Pinch the skin first — subcutaneous just means into the fat layer underneath, not the muscle or a vein. If you see blood when you draw back, withdraw and choose a new spot.

Don't mix peptides in one syringe, first time

Research one compound alone first, so you know exactly which one is causing which effect.

Don't skip the test dose

Where one is listed, it exists to gauge your sensitivity first. Without one listed, half the stated starting dose is a reasonable first injection.

What if I miss a dose? · Storage

Missed a dose?

Weekly: within 2 days, take it as normal; later than that, skip and resume next week. Daily: take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next one. If in doubt, restart at the lowest dose.

Storage — applies to everything below

Lyophilised: 2–8°C. Reconstituted: stable 28 days at 2–8°C, never refreeze. Exception: SS-31 is −20°C before mixing.

Reconstitution 101 — mixing your compound

What is it?

Your peptide arrives as a dry powder (lyophilised) in a glass vial. Adding bacteriostatic water dissolves it into an injectable liquid — that's reconstitution.

The golden rules

Add water slowly down the side of the vial, not onto the powder. Swirl gently to dissolve — never shake, it can damage the peptide.

Work out your dose

(mg in vial) ÷ (mL added) = mg/mL. Example: 10mg + 2mL = 5mg/mL — a 2.5mg dose is 0.5mL (50 units on a U-100 syringe).

When in doubt

Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members. The full step-by-step walkthrough with troubleshooting is later in this document — and if you're a visual learner, searching for a video demonstration of reconstitution and injection technique is genuinely worth doing before your first time.

Find your compound

Viewing this as a PDF on a computer or phone? The names below jump straight to that compound. Reading a printed copy on paper, just flip ahead — everything's in the same order as this list.

Weight Loss

Tirzepatide — balanced, most-studied, common first pick. Semaglutide — milder GI effects, lower average results. Retatrutide — most powerful, strongest side effects, for experienced researchers.

Tissue Repair

BPC-157 + TB-500 · GLOW · KLOW

BPC-157 + TB-500 — classic combination, most flexible dosing. GLOW — same idea pre-mixed, simpler but fixed. KLOW — GLOW plus KPV, an added anti-inflammatory.

Growth Hormone

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin · Tesamorelin · HGH (Somatropin)

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin — boosts your own GH release, common starting point. Tesamorelin — single FDA-approved compound, strongest evidence here. HGH — the hormone itself, strongest effect and strictest cautions.

Longevity

GHK-Cu · SS-31 · MOTS-c · NAD+ · Glutathione

GHK-Cu — well-established, skin/tissue-focused. SS-31 — mitochondria-focused, approved for a rare condition. MOTS-c — earlier-stage, no human data yet. NAD+ — cellular-energy-focused. Glutathione — mildest, best-tolerated.

Metabolism

5-Amino-1MQ · MT2

5-Amino-1MQ — gentle profile, limited human data. MT2 — strongest, most immediate effects, but the most intense first-dose reaction on this page.

Cognitive

Semax · Selank

Semax — stimulating, for alertness and focus. Selank — calming, for anxiety-type research. Not interchangeable — pick based on the effect you're researching.

Nova Referral Scheme

Refer Friends.
Earn Rewards.

Share your personal code with friends. They get 5% off — and you earn bigger discounts the more you refer.

✏️

Welcome discount off your own first order, sent instantly

Instant

🎁

3 Referrals

15%

Off your next order — emailed automatically when 3 friends use your code

Milestone 1

⭐

5 Referrals

25%

Off your next order — emailed automatically when 5 friends use your code

Milestone 2

Get Your Code

Your personal referral code and 5% welcome discount are generated automatically when you register.

Share With Friends

Your friends use your code at checkout for 5% off. Each use counts towards your reward milestones.

Earn Automatically

3 referrals earns you 15% off your next order. 5 referrals earns 25% off. Both emailed automatically.

🚀

Get Your Referral Code

Your welcome discount and referral code will be emailed to you straight away.

Full Name

Email Address

Something went wrong — please try again.

🎉

You're in!

Your codes have been emailed to you. Here's a preview — save them somewhere handy.

Welcome Code — 5% off your first order

—

Your Referral Code — share for 5% off

—

Share your referral code with friends and earn 15% off after 3 uses, 25% off after 5 — both reward codes are sent automatically.

Shop Now →

Select your syringe size

Syringe

▾

Select peptide amount (mg)

Required dose

Required dose (mcg)

Required dose (mg)

Mixing solution to add (mL)

🧪 How to reconstitute — step by step +

What you'll need

Lyophilised peptide vial

Bacteriostatic water (not plain sterile water — the 0.9% benzyl alcohol preservative is what lets it last 28 days once mixed)

70% isopropyl alcohol swabs

U-100 insulin syringe(s) — fresh, unopened

Sharps disposal container

Clean paper towel + flat work surface

Set up clean. Wash your hands, wipe down your work surface, and lay everything out on the paper towel before you open anything. Working on a clean, uncluttered surface is the single biggest thing you control that affects contamination risk.

Sanitise both vial tops. Wipe the rubber stopper on both the peptide vial and the bacteriostatic water vial with a fresh alcohol swab, using a single wipe in one direction rather than scrubbing back and forth. Let them air dry for a few seconds — wiping through wet alcohol can push it straight through the stopper.

Equalise pressure, then draw the water. Pull back the plunger to fill the syringe with air equal to how much water you want, push the needle into the water vial and inject that air in first, then — without removing the needle — invert the vial and draw your water out (1–2.5mL, 2mL is the most common). Injecting the air first stops the vial developing a vacuum that fights you as you draw, and stops it deforming. Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members for the exact concentration that amount of water gives you.

Inject the water slowly, down the inside wall of the vial. Hold the needle at roughly a 45° angle against the glass, just above the powder, and let the water run down the wall rather than firing it straight onto the powder bed. A hard direct stream disturbs the peptide's structure and whips up excess foam that then takes longer to settle.

Swirl gently — never shake. Roll the vial slowly between your palms, or rest it on the table and gently rotate it, until every trace of powder is gone. Some compounds dissolve in seconds; denser or larger-sequence peptides can take several minutes of patient, repeated swirling. Shaking agitates the solution violently and can break down the peptide's structure — it's the one motion to avoid completely.

Check it's clear. Hold the vial up to a light. The solution should be clear with no floating particles, fibres, or persistent cloudiness (a little transient foam on top from mixing is normal and will settle). If it still looks off after settling, don't use it — see troubleshooting below.

Label, then store cold immediately. Write the compound, concentration, and today's date on the vial or a small label — it's easy to lose track once you have two or three vials in the fridge at once. Store at 2–8°C (a fridge door shelf is usually too warm; the main body is better) and use within 28 days. Never refreeze once reconstituted — freezing and thawing damages the peptide structure.

