Americans Turn to Unapproved Peptides for Health Boosts

The use of unapproved peptides among Americans is on the rise, as many seek alternatives for muscle growth, skin rejuvenation, and longevity. This growing trend reflects a broader fascination with alternative therapies and wellness practices. Central to this movement is the popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications, which have gained traction for their effectiveness in helping users lose weight quickly. However, the peptides being promoted by various influencers and wellness advocates often lack approval for human use and are not supported by rigorous clinical trials.

Many of the peptides attracting attention, such as BPC-157 and TB-500, are banned by international sports authorities due to their classification as doping substances. Dr. Eric Topol, a leading researcher 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. It’s actually quite extraordinary.”

Among those promoting these untested substances is Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has garnered a following among individuals skeptical of conventional medicine and health authorities. Over the years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has attempted to regulate these products by sending warning letters to clinics that promote them and by prohibiting more than two dozen peptides from being compounded by specialty pharmacies. This crackdown, however, may face challenges as Kennedy has indicated intentions to end what he terms the “FDA’s war” on peptides and other alternative therapies.

Entrepreneurs like Gary Brecka, who identifies as a “biohacker” and “longevity expert,” market various peptide injectables and patches priced between $350 and $600. In a May podcast appearance, Kennedy reiterated his commitment to eliminating restrictions on peptides, stem cells, and psychedelics. Brecka responded positively to this sentiment, though he declined to comment further for this story.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a critical role in the body, influencing growth, metabolism, and healing. Certain peptides, like insulin and human growth hormone, have received FDA approval for specific medical uses. However, many peptides being marketed online have not undergone the necessary approval processes, rendering their sale as drugs technically illegal. Under current FDA guidelines, these peptides are also ineligible for compounding, which complicates their access.

Despite the lack of regulatory oversight, celebrities and influencers are actively promoting these peptides. For example, Joe Rogan has frequently endorsed BPC-157, claiming it helped alleviate his tendonitis. Such endorsements contribute to a culture where unverified health solutions gain traction, often leading to consumers turning to unregulated clinics like Ways 2 Well, which offers peptide consultations for $99.

The clinic’s founder, Brigham Buhler, a former pharmaceutical sales representative, did not respond to requests for comment. Individuals like Andrea Steinbrenner have expressed enthusiasm for peptides, citing benefits related to 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.”

Proponents of peptides often argue that their natural origins make them safer than synthetic pharmaceuticals. Brecka has claimed to his large following that peptides are “naturally recognized by your body.” Critics, however, point out that many of these synthetic peptides can contain impurities and are taken in much higher doses than those produced by the body, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

The FDA has issued several warning letters in response to the promotion of peptides that claim to enhance the immune system, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, the agency added nearly 20 peptides to a list of substances deemed unsafe for compounding due to potential health risks. Pharmacies that disregard these regulations could face legal repercussions or loss of licenses.

In response to these restrictions, some wellness advocates have pushed back, labeling the FDA’s actions as an infringement on their rights to access alternative medical treatments. A coalition known as Save Peptides voiced concerns about losing access to regenerative therapies, claiming that the FDA’s regulations are unnecessarily restrictive.

Legal challenges have arisen, with one lawsuit from a compounding pharmacy alleging that the FDA did not follow the required legal procedures when adding peptides to the list of high-risk substances. This litigation prompted the FDA to reconsider its stance, agreeing to hold public meetings regarding the safety of several peptides.

Despite the ongoing debates, healthcare professionals are increasingly fielding questions from patients interested in these treatments. Dr. Anita Gupta from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine emphasized the importance of safety inquiries, stating, “Patients should be really asking their healthcare professionals: Are these medications safe long term?”

As the landscape of peptide use evolves, the balance between patient access to alternative treatments and regulatory safety measures remains a contentious topic, with significant implications for public health.