HHS Moves to Let Pharmacies Compound Peptides Backed by RFK Jr — SkimNews
Get the Health newsletter
Daily health & science — research, biotech, public health, the studies worth knowing. Free.
- HHS submitted a peptides "interim access policy" to the White House Office of Management and Budget for review, according to a government website posting Thursday
- FDA had previously listed BPC-157 and more than a dozen other injectable peptides as too risky for pharmacies to compound, citing possible contamination, allergic reactions, and tumor growth
- A panel of external FDA advisers selected by Kennedy's health department recommended in July that the agency drop restrictions on six of seven peptides, a conclusion that went against FDA staff scientists who said none had been studied enough to establish safety or effectiveness
- Hims & Hers and Noom have announced plans to offer peptides if federal access eases, and Wall Street analysts estimate the peptide market could be worth $2 billion to $3 billion
- Before joining the administration, Kennedy declared that "FDA's war" on peptides would end, arguing Americans were turning to "gray market" peptides from China and other countries sold via platforms like TikTok
Why it matters: Formal rulemaking to add the peptides to FDA's safe-to-compound list could take years, so HHS is using "enforcement discretion" to give compounding pharmacies immediate cover — a faster path that bypasses the vetting FDA staff scientists say the substances have not undergone. Hims & Hers, Noom and wellness sellers are positioned to capture a market analysts peg at $2-3 billion, while consumers gain access to injections the FDA has flagged for tumor-growth and contamination risks.
Ask SkimNews
