Research Use Only is the regulatory designation applied to compounds sold for in vitro scientific research and not for use in humans or animals.
RUO products are not approved by the FDA for human consumption, therapeutic use, or clinical application. They are not approved for veterinary use. They cannot be used in research involving human subjects without separate authorization, such as an approved IND or IRB protocol.
A "Research Use Only" label is a designation of intended use — not a legal safe harbor. FDA enforcement against the research chemicals sector explicitly targets misuse of the RUO designation as cover for distribution to non-research buyers.
One of two buyer categories at US Peptide Clinic. Research institutions — universities, contract research organizations, independent laboratories, and private R&D facilities — purchase compounds under the RUO designation for in vitro work by qualified scientific personnel in appropriately equipped laboratory facilities. Full obligations are set out in our disclaimer.