QA-20Updated 2026-05-19
What is the difference between peptides and SARMs?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that bind peptide-specific receptors. SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators) are non-peptide small molecules that bind the androgen receptor. The two are structurally and mechanistically unrelated.
Peptides and SARMs are often grouped together because both are sold for laboratory research and both fall outside the conventional small-molecule-drug category in casual discussion. Mechanistically and structurally, however, they are unrelated.
Peptides
- Short chains of amino acids (2–50 residues).
- Bind peptide receptors — GHRH receptors, ghrelin receptors, melanocortin receptors, GLP-1 receptors, and many others.
- Highly target-specific, which is the core scientific value of using one as a research probe.
SARMs
- Non-peptide small molecules synthesized to bind the androgen receptor selectively.
- Designed as research tools for studying androgen-receptor biology with tissue selectivity.
- Structurally have nothing in common with peptides.
ADAM Molecular Research supplies peptides and related molecular compounds, organized by biological pathway. We do not supply SARMs. Both classes are sold elsewhere under the RUO framework and have no FDA-approved human use.