Unapproved Peptides Are Being Self‑Injected Across the U.S.: Influencers, Sellers and RFK Jr. Allies Fuel a Risky Trend

Unapproved peptides gain a following despite safety gaps

More Americans are injecting themselves with unapproved peptides promoted as ways to build muscle, refresh skin and slow aging, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The surge follows broad public interest in weight‑loss drugs, but the peptides being marketed by influencers, wellness entrepreneurs and some political allies are a different category: many lack human safety data and rely primarily on animal studies.

Who is promoting them?

High‑profile figures and online personalities have helped popularize the trend. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has pledged to end what he calls the FDA's “war” on peptides and other alternative treatments. Self‑described “biohacker” Gary Brecka sells injectable peptides, patches and nasal sprays for hundreds of dollars on his website and has discussed policy with Kennedy. Celebrity endorsements, including public praise for BPC‑157 from Joe Rogan, have also amplified consumer interest.

What are peptides and why the concern?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins and can influence hormones involved in growth, metabolism and tissue repair. The FDA has approved some peptides as medicines—insulin and certain human growth hormone formulations, for example—but many peptides promoted online (including BPC‑157 and TB‑500) have not been authorized for human use and are even banned by sports authorities as doping substances.

“None of them are proven,” said Dr. Eric Topol, director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute. “None of them have gone through what would be considered adequate clinical trials, but nonetheless many people are taking these. It’s actually quite extraordinary.”

Regulatory response and industry pushback

The Food and Drug Administration has issued warning letters to clinics promoting peptides and has added dozens of peptide ingredients to a list that specialty pharmacies should not compound because of safety concerns. Pharmacies that ignore the guidance risk fines, legal action or potential loss of state licensure.

Those moves prompted lawsuits and lobbying. A coalition called Save Peptides and some compounding pharmacies argued regulators overstepped, and legal challenges forced the FDA to convene public advisory meetings. In those meetings, external experts generally voted that the substances were too risky to be compounded. Recent personnel changes at the FDA, however, could shift enforcement or prompt policy revisions.

Safety risks: impurities, dosing and misleading labels

• Many products are marketed as “research use only” to evade regulation, even when sold for human injection.
• Some peptides are purchased from overseas chemical suppliers with variable purity; experts warn “research‑grade” peptides often contain contaminants and manufacturing byproducts.
• Doses promoted online frequently exceed natural physiological levels, increasing the risk of allergic reactions, toxicity and unknown long‑term harms.

Paul Knoepfler, a cellular biologist at UC Davis, warned that off‑label or poorly manufactured peptides can contain dangerous impurities. Medical experts urge patients to ask clinicians about long‑term safety, dosing and sourcing before considering any peptide treatment.

What clinicians are saying

Doctors report rising patient interest and questions. “Patients should be really asking their health care professionals: Are these medications safe long term?” said Dr. Anita Gupta of Johns Hopkins, who served on the FDA’s compounding committee. Clinicians and regulators emphasize that unapproved peptides lack the clinical trial evidence needed to establish safety and effectiveness for humans.

Bottom line: While some peptides are FDA‑approved for specific medical conditions, many products being sold and self‑injected today have not undergone rigorous human testing. Consumers should exercise caution, verify product provenance, and consult licensed healthcare professionals before using injectables marketed outside approved channels.

Reporting note: This summary is based on Associated Press reporting and includes quotes and references from public statements, regulatory actions and interviews with scientists and clinicians.