Trump administration advances plan for peptide drugs favored by RFK Jr.

U.S. health officials are implementing a plan to permit specialty pharmacies to manufacture certain peptides, a category of unregulated injections that have gained popularity among followers of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other wellness influencers. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has submitted an "interim access policy" proposal to the White House for review.

Though not fully detailed, the plan aims to allow pharmacies to temporarily produce popular peptides like BPC-157, which is promoted for muscle-building and injury healing. Peptides, the building blocks of more complex proteins, trigger hormones in the body for growth, metabolism, and healing. While some peptides have been developed as medications, those at issue in this plan have not undergone rigorous FDA approval.

Kennedy's administration has directed the FDA to reconsider restrictions on several peptides, following recommendations from an FDA advisory panel in July. Critics argue that the plan may not be enough, as the FDA would still need to formally add peptides to its list of drugs safe for compounding, a process that could take years.