Unproven Peptides Gain Traction Among Influencers and Advocates

The use of unapproved peptides, marketed as solutions for muscle growth, skin rejuvenation, and longevity, is rapidly increasing across the United States. This trend reflects a growing fascination with alternative therapies and wellness practices that often lack scientific validation. A significant factor fueling this interest is the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications, which have drawn attention to the broader category of peptides. Unlike approved medications, many of the peptides being promoted by influencers and wellness advocates have not undergone rigorous clinical trials and are often banned by international sports authorities for being classified as doping substances.

Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, emphasized the shortcomings of these peptides, stating, “None of them are proven. 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 endorsing these peptides is health advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has garnered a following among individuals skeptical of traditional medicine and health authorities.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has attempted to regulate this burgeoning sector by issuing warnings to clinics promoting these untested products. The agency has also classified over two dozen peptides as ingredients that should not be manufactured by specialty pharmacies, a move intended to curb the spread of potentially harmful substances. However, Kennedy has pledged to dismantle what he calls the FDA’s “war” on peptides, aligning himself with a movement that advocates for alternative treatments.

One prominent figure in the peptide market is Gary Brecka, who markets various peptide injectables, patches, and nasal sprays, ranging in price from $350 to $600. During a podcast appearance in May, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to ending the FDA’s restrictions on peptides and other alternative therapies, a sentiment echoed by Brecka, who has built a substantial following online.

Peptides, which serve as building blocks for proteins in the body, play various roles in growth, metabolism, and healing. While the FDA has sanctioned certain peptides for medical use, such as insulin and human growth hormone, many online alternatives remain unapproved. Current FDA regulations classify these unapproved peptides as illegal to market as medications, and they are not eligible for compounding, the process by which pharmacies create custom medications.

Despite these regulations, a number of celebrities, including Joe Rogan, have publicly endorsed unproven peptides. Rogan has credited BPC-157, a peptide derived from gut acids, with alleviating his tendonitis. He stated, “I had tendonitis in my elbow, I started using BPC-157 and it was gone in two weeks.” Such endorsements contribute to a perception of legitimacy for these products, which are often touted as “natural” alternatives to conventional medicine.

The promotion of unapproved peptides has been characterized as part of a larger “circus” of unproven health products. Dr. Topol noted that companies like Ways 2 Well, which offers a range of alternative treatments, are promoting these substances as innovative solutions. For a fee of $99, Ways 2 Well provides consultations and ships peptide vials along with dosing instructions and syringes. The company, led by former pharmaceutical sales representative Brigham Buhler, has not responded to requests for comment regarding its practices.

The growing popularity of peptides can be attributed to a desire for alternatives to conventional medicine, particularly among an aging population. Andrea Steinbrenner, a consulting executive, expressed her interest in peptides after learning about their potential benefits for longevity and energy. She stated, “I think peptides are popular right now because we are the aging generation and we are looking for alternatives to modern day medicine.”

Despite claims of safety based on the natural origins of peptides, critics caution that the synthetic versions sold online may pose serious health risks. Brecka’s website features several peptides, including ipamorelin and CJC-1295, both flagged by the FDA for potential safety concerns. These products often carry labels indicating they are for “research use only,” a phrase that some legal experts argue is being used to circumvent regulatory scrutiny.

The FDA has been actively working to restrict the use of unapproved peptides, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when it issued numerous warnings regarding products claiming immune-boosting properties. In March 2023, the agency added nearly twenty peptides to its list of substances deemed too risky for compounding. Pharmacies that disregard these regulations could face fines or legal action.

The response from the wellness community has been strong, with groups like Save Peptides rallying support against FDA regulations. One lawsuit filed by a compounding pharmacy accused the FDA of bypassing necessary legal processes when adding peptides to its list. This situation compelled the FDA to reconsider its stance, leading to scheduled public meetings where external advisors reviewed the safety of several flagged peptides. The advisory panels consistently supported the FDA’s position, deeming the substances too dangerous for compounding.

With regulatory changes on the horizon, the FDA, now under Kennedy’s authority, has begun altering its advisory panel composition, potentially paving the way for a more lenient stance on peptides. Medical professionals report an uptick in inquiries from patients eager to explore peptide therapies. Dr. Anita Gupta of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine advises patients to ask healthcare providers about the long-term safety of these medications, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.

As the debate over unapproved peptides continues, the intersection of wellness culture and regulatory oversight remains a significant concern for both health professionals and consumers.