Where university labs buy peptides: catalog, custom synthesis and research-supplier routes compared

Three routes, three kinds of paperwork

University labs typically buy peptides through one of three routes: a catalog product from a reagent manufacturer, a custom synthesis order, or an online research-peptide supplier. The route decides what documentation you receive, how procurement can pay, and how confidently you can describe the material in a methods section. This page compares the routes using each provider's own pages, checked on 30 October 2026. It does not rank suppliers.

Catalog products: Cayman and Bachem

Cayman's Substance P (trifluoroacetate salt) page states a purity of at least 95%, describes the product as a lyophilised powder stored at minus 20 °C, offers a safety data sheet, lets you enter batch numbers to download or request available product inserts and QC documents, and warns that the product is not for human or veterinary use. [1] Its order terms give net 30 days, ask that confirming purchase orders be clearly marked, and say an analytical report is provided on request; customers outside the US and Canada are directed to local distributors. [2]

Bachem says data on its analytical data sheet were determined for the actual batch, retrievable with the product and lot numbers on the label or invoice. [3] [4] It accepts wire transfers or purchase orders with net payment terms, does not accept credit cards, and says stocked pack sizes may ship within 1 business day, or usually 3 to 5 business days if material must be dispensed. It publishes quantity discounts of 5% for two vials of the same product and size, 10% for 3 to 5 and 15% for 6 to 9. [3]

Custom synthesis: GenScript as an example

Custom synthesis fits sequences that no catalog carries, or modifications you specify. GenScript lists a regular service with a starting turnaround of 10 business days and purity options from crude to at least 98%, and a TurboTIDE express service at at least 95% purity, guaranteed at 5 business days for 4 to 15 amino acids and 7 for 16 to 25, excluding shipping, and an FAQ that puts typical turnaround at about 2 to 3 weeks depending on length and complexity. It says peptides ship as lyophilised powder by default and labels include name, quantity, purity and lot number. [5] Its quality page says it provides CoA, MS and HPLC data for each peptide, downloadable from your account. [6] Orders start from an online quote form, email or phone. [5]

Online research-peptide suppliers

Research storefronts sell catalog-style items at fixed prices with online checkout. Their institutional processes are thinner. Peptides EU says institutions should contact its team with institution details for purchase orders or bulk orders, and that it publishes selected independent certificates from Janoshik Analytical. [7] Evolve says each vial is linked to its batch's certificates from independent labs, that wholesale orders over 15 vials are handled by email, and that it currently serves only the United States. [8] Neither page describes net payment terms. If you use this route, get the lot-specific certificate before the order ships and plan an independent identity check for anything you intend to publish.

The routes side by side

Lead times are as each provider published them on 30 October 2026 and exclude shipping unless stated.

Choosing a route for your project

Work through these questions in order; the first yes usually decides the route.

• Will results be published or submitted to a funder? Prefer a catalog or custom route whose lot data you can cite; our methods-section guide lists what to report.
• Does a catalog product with your exact sequence and salt form exist? If yes, compare its price per milligram with a custom quote.
• Is the sequence novel or modified? Request custom synthesis quotes and specify the purity and analyses you need.
• Does procurement require a PO with net terms? Bachem and Cayman publish them; confirm any other supplier in writing. [2] [3]
• Is the work exploratory only? A research storefront may be acceptable once its lot certificate and terms are on file and you have budgeted independent testing.
• Is any clinical or human use involved? None of these research routes is appropriate; see our research-grade versus GMP guide.