Protocol Library
Peptide Research
Protocol Library
Complete, evidence-referenced research protocols for every major peptide goal. Each protocol includes compound selection rationale, week-by-week dosing schedules, injection timing, expected research outcomes, and off-cycle considerations.
GH Pulse Protocol — Beginner
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Weeks 1–2
Start at 100 mcg each compound to assess individual response. Inject 30 minutes before sleep on an empty stomach (3+ hours post-meal). Do not eat for 30 minutes post-injection.
Weeks 3–8
Increase to 150–200 mcg each if tolerating well. Maintain fasted injection window. Monitor for water retention, tingling in extremities, and sleep quality improvement.
Weeks 9–12
Continue at established dose. Begin planning 4-week off-cycle to allow pituitary receptor recovery. Note: Sermorelin's pulsatile release mimics natural GHRH, reducing desensitization risk.
Off-Cycle (4 weeks)
No GHRH/GHRP compounds. Monitor IGF-1 levels if bloodwork is part of your research protocol. Allow pituitary receptors to recover before restarting.
Research Notes
- Always inject in a fasted state — insulin blunts GH release
- Pre-sleep timing aligns with natural GH pulse (released in slow-wave sleep)
- Combining GHRH (Sermorelin) + GHRP (Ipamorelin) is synergistic — amplified pulse vs either alone
- Water retention in first 2 weeks is normal as IGF-1 rises
- No cortisol or prolactin elevation expected with Ipamorelin — it is GHSR-1a selective
Expected Outcomes
- Improved sleep quality (deeper slow-wave sleep) — weeks 1–3
- Enhanced recovery and reduced DOMS — weeks 3–6
- Visible body composition changes (lean mass / reduced fat) — weeks 6–12
- Improved skin texture and collagen tone — weeks 8–12
Wolverine Recovery Protocol
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Weeks 1–2 (Loading)
BPC-157: 500 mcg daily, injected closest to injury site if accessible. TB-500: 2.5 mg twice per week (Monday + Thursday). GHK-Cu: 1 mg daily evening injection. This loading phase maximizes peptide availability in damaged tissue.
Weeks 3–8 (Maintenance)
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg daily. TB-500: 2 mg twice weekly. GHK-Cu: 1–2 mg 3×/week. Tissue remodeling occurs during this phase — avoid aggressive training on injured area but maintain light movement for circulation.
Weeks 9–12 (Consolidation)
BPC-157: 250 mcg daily or every other day. TB-500: 2 mg once per week. GHK-Cu: 1 mg 3×/week. Gradually reintroduce loading to healed tissue. Assess pain response and functional range of motion.
Research Notes
- Local injection near injury site for BPC-157 has stronger evidence than systemic for tendon/ligament repairs
- TB-500 distributes systemically regardless of injection site — any subcutaneous location is equivalent
- GHK-Cu adds collagen synthesis support and anti-inflammatory signaling
- BPC-157 oral tablets can substitute for subcutaneous for gut/intestinal injury research
- Evidence strongest for tendon, ligament, muscle, and gastrointestinal tissue
Expected Outcomes
- Reduced acute inflammation — days 3–7
- Improved tendon/ligament flexibility and reduced pain — weeks 2–4
- Structural tissue remodeling (collagen deposition) — weeks 4–8
- Near-complete functional recovery for moderate injuries — weeks 8–12
Metabolic Fat Loss Protocol
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Weeks 1–4 (2.5 mg Tirzepatide)
Begin Tirzepatide at 2.5 mg weekly. AOD9604 at 250 mcg daily, fasted morning. Primary goal: GI adaptation to GLP-1 receptor agonism. Expect nausea reduction over 2–3 weeks. Eat small, protein-first meals.
Weeks 5–8 (5 mg Tirzepatide)
Titrate Tirzepatide to 5 mg if 2.5 mg tolerated well. AOD9604 can increase to 500 mcg if desired. This phase typically shows the steepest weight reduction. Ensure adequate protein (≥1.6 g/kg) to preserve lean mass.
Weeks 9–12 (7.5 mg Tirzepatide)
Titrate to 7.5 mg if appetite control insufficient at 5 mg. Many research subjects plateau here in appetite suppression. Continue AOD9604 daily for lipolysis support independent of GLP-1 pathway.
Weeks 13–16 (Maintenance)
Stabilize at most effective dose. AOD9604 can be reduced to 3–4× per week in maintenance. Begin planning transition to lower dose or cycling off.