Draw each dose the same careful way. Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members to convert your target mcg/mg dose into a syringe unit mark for the concentration you just made. Wipe the vial top with a fresh alcohol swab before every single draw, not just the first — it's being pierced repeatedly over the vial's 28-day life, and a fresh wipe each time is what keeps the remaining solution sterile.

Troubleshooting

The powder won't fully dissolve

Let it rest a few minutes at room temperature, then swirl again — some compounds, and denser vials in particular, just take longer. Avoid the temptation to shake it to speed things up.

There's foam on top after mixing

Normal from the mixing motion — leave the vial to stand for a few minutes and it will usually clear on its own. Persistent foam that won't settle, going forward, is a sign to inject the water more slowly next time.

The solution is cloudy or has visible particles

Don't use it. This can indicate contamination or a degraded/damaged peptide. Discard the vial safely and use a fresh one.

There are air bubbles in my syringe before a draw

Hold the syringe needle-up, tap the barrel gently a few times so the bubbles rise, then push the plunger slightly to expel the air before drawing your dose.

I have air bubbles in my syringe after drawing my dose

Hold the syringe needle-up, tap the barrel gently so the bubbles rise to the top, then push the plunger just enough to expel the air — a tiny drop of liquid at the needle tip means you're bubble-free and ready to inject. Don't worry if you push out a little extra; it's better to be accurate than to inject air.

I see small rubber fragments floating in the vial

The needle has sliced a tiny plug out of the rubber stopper on its way in (called "coring") — usually from going in at too shallow an angle, or with a bent or blunt needle. Discard that vial; don't try to filter the fragments out and use it anyway.

For laboratory research use only — not for human or veterinary use.

📱 How to use the calculator above +

Not sure about the maths? You don't need to be — the calculator above does it for you in four quick steps:

Pick your syringe size — 1mL, 0.5mL or 0.3mL.

Select how many mg your vial is (it's on the label — pick the closest preset or enter it as custom).

Type in your target dose, in mcg or mg — whichever the compound's dosing card uses.

Choose how much BAC water you're mixing in — 2mL is the usual starting point.

Hit Calculate and it'll show you exactly which mark to draw to on your syringe. No guesswork, and it works for any vial size.

🔢 Quick conversions +

1 mL = 100 IUOn a U-100 syringe

1 mg = 1,000 mcgMass conversion

1 IU = 0.01 mLVolume per unit

10 IU = 0.1 mLCommon draw amount

These markings are the same scale on any U-100 insulin syringe, whatever its barrel size (0.3mL, 0.5mL or 1mL) — 10 units is always the first big line, whichever syringe you're holding.

💡 Reconstitution examples +

General rule: most vials work well with 1–2.5mL of BAC water — 2mL is the most common starting point. The examples below use a couple of common vial sizes, but the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members works for any vial size, so don't worry if yours isn't listed.

10mg vial — 250mcg dose
Add 2mL BAC water = 5mg/mL concentration
Draw 5 units (0.05mL)

10mg vial — 500mcg dose
Add 2mL BAC water = 5mg/mL concentration
Draw 10 units (0.1mL)

30mg vial — 500mcg dose
Add 2mL BAC water = 15mg/mL concentration
Draw 3.3 units (0.033mL)

For in vitro research use only.

❓ Frequently asked questions +

How much BAC water should I add?

Use 1–2.5mL for most vials. 2mL is the most common. Too much can compromise peptide integrity.

What syringe should I use?

A standard U-100 insulin syringe (1mL = 100 units). Each unit = 0.01mL.

How long does reconstituted peptide last?

Store at 2–8°C and use within 28 days. Do not refreeze once reconstituted.

How do I convert mg to mcg?

1mg = 1000mcg. The calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members will convert and sync both fields for you automatically.

New to peptides?

Start here — six terms you'll see on every page

Every compound below uses the same handful of terms. Once these make sense, the rest of the guide reads like plain English. This guide is a starting point, not the final word — it's worth doing your own reading around anything new, and watching a video demonstration of techniques you haven't done before, before you start.

Lyophilised

Freeze-dried powder form. Peptides arrive like this because it's stable — it only becomes an injectable liquid once you mix (reconstitute) it.

Reconstitution

Mixing the powder with a liquid called bacteriostatic water so it can be drawn into a syringe.

Subcutaneous (SC)

Injected just under the skin, not into muscle — the route used for almost everything below, with a short, thin insulin needle.

Titration

Starting on a low dose and increasing it gradually over weeks, rather than jumping straight to your target amount.

Starting vs. maintenance dose

The starting dose is the small amount you begin on. The maintenance dose is the steady, ongoing amount once you've built up to it.

Cycle break

A planned block of time off a compound between blocks of use. Peptides are signalling molecules — send the same signal non-stop and the body's receptors get less responsive to it (desensitisation). The break resets that, so it works properly again next cycle.

Pick your goal

Scroll down and find the category that matches your research focus — Weight Loss, Tissue Repair, and so on. Don't worry about the science names yet.

Start at the bottom

For every compound, start with the lowest dose listed. You can always go up — you cannot undo a dose you've already taken.

One at a time

If this is your first cycle, research one compound at a time. Don't stack GLOW, BPC-157 and CJC together on day one.

🚫 Four beginner mistakes to avoid

Don't "eyeball" the dose. Use the syringe markings exactly, and use the calculator above if you're unsure. If you're still not confident, draw it up and ask an experienced researcher before injecting.
Don't inject into a vein. Pinch the skin — subcutaneous means into the fat layer, not a muscle or vein. If you see blood when you draw back, withdraw and choose a new spot.
Don't mix different peptides in the same syringe on your first cycle. Research one compound alone first, so you know exactly which one is causing which effect.
Don't skip the test dose. Where one is listed (like MT2), it exists to gauge your sensitivity before you commit to a full dose. Even without one listed, taking half the stated starting dose for your very first injection is a reasonable way to check how you react.

❓ What if I miss a dose?

Weekly compounds (Tirzepatide, Semaglutide, Retatrutide): within 2 days of your scheduled dose, take it as normal. More than 2 days late, skip it and resume your normal schedule next week. Never double up.
Daily compounds: take it as soon as you remember. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and resume your normal schedule.
If in doubt, it's always safer to restart at the lowest dose and titrate up again than to guess.

📦 Storage rule for every compound in this guide

Before mixing (lyophilised): store at 2–8°C — in the fridge, not the door shelf.
After mixing (reconstituted): stable for 28 days at 2–8°C. Never refreeze once reconstituted.
Exception: SS-31 is stored at −20°C before mixing, not 2–8°C — see its own card for details.

