Health
HHS eases access to unapproved peptides over FDA scientists' objections
October 29, 2026 at 04:57 AM
Coverage
3 reports · over 9 hours
BNBBC News
US Health Secretary RFK Jr to expand access to unapproved peptides
(opens the publisher’s site)
TGThe Guardian
FDA scientists opposed Trump administration’s move to ease peptide access
(opens the publisher’s site)
CNCNN
FDA scientists opposed the Trump administration’s move to ease peptides access
(opens the publisher’s site)US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr's department posted a policy directing the FDA not to enforce rules against pharmacies selling unapproved peptide drugs.
- HHS posted the policy Wednesday directing the FDA not to take action against specialty pharmacies selling six unapproved wellness peptides, including BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV.
- Most FDA scientific staff opposed the policy, warning it could undermine the agency's mission of keeping unproven products off the market, six people said.
- Kennedy said US compounding pharmacies must be allowed to sell peptides because Americans are turning to "gray market" products imported from China.
- The FDA added BPC-157 and TB-500 to its do-not-compound list in 2023 over risks including allergic reactions, kidney damage and tumor growth.
- The policy also covers the peptides MOTS-c and Semax, expanding beyond the three already listed.
- Kennedy's move follows an FDA advisory panel vote in July to loosen restrictions on such peptides.
- Kennedy, a self-described 'big fan' of the drugs, had vowed to relax restrictions after the Biden administration tightened rules.