Research Notes
- Tirzepatide acts via GIP + GLP-1 receptors — differentiated from pure GLP-1 agonists
- AOD9604 is a modified fragment of HGH (176–191) that acts on fat cell β-3 receptors without IGF-1 axis stimulation
- Protein intake is critical — GLP-1 agonists do not discriminate fat vs lean mass during caloric restriction
- GI side effects (nausea, constipation) peak in weeks 1–3 and typically resolve
- Weekly injection day should be consistent — do not vary by more than 1–2 days
Expected Outcomes
- Significant appetite reduction — weeks 1–3
- 4–8% body weight reduction — weeks 4–8
- 15–22% body weight reduction possible at 16 weeks with consistent protocol
- Improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity — weeks 6–12
Longevity & Telomere Protocol
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Days 1–5 (Initiation)
Epithalon 5 mg AM. MOTS-c 5 mg AM pre-exercise. GHK-Cu 1 mg PM. Thymosin Alpha-1 1 mg (Days 1, 3, 5). Begin at conservative doses to establish individual response before full-dose continuation.
Days 6–15 (Peak Phase)
Epithalon 10 mg AM. MOTS-c 10 mg AM. GHK-Cu 2 mg PM. Thymosin Alpha-1 1 mg EOD. This is the core longevity window — Vlad Khavinson's original protocols used 10 days of Epitalon; this extends to 15 active days.
Days 16–20 (Taper)
Epithalon 5 mg AM. MOTS-c 5 mg AM. GHK-Cu 1 mg PM. Thymosin Alpha-1 1 mg on Day 17 and Day 19. Taper reduces abrupt discontinuation effects and consolidates telomere signaling.
Off-Cycle (8–16 weeks)
No Epithalon or MOTS-c. GHK-Cu and Thymosin Alpha-1 can continue at reduced frequency (2–3×/week) during inter-cycle periods for maintenance. Repeat full cycle 2–4 times annually in research protocols.
Research Notes
- Epithalon was developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation — V. Khavinson's original work used 5 mg/day for 10 days
- MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDT) — upregulates AMPK and mitochondrial biogenesis
- Thymosin Alpha-1 modulates immune function — particularly NK cell and T-cell activity
- This stack addresses multiple hallmarks of aging: telomere attrition (Epithalon), mitochondrial dysfunction (MOTS-c), and immune senescence (Thymosin Alpha-1)
- Cycle frequency of 2–4×/year is based on Khavinson's longevity research protocols in elderly subjects
Expected Outcomes
- Improved sleep depth and melatonin regulation (Epithalon) — days 5–10
- Enhanced exercise capacity and mitochondrial efficiency (MOTS-c) — days 7–14
- Measurable NK cell activity increase (Thymosin Alpha-1) — weeks 2–4
- Skin elasticity and collagen improvement (GHK-Cu) — weeks 3–6
- Potential telomere length maintenance with repeated cycles — 6–12 month horizon
Nova Mind Cognitive Protocol
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Week 1 (Induction)
Semax 100 mcg AM intranasal. Selank 250 mcg PM intranasal. DSIP 100 mcg pre-sleep SC. Begin at minimum doses — Semax can produce transient stimulant-like effects in the first week. Do not take Semax within 6 hours of sleep.
Weeks 2–6 (Active Phase)
Semax 200–300 mcg AM. Selank 500 mcg as needed for anxiolysis or cognitive clarity. DSIP 100–200 mcg pre-sleep. This window represents peak BDNF upregulation and GABAergic rebalancing. Cognitive tasks, creative work, and learning benefit most during this phase.
Weeks 7–8 (Consolidation)
Reduce Semax to 100–200 mcg AM. Selank PRN (as needed). DSIP 100 mcg 3–4 nights per week. Consolidation phase embeds learned material and synaptic potentiation without continued stimulation.
Off-Cycle (4 weeks)
No Semax or Selank. DSIP can continue for sleep support. Allow BDNF receptor downregulation to normalize before restarting. Many research subjects report 'baseline reset' before the next cycle produces fresh benefits.
Research Notes
- Semax is an ACTH-derived heptapeptide that upregulates BDNF, NGF, and CNTF in the brain
- Selank is a tuftsin-based anxiolytic that modulates GABA and serotonin — not sedating at standard doses
- DSIP (Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide) is not a sedative — it entrains circadian delta wave sleep naturally
- Intranasal delivery bypasses blood-brain barrier issues — both Semax and Selank are formulated for nasal administration
- These peptides are studied in Russia/Eastern Europe — evidence base includes clinical trials, not just rodent studies
Expected Outcomes
- Improved focus and mental clarity — days 3–7 (Semax)
- Reduced anxiety and improved mood stability — days 5–10 (Selank)
- Deeper, more restorative sleep — weeks 1–3 (DSIP)
- Enhanced memory consolidation and learning retention — weeks 3–6
- Improved verbal fluency and creative cognition — weeks 4–8
Glow Protocol — Skin & Aesthetics
Compounds
Week-by-Week Schedule
Weeks 1–2 (Baseline + Loading)
GHK-Cu 1 mg PM daily. Epithalon 5 mg AM for 10 consecutive days (loading phase). Melanotan II starting at 0.1 mg EOD — increase slowly to assess melanogenesis response and GI tolerance. BPC-157 250 mcg AM.