🧪 Reconstitution 101 — mixing your compound

What is it? Your peptide arrives as a dry powder (lyophilised) in a glass vial. Adding bacteriostatic water dissolves it into an injectable liquid — that's reconstitution.
Add the water slowly, down the side of the vial — not straight onto the powder. A direct stream can damage the peptide.
Swirl gently to dissolve. Never shake — shaking can break the peptide's structure.
Work out your dose: (mg in the vial) ÷ (mL of water added) = mg per mL. Example: a 10mg vial + 2mL water = 5mg/mL — a 2.5mg dose is 0.5mL, or 50 units on a U-100 syringe.
When in doubt, use the calculator on novabiolabs.co.uk/members — it does this maths for you. The full step-by-step walkthrough, with troubleshooting, is in the Dosing Calculator tab (and later in this document if printed).
If you're a visual learner, searching for a video demonstration of reconstitution and injection technique is genuinely worth doing before your first time — seeing it done once makes the written steps click a lot faster.

🤔 Not sure which one to pick within a category?

Weight Loss — Tirzepatide is the balanced, most-studied option and a common first pick. Semaglutide is the single-receptor reference compound — milder GI effects, lower average weight loss. Retatrutide is the most powerful (triple-action) but has the strongest side effects — for experienced researchers.
Tissue Repair — BPC-157 + TB-500 is the classic combination with the most flexible dosing. GLOW is the same idea pre-mixed with GHK-Cu — simpler, but no dose flexibility. KLOW is GLOW plus KPV, an anti-inflammatory, for the same convenience with one extra component.
Growth Hormone — CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin boosts your own natural GH release and is a common starting point. Tesamorelin is a single FDA-approved compound with the strongest clinical evidence here. HGH is the hormone itself rather than a signal to release more — the strongest effect and the strictest cautions.
Longevity — GHK-Cu is well-established and mainly skin/tissue-focused. SS-31 is mitochondria-focused and an approved medicine for a rare condition. MOTS-c is earlier-stage with no human trial data yet. NAD+ is cellular-energy-focused. Glutathione is the mildest, best-tolerated option in this group.
Metabolism — 5-Amino-1MQ has a gentle profile but limited human data. MT2 has the strongest, most immediate effects but also the most intense first-dose reaction on this page — not a gentle starting point.
Cognitive — Semax is stimulating, for alertness and focus. Selank is calming, for anxiety-type research. They're not interchangeable — pick based on the effect you're actually researching.

Weight Loss

Full profiles for all 18 compounds start here — evidence level, dosing protocol, titration schedule, and what to watch for. This chapter: compounds researched for appetite suppression and metabolic weight loss.

Compounds in this chapter

Tirzepatide · Semaglutide · Retatrutide

Tirzepatide

Weight Loss

Clinical Data

A compound researchers study for its effects on appetite and blood sugar control, by acting on two separate hunger and metabolism signals in the body at once.Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist studied for appetite suppression and insulin sensitivity.

Key information

Activates two complementary receptor pathways (GIP + GLP-1)
→ Works on two different appetite and blood-sugar signals at once, which is part of why it tends to outperform single-pathway compounds.
SURMOUNT-1 (NEJM, 2022): mean 22.5% total body weight reduction at 15mg over 72 weeks
→ A real published human trial backs this dosing — one of the strongest evidence bases of any compound in this guide.
One of the most extensively studied compounds in this class
→ More research exists on this than almost anything else here, so you're working with well-understood data.

At a glance

Starting Dose

2.5mg weekly

Maximum Dose

15mg weekly

Frequency

Once weekly

Duration

12–72 weeks

Cycle

Protocol dependent

Route

Subcutaneous

📈 Start low, go slow — first-time titration

2.5mg

Wks 1–4

5mg

Wks 5–8

7.5mg

Wks 9–12

10mg

Wks 13–16

12.5mg

Wks 17–20

15mg

Wk 21+

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

You may feel full quickly, get mild nausea, or notice food smells less appealing — most common right after each dose increase and usually settles within a few days. Eating smaller, lighter meals helps.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Move up one step every 4 weeks minimum — never sooner, even if tolerating it well
GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are most common right after each increase
If they don't settle within a few days, hold at your current dose rather than skipping ahead
Maximum ≠ target — many people plateau comfortably below 15mg

Good to know

If you're running extended fasted protocols, it's worth keeping an eye on your energy levels — have a small snack handy in case you feel lightheaded.

Important contraindications

If thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome runs in your family, or you've had it yourself, this one's not the right fit — it works directly on a thyroid-related pathway.

Semaglutide

Weight Loss

Clinical Data

A compound that mimics a natural gut hormone involved in appetite and blood sugar control — the most studied compound of its kind.GLP-1 receptor agonist with the most extensive clinical evidence base in this class.

Key information

STEP 1 (NEJM, 2021): mean 14.9% body weight reduction at 68 weeks
→ A large published human trial backs this dosing schedule.
SELECT trial (NEJM, 2023): 20% relative reduction in major cardiovascular events in overweight non-diabetic patients
→ Beyond weight loss, this compound has trial evidence for heart-health benefits too.
The single-receptor (GLP-1 only) reference compound in this class
→ This is the original, most-studied compound this whole category is measured against.

At a glance

Starting Dose

0.25mg weekly

Maximum Dose

2.4mg weekly

Frequency

Once weekly

Duration

16–68 weeks

Cycle

Protocol dependent

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Reduced appetite and mild nausea are common, especially right after a dose increase. Eating slowly and sticking to lighter meals for a day or two helps it settle.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Escalation: 0.25mg × 4 wks → 0.5mg × 4 wks → 1mg × 4 wks → 1.7mg × 4 wks → 2.4mg (maintenance)
Do not skip the 4-week hold at 1.7mg
GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are common during increases — titrate to the highest tolerated dose rather than forcing the schedule

Important contraindications

If thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome runs in your family, or you've had it yourself, this one's not the right fit — it works directly on a thyroid-related pathway.

Retatrutide

Weight Loss

Clinical Data

A compound that acts on three separate metabolism and appetite signals at once, making it the most powerful compound of its kind currently in research.Triple GIP/GLP-1/Glucagon receptor agonist — the most potent metabolic peptide currently in research.

Key information

Phase 2 (NEJM, 2023): mean 24.2% body weight loss at 48 weeks in the 12mg arm
→ The strongest weight-loss results of the three compounds in this category, backed by a published human trial.
Phase 3 trials (TRIUMPH programme) are ongoing
→ Larger, longer-term human trials are still underway — the evidence base is strong but not yet as complete as Tirzepatide's or Semaglutide's.
Adds glucagon receptor activity on top of the dual-agonist mechanism
→ A third signalling pathway on top of what Tirzepatide already does, which is part of why the effects — and side effects — are stronger.

