UK experts warn of unregulated online sale of experimental peptides and steroids

Experts and politicians have warned that the UK is failing to regulate the online sale of experimental peptides and steroids, posing serious health risks.

• Prof Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London said he encounters patients taking experimental peptides daily, warning that the substances could cause catastrophic health consequences and deaths.
• Susan Backhouse, professor at Leeds Beckett University, said easy online access through influencer promotions is normalising enhancement practices across demographics.
• Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat chair of the health select committee, said tech firms are uninterested in protecting users and the MHRA lacks resources to keep up.
• A government spokesperson said the MHRA's criminal enforcement unit investigates suspected offences and disrupts illegal supply chains.