HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)
Gonadotropin glycoprotein hormone · heavily regulated
Overview
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is a heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone produced natively by the syncytiotrophoblast cells of the placenta during pregnancy. The molecule consists of a 92-amino-acid alpha-subunit (shared with FSH, LH, and TSH) non-covalently associated with a 145-amino-acid HCG-specific beta-subunit, both heavily glycosylated. HCG mimics LH activity at the LH/HCG receptor and is approved as a prescription drug for ovulation induction, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, and undescended testicles in pediatric patients. Bulk HCG is sourced either from purified pregnancy urine (the classical method) or from recombinant cell-culture expression, the two source types differ in glycan structure and require source-specific identity confirmation. Lyochem distributes HCG only to qualified buyers with appropriate licensing. The eight standard fill sizes span both IU-based (1000-10000 IU) and mass-based (1-10 mg) presentations to accommodate the dual conventions used in research and academic workflows. The release packet emphasizes biological activity (in IU per mg by bioassay) rather than chemical purity alone, because the heterodimer integrity and glycosylation pattern affect potency in ways that chromatographic purity does not capture.
Who buys this, and why
Other research peptides in this category — Melanotan-1, Melanotan-2, PT-141, ACE-031, Adipotide-FTTP, EPO, HCG, HMG — ship to research labs studying topics outside the GH / cognitive / immune / mitochondrial / repair / longevity / Khavinson clusters. Each peptide has its own analytical-packet emphasis (e.g. glycoprotein bioassay in IU/mg for HCG; cyclised-form confirmation for oxytocin) noted in the per-product CoA scope.
Primary buyer fit: research laboratories that have validated this peptide into their workflow and regional research-supplier partners and university-block resellers.
Specifications
- CAS
- 9002-61-3
- Purity (HPLC)
- ≥ 99.0%
- Common vial sizes
- 1000 IU, 2000 IU, 5000 IU, 10000 IU, 1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg
- MOQ
- On request
- Lead time
- 21–45 days
- Storage
- -20°C, protect from light
Documentation available on request
- Lot-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA)
- RP-HPLC chromatogram with peak integration
- ESI-MS identity confirmation (±0.5 Da)
- Sequence verification by LC-MS/MS
- Water content by Karl Fischer
- SDS / MSDS
- Counter-ion analysis (where applicable)
- Solubility / reconstitution guidance
- Bacterial endotoxin (LAL) on request — in vivo workflows
Regulatory note
Highly regulated heterodimeric glycoprotein hormone. Sold only to qualified buyers with appropriate licensing in their jurisdiction. Order requires compliance review.
Frequently asked questions
Why does HCG have IU and mg dosing units, and how do they convert?▾
HCG is dosed in International Units (IU) for clinical applications because the biological activity of glycoprotein hormones depends on glycosylation pattern as much as protein mass, the same mass of HCG from different sources can have different biological activity, so the IU bioassay-based unit is the operational standard for clinical dosing. The conventional conversion factor for recombinant HCG is approximately 1 mg = 6000 IU, though batch-specific bioassay verification is the operative number on the COA. Both unit conventions are supplied (IU-based fills for clinical workflows; mg-based fills for research workflows that prefer mass-based dosing) to accommodate the dual conventions used in the market.
What's the difference between urinary-derived HCG and recombinant HCG?▾
Urinary HCG (uHCG) is purified from the urine of pregnant women, the historical source of HCG since the 1930s. Recombinant HCG (rHCG) is produced by recombinant cell-culture expression. Both have the same protein backbone but differ in glycosylation pattern: uHCG is more heavily glycosylated (the kidneys preferentially excrete the more-glycosylated isoforms during pregnancy), while rHCG has a more uniform glycan profile from controlled cell-culture conditions. The clinical pharmacokinetics differ, uHCG has slightly longer plasma half-life due to the heavier glycosylation. Both forms are approved as prescription drugs in major markets; the choice between them depends on the specific clinical protocol and supply availability.
What are the typical clinical indications and dosing ranges for HCG in approved use?▾
HCG is approved for several distinct clinical indications with substantially different dosing protocols. **Ovulation induction**: 5,000-10,000 IU IM single-dose to trigger follicular rupture after FSH/HMG priming. **Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males**: 1,000-4,000 IU IM 2-3× weekly to stimulate testicular testosterone production. **Cryptorchidism (undescended testicles)**: 500-4,000 IU IM 2-3× weekly for 2-6 weeks in pediatric patients. **Assisted reproductive technology**: variable protocols depending on the specific cycle. The 1,000 IU, 2,000 IU, 5,000 IU, and 10,000 IU fill sizes in our catalog cover these various clinical dose ranges. The mass-based fills (1-10 mg) target research and compounding workflows where the IU-based clinical convention isn't operationally needed.
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