At a glance

Starting Dose

2mg weekly

Maximum Dose

12mg weekly

Frequency

Once weekly

Duration

24–48 weeks

Cycle

8+ weeks (convention)

Route

Subcutaneous

📈 Start low, go slow — first-time titration

2mg

~Wks 1–6

4mg

~Wks 7–12

8mg

~Wks 13–18

12mg

~Wk 19+

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Expect the strongest appetite and GI effects of the three weight-loss compounds here — nausea and early fullness are common, especially after each increase. Give each step 4+ weeks before judging it.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

The Phase 2 trial took ~24 weeks to reach 12mg across these four steps — don't compress that timeline, even if an earlier dose feels easy
GI side effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) are common right after each increase; hold rather than advance if they don't settle within a few days

Good to know

Some people notice a slightly faster resting heart rate at higher doses — a few beats per minute is expected, but mention anything that feels excessive.

Important contraindications

If thyroid cancer or MEN2 syndrome runs in your family, or you've had it yourself, this one's not the right fit — it works directly on a thyroid-related pathway.

Tissue Repair

Compounds researched for wound healing, tendon and joint repair, and general tissue regeneration — locally at the injection site, systemically through the body, or both.

Compounds in this chapter

BPC-157 + TB-500 · GLOW · KLOW

BPC-157 + TB-500

Tissue Repair

Preclinical / Animal Data

A combination of two compounds researched for tissue repair — one working at the specific site of injury, the other supporting healing more broadly through the body.Synergistic blend combining BPC-157's localised tissue repair with TB-500's systemic healing.

Key information

BPC-157: localised repair of tendon, ligament, muscle and gut mucosa
→ This half of the blend targets repair right at the site you inject it.
TB-500: systemic healing via thymosin β4 analogue activity — angiogenesis, cell migration, anti-inflammation
→ This half works more broadly through the body, not just at the injection site.
Neither compound has completed a published human RCT — all dosing is extrapolated from animal research
→ This dosing is based on animal studies and community practice, not human clinical trials — treat it as reasonable rather than proven.

At a glance

BPC-157 Dose

250–500mcg daily

TB-500 Dose

2.5–5mg 2× weekly

TB-500 Maintenance

2.5mg weekly

Duration

4–8 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous / IM

📏 This one's sold as a single combined BPC-157 + TB-500 vial, so the draw volume for each compound depends on your exact vial and mixing volume — use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members rather than a fixed number here.

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Little to no acute sensation beyond mild injection-site tenderness — these are slow, cumulative-repair compounds, not ones you'll feel working in the first day.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Inject SC or IM as close to the target site as practical
BPC-157 can also be taken orally (dissolved in distilled water) for GI research — stability in animal models is well-documented
TB-500 loading: 2.5–5mg/week split across two injections for 4–6 weeks, then 2.5mg weekly maintenance

Good to know

Generally very well-tolerated — a bit of redness or tenderness where you inject is the most anyone tends to notice.

Important contraindications

If you've had cancer recently, or currently do, this one's best given a miss — both compounds work partly by encouraging cell growth and new blood vessels.

GLOW

Tissue Repair

Community Convention

A pre-mixed blend of three well-known repair compounds in one vial, researched for skin and tissue regeneration.Fixed-ratio blend of GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500 for aesthetic and regenerative research.

Key information

70mg vial — collagen production, tissue repair, cellular rejuvenation research
→ A single vial researched for skin and tissue repair, combining three compounds in one.
2.8mg per injection is made up of 2mg GHK-Cu, 400mcg BPC-157 and 400mcg TB-500
→ That 2.8mg is roughly 1/25 of the 70mg vial — not a quarter of it.
No published human trial for the blend itself — follows its components' broad dosing convention
→ The blend as a whole hasn't been trialled — dosing is based on what's known about its individual ingredients.

At a glance

Starting Dose

2.8mg daily (≈1/25 vial)

Common Dose

1.4–4.2mg daily

Frequency

Daily or EOD

Duration

4–8 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Minimal acute sensation, same as its individual components — possible mild injection-site tenderness. Effects build gradually over weeks, not hours.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Reconstituted with 2.5ml bacteriostatic water, the 2.8mg starting dose draws to 0.1ml — the 10-unit mark on a standard U-100 insulin syringe. Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members to work out your draw for a different mixing volume or dose.

Good to know

Generally very well-tolerated — a bit of redness or tenderness where you inject is the most anyone tends to notice.

Important contraindications

If you've had cancer recently, or currently do, this one's best given a miss — GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500 all work partly by encouraging cell growth and new blood vessels.

KLOW

Tissue Repair

Community Convention

GLOW's four-compound sibling — the same repair-focused blend plus KPV, an anti-inflammatory peptide, in one vial.Advanced fixed-ratio blend of GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV in a single 80mg vial.

Key information

KPV (lysine-proline-valine, an α-MSH fragment) adds a well-documented anti-inflammatory mechanism
→ The extra ingredient beyond GLOW, added specifically to help calm inflammation.
Builds on GLOW's tissue-repair and skin-regeneration profile, in an 80mg vial
→ Same core benefits as GLOW, with one addition, in a slightly larger vial.
No published human trial exists for the blend itself
→ Like GLOW, the blend itself hasn't been trialled — dosing follows community convention.

At a glance

Starting Dose

~3.2mg daily (≈1/25 vial)

Common Dose

~1.6–4.8mg daily

Frequency

Daily or EOD

Duration

4–8 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Minimal acute sensation, same as GLOW — KPV's anti-inflammatory effect is also gradual, not something you'll notice immediately.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

These mg figures scale GLOW's published 2.8mg starting dose (1.4–4.2mg range) up to KLOW's 80mg vial — KLOW itself has no separately published dosing reference, so treat this as an estimate rather than a directly-sourced figure. Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members to work out your syringe draw once you've chosen a mixing volume.
KPV itself is generally very well-tolerated, with no major additional caution beyond the other three components

Dose ranges by goal (community-sourced, not clinical)

Online peptide guides commonly cite a wider range than the estimate above — roughly 2.7mg to 8mg total peptide daily depending on goal. As with everything else on this card, this comes from community sources rather than any published trial, so treat it as one more data point, not a target to hit.

General wellness / anti-aging: 2.0–4.0mg total daily (10–20 units at 20mg/mL). At the lower end that's roughly 1.25mg GHK-Cu plus 250mcg each of the other three components — steady support without pushing the dose.
Active injury recovery: 4.0–6.0mg total daily (20–30 units at 20mg/mL) — aimed at therapeutic levels of BPC-157/TB-500 for tendon and joint repair, alongside GHK-Cu and KPV.
Intensive healing protocols: 6.0–8.0mg total daily (30–40 units at 20mg/mL) — the upper end some guides describe for acute injuries or post-surgical recovery, intended for limited periods only rather than ongoing use.
Individual response varies with body weight and the specific condition — starting at the lower end and titrating upward is the safer approach regardless of which bracket you're aiming for.

Good to know

Generally very well-tolerated — a bit of redness or tenderness where you inject is the most anyone tends to notice.

Important contraindications

If you've had cancer recently, or currently do, this one's best given a miss — GHK-Cu, BPC-157 and TB-500 all work partly by encouraging cell growth and new blood vessels.