Weeks 3–6 (Core Phase)
GHK-Cu 2 mg PM. Melanotan II 0.25–0.5 mg EOD or as desired. BPC-157 250 mcg daily. Epithalon paused until week 7 loading cycle. Maximum collagen synthesis window — this phase drives most of the skin texture and tone improvement.
Weeks 7–8 (Second Epithalon Cycle)
Run second 10-day Epithalon cycle (5 mg AM daily). Continue GHK-Cu 1 mg PM and Melanotan II at maintenance dose. BPC-157 can be reduced to EOD. This second cycle reinforces cellular longevity signals.
Weeks 9–12 (Maintenance)
GHK-Cu 1 mg PM, 4–5×/week. Melanotan II at minimal effective dose for desired tan maintenance. BPC-157 optional at 250 mcg 3×/week. Focus on sustaining gains established in core phase.
Research Notes
- GHK-Cu directly upregulates COL1A1, COL3A1, and COL7A1 — the primary structural collagens
- Melanotan II also has appetite-suppressive effects (MC4R agonism) — a secondary benefit in looksmaxxing protocols
- Topical GHK-Cu creams can supplement subcutaneous for facial skin targets
- Epithalon's sleep improvement effects (melatonin modulation) indirectly improve skin quality via overnight repair cycles
- BPC-157 reduces inflammation that degrades collagen and accelerates skin aging
Expected Outcomes
- Improved skin hydration and plumpness — weeks 2–4 (GHK-Cu)
- Progressive melanogenesis and tan development — weeks 2–6 (Melanotan II)
- Visible reduction in fine lines and improved elasticity — weeks 4–8 (GHK-Cu + Epithalon)
- Improved hair density and follicle health — weeks 6–12 (GHK-Cu)
- Overall skin texture and tone improvement — weeks 8–12
Reference Data
Peptide Half-Life & Dosing Frequency
Half-life determines dosing frequency and injection timing. Use this table when designing multi-peptide research protocols to avoid under- or over-dosing.
Half-life estimates based on published pharmacokinetic research. Values may vary by route of administration and individual metabolism.
Universal Guidelines
Protocol Design Principles
Core principles that apply across all peptide research protocols regardless of compound or goal.
Timing Windows Matter
GH-stimulating peptides (GHRP/GHRH) should be injected fasted — insulin directly suppresses GH release. Pre-sleep injection aligns with the body's largest natural GH pulse (slow-wave sleep). Metabolic peptides (GLP-1 class) are time-insensitive.
Cycle On/Off to Prevent Desensitization
Receptor downregulation occurs with continuous stimulation. GH secretagogues benefit from 4-week off-cycles every 12–16 weeks. Epithalon is already cycled by design (10–20 day intensive cycles). GLP-1 agonists don't require cycling for receptor reasons, but metabolic adaptation occurs.
Start Low and Titrate Up
All new peptide introductions should begin at 50–75% of target dose for weeks 1–2. This establishes individual pharmacodynamic response, identifies idiosyncratic sensitivities, and prevents unnecessary discomfort. Escalate only after confirming baseline tolerance.
Reconstitution Precision Is Non-Negotiable
Improper reconstitution — using wrong diluent, incorrect volume, or inadequate mixing — degrades peptide activity. Use bacteriostatic water (not sterile water) for multi-use vials. Calculate mcg-to-volume conversions before drawing. See our Reconstitution Guide for full protocol.
Store at Correct Temperature
Lyophilized (powder) peptides: refrigerate at 2–8°C or freeze at −20°C for long-term storage. After reconstitution: 2–8°C, use within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Never leave reconstituted peptides at room temperature for extended periods.
Stack Only When Mechanisms Are Complementary
Two GHRPs (e.g., GHRP-2 + Ipamorelin) compete at the same receptor — stacking is counterproductive. BPC-157 + TB-500 act on different tissue repair pathways — stacking is additive. Always map receptor targets before adding a second compound to a protocol.
Research Use Only
All protocols on this page are designed for educational and research purposes only. These compounds are not approved for human therapeutic use by the FDA or equivalent regulatory bodies. Dosing, timing, and cycle recommendations reflect published research literature and are not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before any research use.
Source Your Research Compounds
Phiogen — COA Verified, ≥99% Purity
Every compound listed in our protocols is available with third-party HPLC verification and complete certificate of analysis documentation.