FDA reviews peptide injections favored by wellness influencers

FDA reviews peptide injections favored by wellness influencers as the agency convenes a two-day meeting to evaluate more than half a dozen peptide products with limited evidence of safety or effectiveness. The review begins Thursday and is supported by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called himself a “big fan” of peptides and pledged to reverse industry limits introduced under President Joe Biden. The compounds have gained traction online, with influencers and podcaster Joe Rogan among supporters, including Gary Brecka, who sells peptide vials. Despite broad social-media testimonials, FDA career scientists are not convinced there is enough data to expand peptide availability from compounding pharmacies. The outside expert panel includes at least seven doctors or pharmacists with financial ties to the peptide industry, and the FDA added additional experts earlier this week. Experts are set to vote on adding seven popular peptides to a list eligible for compounding by pharmacies; votes are not binding. The FDA has previously warned about injecting peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500.