Growth Hormone

Compounds researched for stimulating the body's own growth hormone release, or replacing it directly — for body composition, recovery, and general anti-ageing research.

Compounds in this chapter

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin · Tesamorelin · HGH (Somatropin)

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin

Growth Hormone

Community Convention

A two-compound combination researched for boosting the body's own natural growth hormone release, rather than introducing growth hormone directly.Combined GHRH/GHRP peptide stack designed to amplify natural GH pulsatility.

Key information

CJC-1295 (with DAC) extends GHRH activity over several days
→ This half keeps the growth-hormone-releasing signal active for longer between doses.
Ipamorelin provides selective GH pulse stimulation with minimal off-target cortisol, prolactin or appetite effects
→ This half triggers a GH release with fewer of the unwanted side effects older compounds in this class had.
Timing matters more than most compounds — see key notes
→ When you inject this relative to meals and sleep genuinely changes how well it works — read the notes below carefully.

At a glance

Starting Dose

100mcg each

Peak Dose

200–300mcg each

Frequency

2–3× daily

Duration

8–12 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

You may feel light flushing or warmth in the first 20–30 minutes, then noticeably deeper sleep that night if dosed before bed. Avoid eating for 2 hours beforehand — food blunts the effect.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Once-daily pre-sleep injection is the most common protocol — aligns with the largest natural nocturnal GH pulse
More intensive protocols use twice daily (pre-sleep + fasted pre-exercise); three-times-daily offers no clear added benefit
Elevated insulin from a carbohydrate meal blunts GH secretion — wait at least 2 hours post-meal before injecting

Good to know

A bit of water retention, joint stiffness or a mild headache can turn up, especially at higher combined doses — usually settles as your body adjusts.

Important contraindications

If you have an active cancer or diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), this one's not for you — raised growth hormone signalling is a known concern for both.

Tesamorelin

Growth Hormone

Clinical Data

A lab-made version of a natural hormone-releasing signal, already an approved medicine in the US for a specific fat-redistribution condition.Stabilised synthetic GHRH analogue, FDA-approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

Key information

N-terminal modification protects it from DPP-4 degradation
→ A small chemical tweak that makes it last longer in the body than the natural hormone it's based on.
Among the best-characterised GHRH peptides in controlled trials for visceral fat reduction
→ One of the most rigorously trial-tested compounds in this entire guide.
A randomised trial (Baker et al.) also showed improved executive function and verbal memory in older adults at 20 weeks
→ Real human trial evidence for cognitive benefits too, not just fat loss.
Visceral fat re-accumulates toward baseline on cessation
→ The benefits aren't permanent — stopping tends to reverse them over time.

At a glance

Research Dose

2mg daily

Alt. Protocol

1mg daily (off-label)

Frequency

Once daily

Duration

12–26 weeks

Cycle

4–8 weeks (convention)

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Generally unremarkable in the first day beyond mild injection-site redness or itching — effects on body composition build over weeks, not hours.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

2mg daily SC is the FDA-approved dose; 1mg daily is a cost-reduction measure some protocols use, not the validated clinical dose
Morning administration preferred
Significant visceral fat reduction documented at 12 and 26 weeks in controlled trials

Good to know

Some people notice redness or itching where they inject, mild swelling, or a bit of joint or muscle ache.

Important contraindications

Best given a miss if you have an active cancer or a pituitary condition — this works directly on that signalling pathway.

HGH (Somatropin)

Growth Hormone

Community Convention

Human growth hormone itself, rather than a compound that prompts the body to make more of it — this is the real thing, taken directly.The actual pituitary hormone that secretagogues like CJC-1295 and Tesamorelin stimulate the body to release.

Key information

Studied for protein synthesis, lipolysis, and IGF-1-mediated tissue growth and repair
→ Affects how your body builds tissue and burns fat, through a well-understood hormonal pathway.
Dosed in IU rather than mg by convention (≈3iu per 1mg)
→ You'll see this measured in IU (international units), not mg like most other compounds here — worth knowing so the numbers don't look inconsistent.
Unlike the secretagogues above, this is direct exogenous GH, not a stimulus for your own release
→ This is the actual hormone, not a nudge for your body to make more of it — which is why it's the strongest option in this category.

At a glance

Starting Dose

1–2iu daily

Common Range

2–4iu daily

Higher-End Dose

4–8iu daily

Frequency

Daily, or 5-on/2-off

Duration

Ongoing / long-term

Route

Subcutaneous

📈 Start low, go slow — first-time titration

1iu

Days 1–7

2iu

Wks 2–3

2–4iu

Wk 4+ maintain

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Mild water retention or puffiness (especially around the hands or face) in the first few days is common and usually settles as your body adjusts — this is expected, not a sign of taking too much.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule — also keep protected from light

Key notes

No published trial defines an official titration — this is community convention
Start low enough to gauge water retention and glucose response before increasing
Many people never go beyond 2–4iu; higher doses are more side-effect-prone with limited added benefit
Some protocols run 5 days on, 2 days off — cheaper, and mimics natural pulsatile release

Good to know

Water retention and a bit of joint or wrist discomfort are common while your body adjusts. If you keep an eye on your blood sugar normally, it's worth continuing to during use.

Important contraindications

If you have an active cancer, or a history of certain cancers, this one's not a fit — growth hormone signalling can support that kind of cell growth.
Also best avoided with diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), or if you're currently recovering from major surgery or a serious illness.

Longevity

Compounds researched for cellular ageing, mitochondrial function, and general healthspan — a mix of the most established compound on this whole page and some of the earliest-stage.

Compounds in this chapter

GHK-Cu · SS-31 · MOTS-c · NAD+ · Glutathione

GHK-Cu

Longevity

Preclinical / Animal Data

A small copper-binding compound your body makes naturally, in falling amounts as you get older — researched mainly for skin and tissue repair.Copper tripeptide naturally present in the body, declining with age.

Key information

Genomic analysis shows GHK-Cu influences over 4,000 human genes (Pickart et al., 2015, in vitro fibroblast study)
→ A single compound with a very broad range of effects on how cells behave — though this finding is from lab cell studies, not a human trial.
Activates tissue remodelling, antioxidant defence, collagen synthesis and nerve repair pathways
→ The mechanisms behind why it's researched for skin, healing and anti-ageing effects.
In vivo human data is limited, but well-tolerated with no significant reported adverse effects in the literature
→ Not much human trial data exists yet, but nothing concerning has turned up either.

At a glance

Starting Dose

1–2mg daily

Peak Dose

2–3mg daily

Frequency

Once daily

Duration

8 weeks

Cycle

2–4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous / Topical

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Little to no acute sensation — this is a slow, cumulative compound. Mild injection-site tenderness is the most you're likely to notice early on.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Subcutaneous injection preferred for systemic anti-ageing, organ regeneration and neurological research
Can be compounded to 0.1–1% for topical skin research (wound healing, elasticity, hair growth)

Important contraindications

If you've had cancer recently, or currently do, this one's best given a miss — like other tissue-repair peptides, it works partly by encouraging cell growth and new blood vessels.

