This reference guide covers concentration math, reconstitution volumes, and the research protocol ranges documented in published literature for all 20 peptides in the catalog. Dosing in research contexts is weight-based for most compounds — the numbers below reflect typical ranges seen in animal studies and the limited human clinical data available, scaled per kilogram of body weight where applicable.
Before using this guide, understand the distinction between the research protocol ranges listed here and clinical dosing. These figures come from published studies and are presented as reference data for researchers designing protocols. They are not medical recommendations. For reconstitution math and handling technique, see the reconstitution guide first if you haven’t already.
How Peptide Dosing Works
Weight-Based Dosing
Most research peptide protocols are expressed in micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, or as a flat dose in mcg or mg. Weight-based dosing accounts for differences in receptor density, metabolic rate, and distribution volume across subjects of different sizes. When converting published animal study doses to human-equivalent doses, the FDA’s standard body surface area normalization method (Km factor) applies — but for most peptide research, flat-dose protocols derived directly from human study data are more commonly referenced.
Concentration Calculations
The fundamental formula: Concentration (mg/mL) = Peptide amount (mg) ÷ Reconstitution volume (mL)
Common reconstitution scenarios:
| Peptide Amount | BAC Water Added | Resulting Concentration | mcg per 0.1mL (10 units) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2mg | 1mL | 2mg/mL (2000mcg/mL) | 200mcg |
| 2mg | 2mL | 1mg/mL (1000mcg/mL) | 100mcg |
| 5mg | 1mL | 5mg/mL (5000mcg/mL) | 500mcg |
| 5mg | 2mL | 2.5mg/mL (2500mcg/mL) | 250mcg |
| 5mg | 5mL | 1mg/mL (1000mcg/mL) | 100mcg |
| 10mg | 2mL | 5mg/mL (5000mcg/mL) | 500mcg |
| 10mg | 5mL | 2mg/mL (2000mcg/mL) | 200mcg |
To find the volume to draw for a specific dose: Volume (mL) = Desired dose (mcg) ÷ Concentration (mcg/mL)
Example: Target dose 250mcg, concentration 2500mcg/mL → 250 ÷ 2500 = 0.10mL = 10 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe.
Reading the Syringe
A standard 1mL insulin syringe marked in 100 units = 1mL total. Each unit = 0.01mL. So:
- 10 units = 0.10mL
- 20 units = 0.20mL
- 50 units = 0.50mL
- 100 units = 1.00mL
Peptide Dosage Reference Table
Protocol ranges below are sourced from published research. “Typical research range” reflects the doses most commonly used in studies producing the reported effects. Frequency refers to administration schedule used in those protocols.
| Peptide | Category | Typical Research Range | Frequency in Studies | Common Reconstitution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BPC-157 | Healing/Recovery | 200–500mcg | Once or twice daily | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| TB-500 | Healing/Recovery | 2–5mg | 2x/week loading, then 1x/week | 5mg in 1mL = 5000mcg/mL |
| GHK-Cu | Anti-Aging/Healing | 1–2mg | Daily to 3x/week | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| CJC-1295 (no DAC) | Muscle/GH | 100–200mcg | Once daily (pulsed) | 2mg in 2mL = 1000mcg/mL |
| CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin Blend | Muscle/GH | 100–200mcg per component | Once to twice daily | Per blend ratio; check CoA |
| Ipamorelin | Muscle/GH | 200–300mcg | Once to twice daily | 2mg in 2mL = 1000mcg/mL |
| GHRP-6 | Muscle/GH | 100–300mcg | 2–3x daily (pulsed) | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| Sermorelin | Muscle/GH | 200–500mcg | Once daily (bedtime in studies) | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| IGF-1 LR3 | Muscle/GH | 20–50mcg | Once daily | 1mg in 2mL = 500mcg/mL |
| AOD-9604 | Muscle/Metabolic | 300–500mcg | Once daily | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| Epithalon | Anti-Aging | 5–10mg | Daily for 10–20 day cycles | 10mg in 2mL = 5000mcg/mL |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 | Immune | 1–1.6mg | 2x/week (clinical protocol) | 1.6mg in 1mL = 1600mcg/mL |
| LL-37 | Immune | 100–500mcg | Daily to 3x/week | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| KPV | Immune/Anti-inflammatory | 300–600mcg | Once to twice daily | 5mg in 2mL = 2500mcg/mL |
| Semax | Nootropic | 200–600mcg | Once to twice daily | 5mg in 5mL = 1000mcg/mL |
| Selank | Nootropic | 250–500mcg | Once to twice daily | 5mg in 5mL = 1000mcg/mL |
