Definition
A label stating a product is supplied for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Research Use Only is a labelling statement with a formal origin in US in vitro diagnostic regulations, 21 CFR 809.10(c), and is applied broadly to reagents and chemicals, including synthetic peptides. It states that the product is supplied for laboratory research, has not been evaluated as a medicine, and is not intended for human or veterinary use. RUO is not a quality grade: research material can be thoroughly characterised by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Regulators assess intended use from labelling, marketing and context, so a credible RUO supplier provides analytical documentation but no usage instructions or therapeutic claims.