FAQ · Research peptides

How are research peptides stored and handled?

Research peptides ship lyophilised (freeze-dried) as a white powder in sealed glass vials. Lyophilised peptides are reasonably stable at room temperature for short transit, and substantially more stable when refrigerated (2 to 8°C, 6 to 12 months) or frozen (minus 18°C or colder, 12 to 24 months). Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigeration is required and stability drops sharply to 14 to 28 days for most peptides. Reconstituted peptides cannot be frozen without damaging the peptide structure.

Why lyophilised

Water drives most peptide degradation. Freeze-drying removes the water and locks the peptide in a stable amorphous solid state. Lyophilised peptides typically survive 24 to 48 hours at ambient temperature with negligible degradation, which makes ordinary UK courier delivery practical. Without lyophilisation, peptides would require refrigerated transit and have far shorter shelf lives.

Lyophilised storage windows

· Refrigerated 2 to 8°C: 6 to 12 months for most research peptides.
· Frozen minus 18°C or colder: 12 to 24 months.
· Room temperature: stable for short periods (days to weeks), then progressive degradation.

Reconstituted storage windows

· Refrigerated 2 to 8°C: 14 to 28 days for most peptides.
· Frozen: not recommended; ice crystal formation damages peptide structure.
· Room temperature: stability drops further; not recommended for extended periods.

Bacteriostatic water as the reconstitution solvent

Bacteriostatic water is sterile water with 0.9 percent benzyl alcohol added. The benzyl alcohol suppresses microbial growth in the vial during the reconstituted storage window. Plain sterile water can be used for single-use reconstitution but reduces the post-reconstitution stability window because no antimicrobial protection is present.

Light exposure

Most research peptides are not strongly photolabile but extended direct sunlight or UV exposure can accelerate degradation. Storage in the original opaque packaging or in a fridge protects against this.

Note: this page describes the storage chemistry of research peptides as supplied. It is not a human-use protocol. PeptideClear does not publish dosing or reconstitution-for-injection instructions.