Qatar's Health Ministry bans trading, use or promotion of unlicensed peptide products

Doha, Qatar - The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar has issued a ban on the handling, distribution, use, and promotion of unlicensed peptide products. The Pharmacy and Drug Control Department observed a rise in the marketing of various unlicensed peptides, such as BPC-157, Retatrutide, and MOTS-c, in pharmaceutical forms like injectable preparations. These products claim therapeutic, cosmetic, or performance-enhancement benefits without proper regulatory authorization.

The Ministry emphasized that these unlicensed peptide products are not licensed medicinal items for human use in Qatar. Some of these preparations are still in research or clinical study phases or lack regulatory approvals for the claimed uses. The safety and efficacy of these products have not been proven to justify granting regulatory authorization, and their use may pose health risks to patients.

Importantly, the importation, manufacturing, preparation, trade, prescription, dispensing, injecting, use, advertising, or promotion of any unlicensed peptide preparation is prohibited in Qatar, including through social media and electronic platforms. The ban extends to preparations labeled as "for research purposes" or "not for human use" when used or promoted for human consumption.

Violations of this directive will face all necessary control, regulatory, and legal actions from the Ministry. The Pharmacy and Drug Control Department urged all entities, healthcare facilities, practitioners, and individuals to adhere to the provisions of the directive to safeguard public health and individual safety.