| DSIP | Nootropic/Sleep | 100–300mcg | Once daily (evening protocols) | 2mg in 2mL = 1000mcg/mL |
| PT-141 | Sexual Health | 1–2mg | As needed (45–60 min prior) | 10mg in 2mL = 5000mcg/mL |
| Melanotan II | Sexual Health/Tanning | 250–500mcg | Daily loading, then as needed | 10mg in 2mL = 5000mcg/mL |
| Kisspeptin | Sexual Health/HPG axis | 1–10mcg/kg | Pulsatile; varies by protocol | 1mg in 2mL = 500mcg/mL |
Notes on Specific Peptide Classes
Growth Hormone Secretagogues: Pulsatile Timing Matters
GH secretagogues — Ipamorelin, CJC-1295, GHRP-6, Sermorelin — work by stimulating GH pulses from the pituitary. The body naturally releases GH in pulses throughout the day, with the largest pulse occurring 1–2 hours after sleep onset. Many research protocols time administration to coincide with this natural rhythm (pre-sleep dosing) or to mimic the pulsatile pattern (morning + pre-sleep). Constant elevation of GH secretagogues can lead to pituitary desensitization over time — pulsatile protocols are designed to avoid this.
IGF-1 LR3 is a downstream mediator, not a secretagogue — it’s an analog of IGF-1 with an extended half-life (~20 hours vs. ~15 minutes for native IGF-1). Its dosing considerations are distinct from GHS compounds. The lower dose range (20–50mcg) is standard in published research; higher doses are associated with insulin-like hypoglycemic effects.
Epithalon: Cyclic Protocol
Epithalon is typically used in cycles rather than continuous administration. The most common research protocol is 10mg daily for 10–20 days, with a 3–6 month off period before repeating. This cyclic approach is based on the protocols used in the original Russian research from Khavinson et al., which documented the telomerase activation effects.
Thymosin Alpha-1: The Clinical Reference Point
Thymosin Alpha-1‘s clinical dosing is unusually well-established compared to most research peptides. The approved clinical dose in countries where it’s registered (marketed as Zadaxin) is 1.6mg subcutaneous twice weekly. Research protocols largely mirror this. The twice-weekly schedule reflects the peptide’s mechanism — it drives T-cell maturation and differentiation processes that don’t require daily stimulation.
Melanotan II vs. PT-141: Different Protocols
Melanotan II and PT-141 are often compared but have meaningfully different dosing dynamics. Melanotan II is typically started at a low dose (250mcg or less) and gradually increased during a loading phase, with tanning effects accumulating over multiple doses. PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is used acutely — a single dose administered 45–60 minutes before the research endpoint. The approved clinical dose of PT-141 (Vyleesi) is 1.75mg subcutaneous. The nausea side effect is dose-dependent and more pronounced above 2mg.
Semax and Selank: Intranasal vs. Subcutaneous
Semax and Selank are sometimes administered intranasally in research protocols — this is the delivery method used in much of the Russian clinical literature. Intranasal administration allows direct olfactory nerve pathway delivery to the CNS, bypassing systemic circulation for a portion of the dose. When reconstituting for intranasal use, sterile saline is used instead of BAC water (benzyl alcohol is an irritant for mucosal tissue). Subcutaneous administration uses BAC water and standard technique.
Storage Reminders
- Lyophilized (dry powder): 2–8°C refrigerated, away from light. Stable 1–2 years under proper conditions.
- Reconstituted in BAC water: 2–8°C, use within 28–30 days.
- Long-term reconstituted storage: Aliquot and freeze at -20°C. Thaw once, do not refreeze.
- GHK-Cu: Particularly sensitive to oxidation — keep refrigerated even in lyophilized form.
- IGF-1 LR3: Sensitive compound — some researchers add a small amount of acetic acid to the reconstitution solution to improve stability.
See the full reconstitution guide for step-by-step handling procedures, common mistakes, and aliquoting protocols.
Understanding What You’re Researching
Dosing data is one piece of the picture. Researchers who understand the mechanism — why a given peptide produces its effects, which receptors it binds, what the downstream signaling cascade looks like — design better protocols and interpret results more accurately. For a foundational overview of peptide biology, see What Are Peptides? For safety and purity considerations that directly affect research validity, see the peptide safety guide.
The full catalog of research-grade peptides with CoA documentation is available at Peptides for Sale.