SS-31 (Elamipretide)

Longevity

Clinical Data

A compound designed to protect the energy-producing part of cells (mitochondria) from damage — already an approved medicine for a rare genetic condition.Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant tetrapeptide, FDA-approved (2025) for Barth syndrome.

Key information

Concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane, binds cardiolipin, stabilises cristae structure
→ Works right inside the part of your cells that produces energy, which is why it's researched for conditions involving cellular energy failure.
Reduces electron leak and restores ATP synthesis in aged or metabolically stressed cells
→ Helps stressed or ageing cells produce energy more efficiently.
Research applications: cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion, chronic kidney disease, skeletal muscle dysfunction, retinal degeneration
→ The specific conditions this has real clinical trial data behind.

At a glance

Research Start

4mg daily

Clinical Dose

4–40mg daily

Frequency

Once daily

Duration

4–24 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks (convention)

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Generally unremarkable in the first day — mild injection-site redness (erythema) is the most commonly reported effect.

🧊 Storage — special rule: −20°C until reconstitution (not the usual 2–8°C). After reconstitution, stable 28 days at 2–8°C — do not refreeze

Key notes

Phase II/III trials used 4mg/day SC (PROGRESS-HF) up to 40mg/day SC (MMPOWER-3, Barth syndrome)
Conservative community protocols often start lower, but 4mg/day is the lowest validated clinical dose
Injection-site erythema is the most commonly reported effect; systemic tolerability has generally been favourable

MOTS-c

Longevity

Preclinical / Animal Data

A compound naturally produced inside your cells' energy-producing mitochondria, researched for its role in metabolism and exercise capacity.Mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA.

Key information

First peptide shown to translocate from cytoplasm to nucleus during metabolic stress, directly regulating gene expression
→ A genuinely novel discovery — this compound can travel into a cell's nucleus and directly switch genes on or off under stress.
Improves skeletal muscle glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity independently of insulin via AMPK activation (Cell Metabolism, 2015; 2019)
→ Helps muscles use blood sugar more efficiently, through a different pathway than insulin itself.
Circulating MOTS-c declines with age in human plasma
→ Natural levels of this drop as you get older, which is part of the rationale for researching it.
No published human clinical trial yet — all dosing is community convention from animal studies
→ Everything here is based on animal research and community practice, not human trials — the earliest-stage compound in this guide.

At a glance

Starting Dose

5mg weekly

Peak Dose

10mg weekly

Frequency

1–2× weekly

Duration

8 weeks

Cycle

4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Little acute sensation expected — most people notice nothing dramatic in the first day; any metabolic effect builds with consistent use.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Administer on training days for best results in metabolic research
Pre-clinical data shows improved insulin sensitivity, reduced adipogenesis and extended healthspan

Good to know

This is one of the newer, less-studied compounds here — human trials haven't caught up yet, so it's worth starting cautiously and paying attention to how your body responds.

NAD+

Longevity

Clinical Data

A molecule every cell in your body needs to produce energy and repair DNA — levels naturally fall with age.The essential coenzyme for cellular energy production, DNA repair and sirtuin activation.

Key information

Powers NADH→ATP via oxidative phosphorylation, DNA repair (PARP substrate), and SIRT1–7 longevity genes
→ Involved in three of the most fundamental processes in every cell: making energy, repairing DNA, and switching on genes linked to longevity.
Tissue NAD+ declines significantly with age — ~40–50% reduction in adipose tissue between ages 40 and 60
→ Levels drop substantially as you age, which is the main reason this is researched at all.
Oral NMN/NR are indirect precursors with lower bioavailability than direct NAD+ administration
→ Popular oral supplements (NMN, NR) are a weaker, indirect way to raise NAD+ compared to taking it directly.

At a glance

SC Starting Dose

50mg, 2–3× weekly

SC Peak Dose

100mg per session

IV Dose

250–500mg per session

Duration

4–12 weeks

Cycle

Cycle or ongoing

Route

Subcutaneous / IV

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

If injected SC, expect little sensation. If given IV, a fast push can cause flushing, chest tightness or nausea within minutes — going slowly avoids this almost entirely.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Subcutaneous injection is significantly better tolerated than IV
IV: start slow and titrate rate upward — standard safe practice begins at 25mg/hr
IV and SC have different pharmacokinetic profiles
"Cycle or ongoing" doesn't mean never stopping — many researchers cycle 8 weeks on, 4 weeks off for cost and receptor-sensitivity reasons, though no formal break is established

Good to know

If you're going the IV route, some people feel flushing, tightness in the chest, nausea or tingling — going slowly is the single biggest thing that helps avoid this.

Glutathione

Longevity

Clinical Data

One of the body's most important natural antioxidants, researched for its role in protecting cells and supporting detoxification.The body's master antioxidant — a tripeptide of glutamine, cysteine and glycine.

Key information

Neutralises reactive oxygen species, supports phase II liver detoxification, maintains immune cell function
→ Helps protect cells from damage, supports how your liver clears toxins, and keeps immune cells working properly.
Levels decline with age and oxidative stress
→ Natural levels fall as you get older or under physical stress.
Also researched for its role in skin pigmentation pathways
→ Some people research this for skin-brightening effects, alongside its antioxidant role.

At a glance

SC/IM Dose

600–1000mg per session

IV Push Dose

1000–2000mg per session

Frequency

1–3× weekly

Duration

4–12 weeks

Cycle

Cycle or ongoing

Route

Subcutaneous / IM / IV

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Generally well-tolerated — a mild metallic taste during injection is the most commonly reported sensation. If given IV, it should be pushed slowly.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule — also keep protected from light

Key notes

One of the mildest compounds on this page — generally very well-tolerated
IV should be pushed slowly; too fast is the main source of any reaction (mild flushing or a metallic taste)
SC/IM is significantly better tolerated than IV and avoids infusion-rate concerns entirely
"Cycle or ongoing" — this is one of the few compounds here often run continuously, but a 4-week break every 12 weeks is a common conservative approach

Good to know

If you have asthma and go the IV route, a slower infusion matters more for you than most. If your breathing feels tight or restricted, stop the infusion and give it a moment.

Metabolism

A small chapter covering two very different compounds — one gentle and metabolism-focused, one fast-acting and appetite-focused with the most noticeable first-dose reaction in this guide.

Compounds in this chapter

5-Amino-1MQ · MT2

5-Amino-1MQ

Metabolism

Preclinical / Animal Data

A compound that blocks a specific enzyme found mainly in fat tissue, researched for its role in metabolism and fat cell behaviour.Small-molecule inhibitor of NNMT, an enzyme highly expressed in adipose tissue.

