Buyer guidance
Peptide Nomenclature Explained: Fragments, Analogs, and Modified Forms
What research-peptide names actually mean — fragments, analogs, DAC and acetate forms, and why the naming tells you about a compound's structure and stability.
Research-peptide names can look like code: "ACTH(4–10)", "DAC", "acetate", "beta-4 fragment". Each element describes something about a molecule's structure or preparation. All compounds referenced are for laboratory research use only and not for human or veterinary use.
Fragments
Many research peptides are fragments — a defined stretch of a larger parent molecule. "ACTH(4–10)", the basis of Semax, denotes amino acids 4 through 10 of adrenocorticotropic hormone. TB-500 corresponds to an active region of thymosin beta-4.
Analogs
An analog is a modified version of a natural molecule, altered for a research-relevant property such as stability. CJC-1295 is an analogue of growth-hormone-releasing hormone; Selank and Semax are analogs of endogenous peptides modified for stability.
Modifications: DAC, acetate, and salts
"DAC" (Drug Affinity Complex) on CJC-1295 denotes a modification that extends the molecule's circulating half-life in research models by binding serum albumin. "Acetate" and similar suffixes indicate the salt form a peptide is supplied in — a preparation detail that affects handling and solubility, not the peptide's identity.
Why the naming matters
Names encode structure, and structure is what a CAS number pins down. Reading them alongside the identity data — see CAS numbers, batch IDs, and HPLC purity — lets you confirm two records refer to the same compound. Terms are defined in the glossary.
Research use
This guidance is general information for laboratory research contexts. The product record is the source of truth; if something you need isn't visible, use the contact form.
Keep moving
Use Guides for the broader documentation model, Research Notes for catalog-adjacent commentary, and the catalog when you need the live product record or current ordering status.
Related reading
Published East Coast Labs notes stay connected to the storefront.
These notes stay reachable from Guides and Research Notes so updates, support pages, and catalog interpretation remain part of one public reading layer.
Research notes
Endogenous Peptides and Their Synthetic Analogs in Research
How many research peptides derive from naturally occurring molecules — mapping synthetic analogs and fragments like Semax, Selank, TB-500, and CJC-1295 to their parents.
Research notes
Melanocortin-System Research Peptides: KPV in Context
A factual look at KPV, a melanocortin-derived tripeptide, and how melanocortin-system peptides are studied in inflammation and receptor-pharmacology research.
Research notes
Growth-Hormone-Axis Research Peptides: GHRH Analogs and Secretagogues
An overview of research peptides studied on the growth-hormone/somatotropic axis — GHRH analogs, ghrelin-receptor secretagogues, and recombinant HGH as a reference protein.