Americans Turn to Unapproved Peptides for Health Boosts

More Americans are increasingly using unapproved peptides, chemicals marketed for muscle building, skin rejuvenation, and longevity. This trend reflects a growing interest in alternative therapies and wellness solutions. The rise in popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications has fueled this movement, as influencers and celebrities promote various peptides, many of which lack proper approval for human use.

Among these, peptides such as BPC-157 and TB-500 have been banned by international sports authorities due to their classification as doping substances. Dr. Eric Topol, a prominent research methods expert and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, remarked, “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.”

The promotion of these peptides has gained traction, particularly among those skeptical of conventional medicine. A notable figure in this movement is Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has garnered a following by advocating for alternative treatments. He has vowed to end the “FDA’s war” on peptides and other controversial therapies, aligning himself with wellness entrepreneurs.

The FDA has long sought to regulate this space, issuing warning letters to clinics that promote unapproved products and adding over two dozen peptides to a list of substances that should not be manufactured by specialty pharmacies. The agency’s efforts have faced significant backlash, particularly from those within the Make America Healthy Again movement.

One of the movement’s proponents, Gary Brecka, a self-identified biohacker, sells various peptide injectables, patches, and nasal sprays through his website, with prices ranging from $350 to $600 each. On his podcast, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to removing barriers imposed by the FDA on alternative treatments, prompting enthusiastic responses from supporters like Brecka.

Peptides serve as the building blocks of proteins and play crucial roles in hormonal functions related to growth, metabolism, and healing. Although the FDA has approved certain peptides for specific medical purposes—such as insulin for diabetics—many marketed online remain unverified for safety and efficacy. This makes them illegal to promote as drugs, and under current FDA guidelines, they are ineligible for compounding, a practice where pharmacies create customized medications for patients.

Despite these regulations, celebrities and influencers continue to endorse various peptides. For instance, Joe Rogan has praised BPC-157 on his podcast, claiming it alleviated his tendonitis within two weeks. Such endorsements contribute to a culture where unverified and potentially hazardous products are sold, often at high prices.

Companies like Ways 2 Well offer consultations and peptide vials for as low as $99, including a kit with dosing instructions. The founder, Brigham Buhler, a former pharmaceutical sales representative, has not responded to inquiries regarding the safety and sourcing of these products.

The rising interest in peptides appears to correlate with the aging population seeking alternatives to conventional medical solutions. Andrea Steinbrenner, a consulting executive, expressed her belief in the potential benefits of peptides for longevity and anti-aging, stating, “We are the aging generation looking for alternatives to modern-day medicine.”

Advocates of peptides often argue that their natural origins make them safer than synthetic drugs. Brecka claimed on social media that “peptides are naturally recognized by your body,” although critics caution that the products available may not be pure and could pose health risks when used at higher-than-natural doses.

While some peptides sold online carry labels indicating they are for “research use only,” this language often serves as a workaround to evade FDA regulations. Experts warn that many of these products might be manufactured under conditions that do not meet safety standards, especially those sourced from international suppliers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA issued multiple warning letters to businesses promoting peptides with claims of immune-boosting properties. In 2023, the agency added nearly 20 peptides to its list of high-risk substances, prompting legal challenges from wellness advocates.

The litigation has pressured the FDA to reconsider its stance, leading to public meetings where experts overwhelmingly supported the agency’s findings on the risks associated with these peptides. Nevertheless, some in the industry assert that medical professionals should have access to a wider range of treatment options.

Physicians are now encountering more inquiries from patients eager to explore peptide therapies. Dr. Anita Gupta from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine urges caution, suggesting patients ask healthcare professionals about the long-term safety of these medications. “That’s the question I would ask if I was a patient,” she stated.

The ongoing debate surrounding the use of unapproved peptides raises essential questions about the future of alternative therapies and the regulatory landscape governing their promotion and distribution.