Key information

Inhibiting NNMT promotes fat cell metabolism and raises intracellular NAD+ and SAM availability
→ Blocks a specific enzyme in fat cells, which in turn seems to boost two other important cellular resources.
Animal research (Small et al., 2021): preferential reduction of white adipose tissue with preservation of lean mass
→ In animal studies, this reduced fat specifically, without also burning away muscle.
Mechanistically synergistic with direct NAD+ supplementation
→ May work even better when combined with NAD+ research, since they affect related pathways.
No published human clinical trial yet
→ Everything here is based on animal research, not human trials.

At a glance

Starting Dose

2.5mg daily

Peak Dose

5mg once or twice daily

Frequency

Once or twice daily (SC)

Duration

4–8 weeks

Cycle

2–4 weeks

Route

Subcutaneous injection

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Little acute sensation expected in the first day — this is a slow-acting compound, and human data is still limited.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Reconstitute the 50mg vial with 2ml BAC water (25mg/ml)
2.5mg dose = draw 0.1ml (10 units); 5mg dose = draw 0.2ml (20 units) — one vial gives 10–20 doses. Unit markings are the same scale on any U-100 insulin syringe regardless of barrel size (0.3ml, 0.5ml or 1ml) — 10 units is always the first big line
Half-life ~4–7 hours — twice daily dosing gives more sustained NNMT inhibition

Good to know

Human data is still limited on this one — animal studies are reassuring so far, but it's worth starting at the bottom of the range and taking your time before increasing.

MT2 (Melanotan II)

Metabolism

Community Convention

A lab-made version of a natural hormone that affects both skin pigmentation and appetite — researched mainly for tanning and appetite effects.Synthetic α-MSH analogue studied for its activity at MC1R (pigmentation) and MC4R (appetite regulation).

Key information

Non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist, widely used in tanning research for its melanogenic effect
→ Activates a hormone pathway that darkens skin pigment, which is the main reason people research it.
No published human clinical trial exists — dosing below is community convention, not a validated schedule
→ There's no formal human trial behind this dosing — it comes entirely from community practice.

At a glance

Test Dose

0.1mg

Loading Dose

0.5mg daily

Maintenance

0.5–1mg, 2–3×/wk

Duration

Ongoing / seasonal

Cycle

None established*

Route

Subcutaneous

📈 Start low, go slow — first-time titration

0.1mg

Day 1

0.25mg

Days 2–7

0.5mg

Wk 2+ (loading)

0.5–1mg

2–3×/wk maintain

*For a standard 10mg vial + 2mL BAC water. Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members for other vial sizes.

📏 How to draw your MT2 dose

With a standard 10mg vial + 2mL BAC water, your concentration is 5mg/mL. 0.1mg test dose = 2 units (0.02mL). 0.25mg dose = 5 units (0.05mL). 0.5mg dose = 10 units (0.1mL). Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members for other vial sizes — 0.1mg is a much smaller amount than it looks, easy to confuse with 0.1mL if you're not used to the units.

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Expect a wave of nausea, and possibly a spontaneous erection, within 15–60 minutes of your first few doses — this is a well-known, expected reaction, not a sign anything is wrong. Taking it right before bed helps you sleep through the worst of it, and it typically fades within 1–2 weeks.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule — also keep protected from light

Key notes

Nausea is very common with the first few doses — often the most intense first-dose reaction on this page, which is why the day-1 test dose is worth respecting
Taking it at bedtime helps you sleep through the worst of it; nausea typically fades within 1–2 weeks
Spontaneous erections, facial flushing, and appetite suppression are also commonly reported — expected, MC4R-mediated effects, not a problem
*No formal cycle break is established for MT2 — if you're unsure, a 4-week break after 8 weeks of use is a reasonable, conservative approach

Good to know

This one can make existing moles darken or grow a little, since it stimulates the same pigment cells — a quick skin check every so often is a good habit, and it's worth pausing and getting anything that changes shape or colour looked at.

Important contraindications

If melanoma runs in your family, you've had it yourself, or you have moles that are already changing shape or colour, this one's best given a miss — it directly stimulates the pigment cells involved.

Cognitive

The final chapter — two nootropic peptides researched for opposite ends of the same spectrum: one for alertness and focus, one for calm. Not interchangeable, so pick based on what you're researching.

Compounds in this chapter

Semax · Selank

Semax

Cognitive

Community Convention

A lab-made nasal-spray compound researched for cognitive and neurological effects — an approved medicine in Russia and nearby countries, but not in the UK, US or EU.Synthetic ACTH(4-10) fragment analogue, approved intranasally in Russia/CIS — not FDA-approved.

Key information

Studied for neurotrophic signalling, BDNF expression, and cognitive pathway research
→ Researched for its effects on brain-cell growth and signalling — the biological basis for reported focus and alertness effects.
Short plasma half-life (~30 min), though effects are reported to outlast that via active metabolites
→ It clears the body quickly, but people report effects lasting longer than that — thought to be down to what it breaks down into.
No published human RCT for the injectable/research-use form specifically
→ The intranasal form has real-world use abroad, but this injectable research form hasn't been through a formal human trial.

At a glance

Starting Dose

100–200mcg

Common Range

300–600mcg daily

Frequency

Once or split 2–3×

Duration

10–20 days, cycled

Cycle

1–2 weeks (convention)

Route

Subcutaneous

📏 With a standard 10mg vial + 2mL BAC water: 100–200mcg is 2–4 units (0.02–0.04mL). Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members for other vial sizes.

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

You may notice increased mental alertness or focus within an hour or so. If you feel jittery, irritable, or get a headache, your dose is too high for you — drop back down.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

Start at the low end for your first few doses — some notice mild overstimulation (jitteriness, irritability, headache) at higher doses
Split the daily total across 2–3 doses to match its short half-life
Community convention favours short cycles (10–20 days) with a break — not trial-established, just widely repeated practice

Good to know

If you have a history of seizures or anxiety, it's worth being a bit more cautious with this one, since it's active in the brain and nervous system.

Selank

Cognitive

Community Convention

A lab-made compound related to a natural immune-signalling peptide, researched for anxiety-reducing effects — approved in Russia and nearby countries, but not in the UK, US or EU.Synthetic analogue of the immunomodulatory peptide tuftsin, an anxiolytic approved intranasally in Russia/CIS — not FDA-approved.

Key information

Studied for anxiolytic effects and neuroimmune pathway research
→ Researched mainly for calming, anxiety-reducing effects, and how the immune and nervous systems interact.
Often discussed alongside Semax for comparative research (calming vs. stimulating nootropic profiles) — the two are not interchangeable
→ The natural comparison is Semax, but they do opposite things — don't assume one can substitute for the other.
Short half-life; effects reported within 30–60 minutes
→ Clears the body quickly, and people typically report effects within an hour.

