From TIME · Alana Semuels · · 2m
U.S. allows unapproved peptides at compounding pharmacies
The HHS will not enforce against pharmacists dispensing six unapproved peptides, a move that delights companies like Hims but alarms public health experts.
In brief
The HHS will not enforce against pharmacists dispensing six unapproved peptides, a move that delights companies like Hims but alarms public health experts. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will not take enforcement action against pharmacies dispensing six unapproved peptides, a decision that benefits…
HHS will not enforce against peptide dispensing
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a new policy on October 28 saying it will not take action against licensed pharmacists who dispense certain unapproved peptides to consumers.
What peptides are and why they matter
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that people inject into their bodies.HHS Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.has said he is a big fan of the unapproved drugs, whose benefits are largely scientifically unproven.
FDA banned peptides in 2023 over safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration essentially banned peptides in 2023 because of safety concerns. An FDA committee met in July to review evidence and recommend whether to allow pharmacies to dispense them.
Committee recommends six peptides for dispensing
The FDA committee, made up of new appointees who consulted with or were employed by companies interested in promoting peptides, recommended allowing specialty pharmacies to dispense six peptides: BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, and TB-500.
HHS policy expands access to six peptides
The policy signed by Kennedy says HHS will not take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies or physicians compounding the six peptides listed in Appendix A, citing significant interest in obtaining them from compounding pharmacies.
“to expand and improve patient access, HHS does not intend to take enforcement action against a State-licensed pharmacy, Federal facility, or licensed physician compounding a drug product using a peptide bulk drug substance found in Appendix A”
Telehealth companies and market boom
The decision benefits companies like Hims and Hers, which had reportedly been preparing to offer peptides in 2026.Analysts say the peptide market could reach three point three billion dollars.
Medical experts warn of untested drug risks
Critics say allowing peptides to skip FDA approval is dangerous.Dr.Adriane Fugh-Berman of Georgetown University noted the peptides are untested experimental drugs.Two women required emergency treatment after receiving peptides at a Las Vegas festival.
“American consumers should not be treated like guinea pigs”
The short version
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will not take enforcement action against pharmacies dispensing six unapproved peptides, a decision that benefits telehealth companies but raises safety concerns among medical professionals.
