KLOW Protocol
The KLOW (Key Low-Weight) protocol is designed for peptides that are sensitive to degradation or have a narrow therapeutic window. It involves several key steps:
- Selection of Peptide Concentration
- Start with a conservative dose, typically 10% above MEC, and adjust based on observed biological activity.
- Dilution and Storage Conditions
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles; aliquot into single-use volumes when possible.
- Administration Schedule
- Administer the peptide twice daily with at least a 12-hour interval to maintain plasma levels within the therapeutic range.
- Monitoring and Adjustment
- If biomarker values fall below the desired threshold, increase the dose by no more than 20% per adjustment cycle.
- Safety Checks
- Document any adverse reactions and correlate them with dosage changes.
Peptide Reconstitution Calculator
A reliable calculator is essential for accurately determining peptide weight, volume of solvent, and final concentration. The steps below outline a typical calculation:
- Determine Desired Final Concentration (Cfinal)
- Calculate Total Moles Required
moles = 5×10⁻⁶ mol/L × 0.0002 L = 1×10⁻⁹ mol
- Convert to Mass Using Peptide Molecular Weight (MW)
For a peptide with MW 1500 g/mol:
mass = 1×10⁻⁹ mol × 1500 g/mol = 1.5 mg
- Adjust for Solvent Volume
- Verify pH and Osmolality
- Measure osmolality with an osmometer; typical therapeutic solutions range between 280–310 mOsm/kg.
Quick Reference
| Peptide Type | Typical Dose Range (µg/kg) | Frequency | Administration Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small peptide | 0.1 – 5 | Once daily | Subcutaneous |
| Medium peptide | 5 – 20 | Twice daily | Intravenous |
| Large peptide | 20 – 100 | Every 48 hrs | Subcutaneous |
| Peptide with short half-life | 50 – 200 | Every 12 hrs | Intramuscular |
Dosage Conversion Table (µg/kg to mg/mL for common volumes)
- 1 µg/kg in a 10 mL IV bag: 0.1 mg/mL
- 5 µg/kg in a 20 mL IV bag: 0.5 mg/mL
- 10 µg/kg in a 50 mL IV bag: 1.0 mg/mL
- Start at the lowest effective dose (LED) and titrate upward.
- Maintain a safety margin of at least 2× LED before any increase.
- Monitor for injection site reactions, hypersensitivity, or changes in vital signs.
The KPV dosage strategy hinges on precise calculations, adherence to the KLOW protocol, and continuous monitoring. By using the Peptide Reconstitution Calculator and referring to the quick reference tables, researchers can reliably prepare peptide solutions that deliver consistent therapeutic effects while minimizing risk.