on the respective product page.

After receipt of payment, the goods are shipped in neutral packaging from the EU (Czech Republic) with Packeta within 24–48 hours. Delivery usually takes 2–5 business days; you will receive tracking information by email.

SunPept ships from the EU (Czech Republic) to 25 EU countries, including Germany and Austria. Deliveries to Switzerland and to countries outside the EU are currently not possible.

All shipments are sent in neutral packaging. From the outside, the packaging gives no indication of its contents.

Orders are shipped within 24–48 hours of receipt of payment. Delivery to Germany and Austria usually takes 2–5 business days; to other EU countries, it may take somewhat longer depending on the destination.

Preclinical research comprises all scientific studies conducted before use in humans — such as cell culture (in vitro) and animal models (in vivo). Most data on research peptides come from preclinical studies.

In vitro refers to studies outside the living organism, for example in cell cultures or test tubes. In vivo refers to studies in the living organism, for example in animal models. Research peptides are intended for in vitro use.

Scientific studies on peptides can be found in specialist databases such as PubMed and via DOI references to primary publications. For each compound, SunPept links to selected peer-reviewed sources.

PubMed is the largest freely accessible database of biomedical literature. A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique, persistent identifier for a scientific publication that allows it to be located reliably.