In a move that has sparked controversy, a US review panel has recommended loosening restrictions on a class of trendy peptides, despite strong opposition from medical experts who argue that these substances are not well-studied enough to justify wide access. The panel, which advises the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), voted to add seven peptides to the US compounding list, which allows facilities to create custom drugs.
The peptides in question include semax, which wellness clinics promote for conditions like depression and anxiety, and epitalon, marketed for anti-aging and insomnia relief. The panel narrowly voted to exclude emideltide, citing potential dangers.
This decision follows a two-day meeting where the panel also recommended adding popular peptides BPC-157, KPV, TB-500, and MOT-c to the list. These recommendations come despite warnings from physicians and public health advocates, who argue that the safety and efficacy of these substances are far from proven.
The FDA staffer Russell Wesdyk noted significant quality problems with the substances and issues with their common names, which could hinder identifying exactly what's in them. Despite these concerns, the panel's recommendations are not binding but historically carry significant weight with the FDA.
Peptides, short chains of amino acids, are increasingly popular in the wellness industry, with proponents making sweeping claims about their benefits. However, there is scant clinical evidence supporting these promises, leading doctors to voice concerns that endorsing these substances could steer patients away from treatments backed by evidence.
