Core terms
Peptide: a chain of amino acids connected by peptide bonds. The number, sequence, modifications, and structure influence synthesis and purification strategy.
SPPS: solid-phase peptide synthesis, a common approach in which the growing chain is assembled on a resin. LPPS: liquid-phase peptide synthesis, often used for fragments or particular process strategies.
API: active pharmaceutical ingredient. The regulatory meaning and documentation requirements depend on the intended medicinal product and jurisdiction.
CDMO: contract development and manufacturing organization. The scope can include process development, analytical development, scale-up, clinical supply, or commercial manufacturing.
Quality and analytical terms
HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography, often used to separate and measure components. LC-MS: liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, commonly used for identity and impurity investigation. COA: certificate of analysis, which should identify the tested material, method, result, and specification.
GMP: good manufacturing practice. A certificate or claim should be tied to a defined entity, facility, scope, and current document rather than treated as a universal product guarantee.
Commercial terms
Custom synthesis: manufacturing or development performed to a customer's specification. Research peptide: a product marketed for laboratory research; research-use language does not establish human-use suitability. Technology transfer: the documented movement of process knowledge, methods, and controls between teams or sites.