Vendor Evaluation Framework
Quick answer
Vendor Evaluation Framework: Evidence is reviewed as a Medriva hub utility resource. The practical takeaway is to separate what is supported by human evidence from what is still theoretical, commercial, or regulatory-dependent. Evidence grade: n/a. Readers should use this page to frame a clinician conversation, not to self-prescribe, source, dose, or combine peptides.
For current regulatory movement, shortage status, warning letters, and compounding policy, check the Peptide Tracker before relying on older summaries.
A neutral methodology for evaluating compounding pharmacies and research-use-only peptide vendors. We do not publish a vendor scorecard in v1. We publish the framework and link out to public COA databases.
What this page is
A neutral methodology for evaluating compounding pharmacies and research-use-only peptide vendors. We do not publish a vendor scorecard in v1. We publish the framework and link out to public COA databases.
What you'll find here
What this is
A neutral, evidence-based methodology for evaluating compounding pharmacies and research-use-only peptide vendors. We do not publish a vendor scorecard in v1. We publish the framework and link out to public Certificate-of-Analysis (COA) databases.
Why no scorecard
A vendor scorecard invites legal exposure (defamation, tortious interference) and creates perverse incentives (vendors paying for placement, vendors gaming the criteria). The framework is more durable: it teaches the reader to evaluate any vendor themselves.
Framework
1. Regulatory status
- FDA-registered outsourcing facility (503B)? Verify at the FDA's registered outsourcing facility list.
- 503A compounding pharmacy? Verify state board of pharmacy licensure.
- RUO vendor? Verify that the product is labeled "for research use only" and not marketed for human use.
2. Certificate of Analysis (COA)
- See our COA explainer.
- Verify HPLC purity ≥ 98%.
- Verify mass-spec identity matches the expected sequence.
- Verify endotoxin below USP limit.
- Verify sterility (where applicable).
3. Third-party testing
- Verify that the COA is from a third-party lab (not the vendor's own lab).
- See our third-party lab list.
4. Business practices
- Clear labeling (concentration, volume, lot number, expiration).
- Lot-traceable.
- Documented chain of custody.
- Responsive to adverse-event reports.
5. Marketing
- Does the vendor make off-label or efficacy claims? (Red flag.)
- Does the vendor market RUO product for human use? (Illegal.)
- Does the vendor disclose all relevant risks?
What to look for, what to reject
- Look for: clean COA, third-party testing, regulatory status disclosed, transparent business practices.
- Reject: no COA, vendor's own lab testing, marketing RUO for human use, no lot traceability, unverifiable claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Medriva recommend a specific vendor?
No. We do not endorse specific vendors. Use the framework above.
What if a vendor doesn't provide a COA?
Reject. A vendor who won't provide a COA is selling product that hasn't been independently verified.
Related pages
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Disclaimer: For informational and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Medriva does not sell peptides and does not endorse specific vendors.
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Disclaimer: For informational and educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician. Medriva does not sell peptides.