At a glance

Starting Dose

150–250mcg

Common Range

250–750mcg daily

Frequency

Once or split 2–3×

Duration

10–20 days, cycled

Cycle

1–2 weeks (convention)

Route

Subcutaneous

📏 With a standard 10mg vial + 2mL BAC water: 150–250mcg is 3–5 units (0.03–0.05mL). Use the calculator at novabiolabs.co.uk/members for other vial sizes.

⏱ What to expect — first 24hrs

Generally calming rather than stimulating — some people notice mild sedation, especially at the higher end of the dose range.

🧊 Storage: see the front-of-guide storage rule

Key notes

One of the better-tolerated compounds on this page — mild sedation is the most commonly reported effect at the higher end of the range
Split the daily total across 2–3 doses to match its short half-life

Good to know

There's no formal human trial behind this exact dosing — it's based on community experience rather than a clinical study.

Quick comparison

All 18 compounds side by side — for deciding before you dive into the detail above.

↔ Swipe sideways to see every column

Compound	Category	Starting dose	Frequency	Route	📋 Best to check with a professional if...
Tirzepatide	Weight Loss	2.5mg weekly	Once weekly	SC	You or a family member has had thyroid cancer, or you carry the MEN2 gene
Semaglutide	Weight Loss	0.25mg weekly	Once weekly	SC	You or a family member has had thyroid cancer, or you carry the MEN2 gene
Retatrutide	Weight Loss	2mg weekly	Once weekly	SC	You or a family member has had thyroid cancer, or you carry the MEN2 gene
BPC-157 + TB-500	Tissue Repair	250–500mcg / 2.5–5mg	Daily / 2×weekly	SC / IM	You've had cancer recently, or currently do
GLOW	Tissue Repair	2.8mg daily	Daily or EOD	SC	You've had cancer recently, or currently do
KLOW	Tissue Repair	~3.2mg daily	Daily or EOD	SC	You've had cancer recently, or currently do
CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin	Growth Hormone	100mcg each	2–3× daily	SC	You have an active cancer or diabetic eye disease
Tesamorelin	Growth Hormone	2mg daily	Once daily	SC	You have an active cancer or a pituitary condition
HGH (Somatropin)	Growth Hormone	1–2iu daily	Daily, or 5-on/2-off	SC	You have an active cancer, diabetic eye disease, or you're recovering from major surgery or a serious illness
GHK-Cu	Longevity	1–2mg daily	Once daily	SC / Topical	You've had cancer recently, or currently do
SS-31 ❄️	Longevity	4mg daily	Once daily	SC	None established
MOTS-c	Longevity	5mg weekly	1–2× weekly	SC	None established — no human data yet
NAD+	Longevity	50mg, 2–3×/wk	1–3× weekly	SC / IV	None established — go slow if IV
Glutathione	Longevity	600–1000mg/session	1–3× weekly	SC / IM / IV	You have asthma and are considering the IV route
5-Amino-1MQ	Metabolism	2.5mg daily	Once or twice daily	SC	None established — limited human data
MT2	Metabolism	0.1mg test dose	Daily	SC	You've had melanoma, or you have moles that are changing
Semax	Cognitive	100–200mcg	Once or split 2–3×	SC	Seizure or anxiety disorder history
Selank	Cognitive	150–250mcg	Once or split 2–3×	SC	None established — no human RCT

❄️ SS-31 storage: −20°C until reconstitution (not 2–8°C). After reconstitution, stable 28 days at 2–8°C — do not refreeze.

General safety & administration

Reference material — equipment, hygiene and technique that applies across every compound in this guide.

Equipment — what you'll need

Lyophilised peptide vial
Bacteriostatic water — not plain sterile water; the preservative allows 28-day storage once mixed
70% isopropyl alcohol swabs
Fresh, unopened U-100 insulin syringes
Sharps disposal container

Hygiene

Wash hands before handling any vial or syringe
Swab the vial stopper and the injection site with an alcohol swab
Let it air-dry a few seconds before injecting — wiping while still wet stings and reduces the antiseptic effect

Injection technique (SC)

Pinch a fold of skin — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm are common sites
Insert the needle at 45–90°, and inject slowly and steadily
Draw back slightly first if checking for a blood vessel; if blood appears, withdraw and choose a new site

Site rotation

Rotate injection sites daily/weekly rather than reusing the same spot every time
Repeated injection in one area can cause local irritation, lumps (lipohypertrophy), or scar tissue over time

Sharps disposal

Never reuse or share a needle
Dispose of used syringes in a proper sharps container, not household rubbish
Most pharmacies offer a sharps take-back service

Listening to your body

Facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash can be signs of a serious allergic reaction — this needs emergency medical help straight away (call 999 or go to A&E), not a wait-and-see
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever at an injection site can be a sign of infection — worth getting seen by a doctor promptly
Anything else that feels severe, unexpected, or doesn't settle — it's always worth pausing and checking in with a healthcare professional

Research use only — not medical advice. Every compound listed is sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, none for human or veterinary use. Dosage information is derived from published preclinical/clinical research or community convention where no trial exists, and is provided for reference — Nova Biolabs does not provide medical advice. This is a snapshot; check novabiolabs.co.uk/members for the current version.

This guide is a starting point, not the final word. Everyone's body and health history is different, so it's worth doing your own reading around the benefits and risks of any compound, watching video demonstrations of any technique that's new to you, and having a chat with a healthcare professional — before you start something new.

Complete PeptideResearch & Dosing Guide

Contents

Before you begin

Four beginner mistakes

Missed doses & storage

Reconstitution 101

Find your compound

The compounds

Compare compounds

Reconstitution walkthrough & FAQ

Appendix — safety & admin

Before you begin

Pick your goal

Start at the bottom

One at a time

Four beginner mistakes to avoid

Don't "eyeball" the dose

Don't inject into a vein

Don't mix peptides in one syringe, first time

Don't skip the test dose

What if I miss a dose? · Storage

Missed a dose?

Storage — applies to everything below

Reconstitution 101 — mixing your compound

What is it?

The golden rules

Work out your dose

When in doubt

Find your compound

Refer Friends.Earn Rewards.

Get Your Code

Share With Friends

Earn Automatically

Get Your Referral Code

You're in!

Start here — six terms you'll see on every page

Pick your goal

Start at the bottom

One at a time

🚫 Four beginner mistakes to avoid

❓ What if I miss a dose?

📦 Storage rule for every compound in this guide

🧪 Reconstitution 101 — mixing your compound

🤔 Not sure which one to pick within a category?

Weight Loss

Tissue Repair

Growth Hormone

Longevity

Metabolism

Cognitive

Quick comparison

General safety & administration

Equipment — what you'll need

Hygiene

Injection technique (SC)

Site rotation

Sharps disposal

Listening to your body

Complete Peptide
Research & Dosing Guide

Refer Friends.
Earn Rewards.