- today
In the field of research peptides, a recurring question continues to concern many customers, researchers, and laboratory professionals:
“Is it necessary to keep peptides refrigerated during transport? And do they degrade if they are not?”
This concern is often based on commonly held assumptions that are not always supported by relevant data. In this article, we examine scientifically grounded information, results from laboratory studies, and the reasons why this myth continues to persist.
Real Laboratory Study: BPC-157 and Accelerated Stability
A significant source of information is an accelerated stability study conducted by the independent analytical laboratory Liquilabs. The subject of the investigation was the research peptide BPC-157 in its lyophilized powder form. The study was designed to simulate extreme conditions that may occur during transport, including temperature fluctuations and elevated humidity.
The study conditions were as follows:
- temperature of 40 °C,
- relative humidity of 75%,
- continuous exposure for 28 days,
- peptides stored in original, hermetically sealed glass vials.
These testing conditions are highly demanding and far exceed the typical conditions encountered during standard courier shipping.
Results That May Surprise You
Even after four weeks of exposure to extreme heat and humidity, the results were remarkably positive:
- The active substance content remained within the fully acceptable range of 90–110%, in accordance with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia.
- Peptide purity decreased only slightly—from approximately 98% to around 96%. This decline was neither sudden nor dramatic, but gradual, which is fully acceptable from the perspective of chemical stability.
- The visual and physical properties of the peptide after reconstitution remained unchanged—no alteration in color, clarity, or solubility was observed.
- All samples met the criteria of stability analysis.
These findings clearly demonstrate that high-quality lyophilized peptides can maintain their stability even when repeatedly exposed to temperatures significantly exceeding those encountered within the logistics chain.
Important clarification:
When the study states that the change in purity did not exceed 5%, it does not indicate a sudden or dramatic degradation.
Purity decreased only slightly over the 28-day period (from approximately 98% to ~96%), which is fully within acceptable limits and expected under prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures.
BPC157_08_2025_Stability Study
Why Is Refrigeration Still Considered Necessary?
This myth has several underlying causes:
- Confusion between lyophilized powders and solutions. Solutions are unstable and require refrigeration, whereas lyophilized powder (freeze-dried form) is significantly more stable.
- Lack of awareness of the difference between logistics transport and pharmaceutical storage. Long-term storage in pharmaceutical facilities over months or years is fundamentally different from short-term transport lasting a few days.
- Misleading claims spread without verification. Many concerns circulate within the community without support from verified data, often due to insufficient education on the topic.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
For customers ordering research peptides in lyophilized form, these data provide key insights:
- Lyophilized peptides are stable at room temperature. When properly packaged (e.g., in sealed glass vials), they can withstand short-term temperature fluctuations without signs of degradation.
- Standard shipping without refrigeration does not pose a risk. Products shipped via courier services, especially within the European Union, are exposed to far milder conditions than those simulated in the study.
- Refrigeration is primarily relevant for long-term storage. For storage over months to years, it is advisable to keep peptides at −20 °C. In contrast, transport lasting several days mainly requires protection from direct sunlight.
How Does Particle Peptides Address This?
Particle Peptides supplies all peptides in the form of lyophilized powder, which is highly stable. Products are stored under controlled temperature conditions, and each batch is tested by independent laboratories for:
- purity,
- identity confirmation,
- peptide content,
- endotoxin levels,
- heavy metals (Class 1 and 2),
- microbial contamination (TAMC and TYMC).
All limits comply with the standards of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).
Conclusion
Based on real laboratory data and studies, it can be confidently stated that high-quality lyophilized peptides do not degrade during transport without refrigeration. Many concerns in this area are the result of myths not supported by scientific evidence.
Trust in science, high-quality manufacturing, and transparent analytical testing should form the foundation of decision-making for every responsible researcher. These are precisely the values that Particle Peptides consistently upholds.
References / Links
- BPC157_08_2025_Stability Study
