Career scientists question evidence for seven unapproved molecules
WASHINGTON — An FDA advisory committee convened Thursday to evaluate seven unapproved peptide injections, a two-day meeting that Kennedy has backed despite the agency’s own career scientists flagging concerns about the substances’ safety and efficacy.
The meeting hosted by the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee comes as Kennedy, who leads the Department of Health and Human Services, has pushed to ease restrictions on the compounds. In recent years, the FDA had warned Americans about the risks of injecting peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500, which are promoted online as a way to recover from injuries and reduce inflammation.
MSI previously reported that FDA career scientists had concluded there is insufficient evidence to support changing the regulatory status of seven unapproved peptide injections ahead of this advisory committee meeting, a conclusion which contrasts with Kennedy’s push to expand access to the compounds.
The committee is expected to hear from supporters of the substances, including podcaster Joe Rogan and wellness influencer Gary Brecka, a supporter of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda who sells peptide vials online. Social media platforms are filled with testimonials from people claiming the peptides helped them build muscle, recover from injuries or look younger.
Despite that support, the meeting is expected to showcase a stark split over the compounds, with FDA scientists noting a lack of good evidence of efficacy or safety for the molecules. The FDA is not bound to follow the committee’s advice but usually does.