Ask Peptide Authority: Peptide FAQs

Peptides are short chains of amino acids — the same building blocks that make up proteins, just smaller (generally under about 50 amino acids). The body makes thousands of them naturally, and many are also synthesized in labs for research.

Size and structure. Peptides are short amino-acid chains; proteins are long chains (usually 50+ amino acids) that fold into complex 3D shapes. Insulin, with 51 amino acids, sits right on the border.

Most research peptides are made by solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), where amino acids are added one at a time to a growing chain. The product is then purified by HPLC and freeze-dried (lyophilized) into a stable powder.

It depends on the product and how it's sold. Peptides sold as drugs for human use must be authorized by Health Canada under the Food and Drugs Act. Many peptides discussed online — such as BPC-157 and TB-500 — are not authorized, so they can only be sold as research chemicals, not for human or animal use. This is general information, not legal advice.

It means a product is sold for in-vitro laboratory research — not for human or animal consumption, and not as a drug, food, cosmetic or natural health product. Reputable suppliers make no health claims and give no dosing advice.

No. BPC-157, TB-500, MOTS-c, Epitalon, Selank and Semax are not authorized by Health Canada as drugs. Some peptides are approved medicines (for example insulin or certain prescription peptides), but those are only available through licensed pharmacies.

Several are. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits BPC-157 (S0), TB-500 and thymosin beta-4 derivatives (S2), and growth hormone secretagogues such as CJC-1295 and ipamorelin (S2). Tested athletes should check the current WADA list.

Ask for a third-party Certificate of Analysis (COA) matched to the lot number on the vial. It should show HPLC purity (ideally 98–99%+) and mass spectrometry confirming the correct molecular weight.

A COA is a lab report confirming a peptide's identity and purity. A trustworthy COA comes from an independent lab, lists the lot number, test date, HPLC purity and mass spec results, and matches the label on your vial.

HPLC measures purity — how much of the sample is the target peptide versus impurities. Mass spectrometry confirms identity — that the molecule has the right molecular weight. You need both to trust a peptide.

Lyophilized peptides should be kept refrigerated (2–8°C) short-term or frozen (−20°C or colder) long-term, away from light and moisture. Let vials reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

Look for lot-matched third-party COAs, a Canadian shipping address, clear research-use terms, no medical claims, transparent contact details and secure payment. See our supplier checklist for the full list.

Domestic suppliers avoid customs holds, duties and currency surprises, and they're accountable under Canadian law. International parcels of research chemicals can be detained at the border.

No. Our content is educational and our products are sold for research use only. We do not provide dosing, administration or medical advice. Talk to a licensed healthcare professional about any health questions.