Peptide Glossary

Peptide

A short chain of amino acids (typically 2-50) linked by peptide bonds. Peptides are smaller than proteins and can be synthesised for research and therapeutic use. In Australia, most injectable peptides are classified as Schedule 4 (Prescription Only) medicines.

Schedule 4 (S4)

A classification under Australia's Poisons Standard (SUSMP) for Prescription Only medicines. Schedule 4 substances require a valid prescription from an AHPRA-registered medical practitioner. Most peptides used in clinical settings fall under this schedule.

Schedule 9 (S9)

A classification under Australia's Poisons Standard for Prohibited Substances. Schedule 9 substances cannot be legally manufactured, possessed, sold, or used except for approved research. Melanotan II was reclassified to S9 in 2024.

TGA

The Therapeutic Goods Administration. Australia's regulatory body for therapeutic goods including medicines, medical devices, and biologicals. The TGA assesses and monitors products to ensure they meet acceptable standards of quality, safety, and efficacy.

AHPRA

The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. The national organisation responsible for registering and regulating health practitioners across Australia. Only AHPRA-registered medical practitioners can prescribe Schedule 4 peptides.

Compounding Pharmacy

A pharmacy licensed to prepare customised medications, including peptides, based on a prescriber's specific instructions. In Australia, compounding pharmacies must hold a TGA licence and prepare peptides to Pharmaceutical Grade standards. This is the regulated pathway for obtaining prescription peptides.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A document issued by a laboratory confirming the identity, purity, and potency of a substance. COAs typically include HPLC results and mass spectrometry data. In the grey market, the presence or absence of COAs is one publicly observable quality signal.

HPLC

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. An analytical technique used to separate, identify, and quantify components in a mixture. HPLC testing is the standard method for verifying peptide purity and is referenced in Certificates of Analysis.

Reconstitution

The process of dissolving a lyophilised (freeze-dried) peptide powder using bacteriostatic water or sterile water to create an injectable solution. Reconstitution is a mathematical process involving vial size, desired concentration, and syringe units.

Bacteriostatic Water

Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Used to reconstitute lyophilised peptides. The preservative allows the reconstituted solution to be used over multiple doses, unlike sterile water which should be used in a single session.

Lyophilised

Freeze-dried. A preservation process that removes water from a substance while maintaining its molecular structure. Most peptides are supplied as lyophilised powder in sealed vials and require reconstitution before use.

Research Chemical

A label commonly used by grey market suppliers to sell peptides outside the TGA regulatory framework. Products labelled 'for research use only' or 'not for human consumption' are not subject to TGA quality controls and have no regulatory oversight on purity or potency.

ARTG

The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. A public database of therapeutic goods that can be legally supplied in Australia. Products on the ARTG have been evaluated by the TGA for quality, safety, and efficacy. Most compounded peptides are not individually ARTG-listed but are prepared under TGA-licensed pharmacy exemptions.

Poisons Standard (SUSMP)

The Standard for the Uniform Scheduling of Medicines and Poisons. An Australian legislative instrument that classifies substances into schedules (S2 through S9) based on their risk profile. The SUSMP determines whether a peptide requires a prescription, is available over the counter, or is prohibited.

Personal Importation Scheme

A TGA provision allowing individuals to import therapeutic goods for personal use that are not available in Australia, subject to strict conditions. The scheme has quantity limits, requires the goods to be for the importer's own use, and does not apply to Schedule 9 substances. Import enforcement was tightened in February 2026.