FDA panel narrowly backs unapproved peptide drugs favoured by RFK Jr and wellness influencers
An FDA advisory panel has recommended easing restrictions on the compounding of certain injectable peptides, despite warnings from agency scientists regarding safety and efficacy. The move is supported by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and industry-linked panel members.
Why it matters
The decision signals a potential shift in regulatory oversight for wellness products and highlights the influence of political figures on health policy.
A panel of federal health advisers on Thursday narrowly recommended easing access to several peptides popular with wellness influencers and celebrities, despite warnings from government scientists that the chemicals haven't been shown safe or effective.
In a series of votes, outside experts to the Food and Drug Administration advised the agency to drop current restrictions barring pharmacies from producing injectable peptides with names like BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV.
The panel's vote is not binding but is likely to embolden Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who has described himself as a “big fan” of peptides and vowed to overturn FDA restrictions put in place under President Joe Biden.
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