HHS Policy Expands Access to Unproven Peptides Through Compounding Pharmacies, Raising Safety Concerns
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has implemented a new policy on October 29, 2026, allowing specialized compounding pharmacies to sell six specific peptides: BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, and TB-500. These peptides are promoted by wellness influencers for various benefits like weight loss, muscle building, and longevity, but they have not been evaluated for safety or efficacy by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This policy marks a shift from 2023, when the FDA restricted access to several wellness peptides due to safety concerns. Secretary Kennedy Jr. has been a vocal proponent of peptide use and appointed new committee members with ties to businesses selling or promoting these substances, leading to a committee vote of 8-6 in July 2026 to expand access, despite FDA scientists' warnings about insufficient safety and efficacy data. The new policy utilizes 'enforcement discretion,' meaning the FDA will not pursue legal action again...
