Keel

Provider Education Modules

A sequenced curriculum for clinicians who counsel patients on peptides and GLP-1 therapy. Each module states its learning objectives up front and closes with a short self-graded knowledge check. Work through them in order or jump to the topic you need.

  1. Module 112 min read

    Peptide Pharmacology Fundamentals

    Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act mainly as receptor agonists rather than small-molecule enzyme inhibitors. Their clinical behavior is governed by pharmacodynamics at specific receptors, by pharmacokinetics that favor injection over oral delivery, and by an evidence base that ranges from randomized trials to in vitro work. Regulatory status varies widely across approved, compounded, and research-only agents.

    • Explain how peptides differ from small-molecule drugs in structure, target class, and typical route of administration.
    • Describe receptor signaling for common therapeutic peptides, including agonism at incretin and secretagogue receptors.
    • Calculate expected steady-state timing from a peptide's elimination half-life and dosing interval.
    • Identify where a given claim sits in the evidence hierarchy, from randomized controlled trials to animal and in vitro data.
    • Distinguish FDA-approved peptides from compounded and research-only agents and the regulatory implications of each.
  2. Module 211 min read

    Reconstitution and Sterile Handling

    Reconstitution converts a lyophilized peptide powder into an accurate, drawable solution by adding a measured volume of diluent. The core decisions are which diluent to use, how to maintain aseptic technique, and how to translate the resulting concentration into insulin-syringe units. Correct storage preserves potency, and clear counseling reduces dosing errors among patients who self-administer at home.

    • Explain why peptides are supplied lyophilized and how reconstitution restores a usable solution.
    • Compare bacteriostatic water and sterile water and identify when each diluent is appropriate.
    • Calculate the concentration of a reconstituted vial and convert a target dose into U-100 syringe units.
    • Describe aseptic technique steps that reduce contamination during reconstitution and withdrawal.
    • Identify storage and stability practices and key counseling points for patients who self-administer.
  3. Module 312 min read

    GLP-1 Titration in Practice

    GLP-1 titration escalates the dose in stepwise intervals, usually every four weeks, to build tolerability before reaching a therapeutic maintenance range. The published ladders for semaglutide and tirzepatide exist to blunt gastrointestinal adverse effects driven by rapid dose increases. This module reviews those labeled schedules, the physiologic rationale, practical GI management, and the conversion questions clinicians face with compounded vials.

    • Describe the labeled titration ladders for injectable semaglutide and tirzepatide and the interval between steps.
    • Explain the physiologic rationale for gradual dose escalation rather than starting at a maintenance dose.
    • Identify evidence-based strategies for managing gastrointestinal adverse effects during titration.
    • Calculate an equivalent volume-based dose when converting from a labeled pen strength to a compounded multi-dose vial.
    • Summarize how microdosing is discussed in patient communities and where it departs from labeled use.
  4. Module 411 min read

    Patient Selection and Monitoring

    Safe GLP-1 and peptide therapy begins with disciplined patient selection: screening for a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2, prior pancreatitis, and pregnancy, then establishing a baseline workup before initiation. Ongoing monitoring tracks response and adverse effects, while self-sourced or research compounds introduce distinct red flags. This module reviews contraindications, monitoring, documentation, and the boundaries of clinician counseling.

    • Identify the labeled contraindications and cautions for GLP-1 receptor agonists, including MTC/MEN2, pancreatitis, and pregnancy.
    • Describe an appropriate baseline workup before initiating therapy.
    • Explain the components of ongoing monitoring during GLP-1 and peptide use.
    • Recognize red flags specific to self-sourced and research-grade compounds.
    • Summarize documentation practices and the boundaries of clinician counseling for off-label and investigational products.