What is the difference between GLP, GMP and ISO/IEC 17025?
GLP (good laboratory practice) governs how non-clinical safety studies are planned, run and recorded. GMP (good manufacturing practice) governs how medicines and active substances are made and released. ISO/IEC 17025 sets competence requirements for testing and calibration labs. A research peptide CoA usually comes from a lab working under ISO/IEC 17025 or none of these.
How do the three frameworks compare?
| GLP | GMP | ISO/IEC 17025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applies to | Non-clinical safety studies | Manufacture of medicines/APIs | Testing and calibration labs |
| Key focus | Study integrity and reconstruction | Product quality and consistency | Technical competence and valid results |
| UK oversight | MHRA GLP Monitoring Authority | MHRA inspections | UKAS accreditation |
| Typical document | Study report | Batch record, CoA, release | Test report with scope reference |
Source: GOV.UK (MHRA): Good laboratory practice (GLP) for safety tests on chemicals; ICH Q7 Good manufacturing practice for active pharmaceutical ingredients; ISO/IEC 17025:2017 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
Where did GLP come from?
GLP principles were harmonised internationally through the OECD so that safety data from one country would be accepted in others; early papers describe that implementation policy.
Which one applies to research peptides?
- Research peptides are not medicines, so GMP release does not apply.
- GLP applies only if the peptide is a test item in a regulated safety study, and then the study, not the supplier, is under GLP.
- ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation of the testing lab, for the specific method, is the most relevant assurance for a CoA.
How does Sable document lots?
There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.
Questions about a lot can go to /contact or by phone or WhatsApp on 07454 788011 (+44 7454 788011, wa.me/447454788011).
Frequently asked questions
Is ISO/IEC 17025 the same as GMP?
No. ISO/IEC 17025 covers testing-lab competence; GMP covers manufacture and release of medicines.
Who oversees GLP in the UK?
The MHRA's GLP Monitoring Authority.
Do research peptides need GMP?
No; they are not medicines. Lab testing competence (ISO/IEC 17025) is the more relevant standard.
Related
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- GLP = non-clinical safety studies; GMP = manufacture; ISO/IEC 17025 = lab competence
- UK: MHRA (GLP, GMP); UKAS (17025)
- References: GOV.UK GLP; ICH Q7; ISO/IEC 17025; PubMed 7762932
- Updated 2026-10-16