Peptide stability and storage — what the literature says

2026-07-24 51 views 4 posts

There's a lot of confusion about peptide storage. Here's what the literature supports:

Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides:

  • Short term (weeks): room temperature is fine
  • Medium term (months): refrigerator (2-8°C)
  • Long term (years): freezer (-20°C)
  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Reconstituted peptides:

  • Refrigerator (2-8°C) for 2-4 weeks max
  • Use bacteriostatic water (not sterile water) to prevent bacterial growth
  • Protect from light
  • Do NOT freeze reconstituted peptides — it degrades them

GLP-1 specific:

  • Semaglutide and tirzepatide are relatively stable
  • Retatrutide is less stable — use within 2 weeks of reconstitution

This is based on published stability data, not vendor marketing.

Comprehensive guide, thank you. I'd add: keep desiccant packets with lyophilized peptides to prevent moisture absorption. Humidity is the enemy of lyophilized product.

What about transport? If I order peptides shipped in summer heat, could they degrade during shipping?

Most peptides are surprisingly thermostable in lyophilized form. Short-term exposure to 40°C during shipping (a few days) is generally fine. It's long-term heat + humidity that causes degradation. I've tested peptides shipped in summer and purity was unchanged.