Peptide Storage: Best Practices for Research Labs
Peptide stability depends on four variables: temperature, light, humidity, and time.
Lyophilized (powder) peptides
- -20C or colder: years of stability for most peptides
- 2-8C: months
- Room temperature: weeks to a few months, depending on the sequence
Keep vials sealed and protected from light. Most degradation at room temperature comes from oxidation of methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan residues.
Reconstituted peptides
- 2-8C refrigerated: 14-30 days for most sequences
- -20C frozen: longer storage, but freeze-thaw cycles are degradative
- Aliquot before freezing if using across many sessions
Sequence-specific stability
- GLP-1 / GIP / glucagon analogs: degrade by deamidation; refrigerate after reconstitution
- BPC-157 and TB-500: relatively stable, but oxidation-sensitive
- Melanocortin analogs (MT-2, etc.): light-sensitive — store in amber vials or dark
- Growth hormone secretagogues (Ipamorelin, CJC-1295): generally stable at -20C for years
What to write on every vial
- Lot number
- Reconstitution date (if applicable)
- Concentration (e.g. 5 mg/mL)
- Your initials
Learn about peptide degradation pathways ->
FAQ
How should peptides be stored?
Lyophilized peptides should be stored at -20C or colder for long-term stability. Reconstituted peptides should be refrigerated at 2-8C and used within 14-30 days.
How long do reconstituted peptides last?
Most reconstituted peptides are stable for 14-30 days at 2-8C. For longer storage, freeze at -20C in aliquots.