Glossary
Peptide
A short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, typically 2–50 amino acids in length.
Also known as:
peptides
Peptides are the fundamental building blocks behind many research compounds — they are smaller than proteins but function as biological signals, telling the body to release hormones, repair tissue, or trigger metabolic processes. Most therapeutic peptides are synthetic analogs of naturally occurring sequences in the human body.
Because they are chains of amino acids, peptides are degraded by stomach acid and digestive enzymes, which is why most research peptides are administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection rather than orally. Stability outside the body is limited, which is why they are shipped in lyophilized (freeze-dried) form.