Choosing A CRO Partner For Peptide Projects

Not every CRO handles peptides well. Some excel at small molecules but outsource peptide work to third parties without telling you. Here's how to evaluate.

Direct Synthesis Capability

Ask whether they synthesize in-house or subcontract. Subcontracting adds time, cost, and communication gaps. Direct manufacturing partners give you faster issue resolution.

Modification Breadth

If your project may need PEGylation, biotinylation, or fluorescent labeling down the road, confirm they handle these in-house. Switching suppliers mid-program is painful.

Project Management

Dedicated project managers who understand peptide chemistry make a difference. You want someone who can tell you "this sequence will be difficult because of the Val-Val-Ile stretch" — not just "we'll try."

IP Protection

Verify their confidentiality policies. Your sequences should never appear in their catalog or get shared with other clients. Written NDAs are standard — make sure they're actually enforced.