More Americans are injecting themselves with unapproved chemicals that are pitched as methods to build muscle, rejuvenate skin, and extend life, reflecting the nation’s growing interest in alternative therapies and wellness hacks, reports BritPanorama.
Driving this trend is the rising popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications, a class of peptides approved for rapid weight loss. However, many of the peptides promoted by influencers and wellness gurus remain unapproved for human use, with much of the supporting evidence stemming from animal studies. Some peptides, like BPC-157 and TB-500, are classified as doping substances by international sports authorities.
“None of them are proven,” said Dr. Eric Topol, director of Scripps Research Translational Institute. “None of them have gone through what would be considered adequate clinical trials, but nonetheless many people are taking these. It’s actually quite extraordinary.”
Among those advocating for the benefits of peptides is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has garnered a following among Americans skeptical of health experts and traditional medicine. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been attempting to regulate this market by sending warning letters to clinics promoting such products and has identified more than two dozen peptides deemed unsuitable for compounding pharmacies.
However, Kennedy has pledged to end what he calls the FDA’s war on peptides and alternative treatments, which he argues are supported by many within his Make America Healthy Again movement. His friends and associates, including biohacker Gary Brecka, actively sell peptide injectables at prices ranging from $350 to $600 on their websites.
In a recent podcast appearance, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to challenge FDA regulations around peptides and other alternative therapies. Brecka expressed enthusiasm for Kennedy’s statements, underscoring the growing support for these unregulated products.
Peptides are now part of the ‘circus’ of unproven wellness products
Peptides are essentially the building blocks of complex proteins, triggering hormones necessary for growth, metabolism, and healing within the human body. While the FDA has approved peptides like insulin for diabetics and human growth hormone for children with deficiencies, many peptides marketed online lack approval, making their promotion as drugs illegal.
Despite these challenges, the allure of peptides continues, fueled by endorsements from various public figures. Joe Rogan, for instance, has lauded BPC-157 for its supposed rapid effects on injuries, akin to others’ experiences with peptide treatments. This endorsement exemplifies the appeal these substances hold among consumers.
“It’s all part of the circus of unproven, expensive and possibly dangerous” options presented by wellness and longevity clinics, noted Dr. Topol. Ways 2 Well, a Texas-based clinic, offers a “peptide consult” for $99, including shipments of peptide vials along with dosing instructions and syringes.
Peptides are often pitched as a ‘natural’ alternative to modern medicine
Individuals curious about peptides cite benefits such as longevity and vitality. Andrea Steinbrenner, who receives monthly infusions, believes the rising interest in peptides corresponds with a generation seeking alternatives to modern medicine while still acknowledging its necessity.
Proponents often assert that peptides’ natural origins assure their safety, a claim contested by critics who point out the synthetic nature and dosages far exceeding natural levels, increasing the likelihood of adverse reactions. Brecka promotes peptides as safe alternatives, despite regulatory concerns about common varieties he sells that the FDA has flagged for serious safety risks.
Research claims are often a ploy to dodge regulators
The term “research use only” frequently appears in the peptide market, allowing suppliers to evade regulatory oversight. This tactic is often discussed in online forums where users exchange information about buying and using peptides. Lawyers assert that this language is a method to circumvent FDA regulations, as the agency does not regulate substances not intended for human use.
The origin of these peptides is murky; they may be produced in the U.S. or imported from countries like China, which lack stringent quality controls. “Research-grade peptides are going to have junk in them,” warned Paul Knoepfler, a cellular biologist at the University of California Davis, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding their safety.
FDA has worked to restrict peptides for years
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA issued multiple warning letters to businesses marketing peptides as having immune-boosting properties. In 2023, the agency further restricted nearly 20 peptides, threatening compounding pharmacies with penalties for non-compliance.
This regulatory push has provoked significant backlash from wellness entrepreneurs and compounding pharmacies, leading to lawsuits claiming the FDA bypassed required procedures in restricting these substances. Legal efforts have compelled the FDA to reconsider its stance, revealing fault lines between regulatory need and market demand for such treatments.
Changes may be coming
Under Kennedy’s authority, the FDA has recently altered its advisory panel composition, potentially leading to the acceptance of previously barred peptides. This shift might enable pharmacies to operate with greater freedom concerning these products.
Currently, physicians report an uptick in patient inquiries about peptides, underscoring a growing demand for prescriptions amid an ambiguous regulatory landscape. “Patients should be really asking their healthcare professionals: Are these medications safe long term?” advises Dr. Anita Gupta of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, a clear reflection of the pivotal questions surrounding the use of such unvalidated therapies.
