The Food and Drug Administration has released its list of participants for an upcoming meeting to reconsider the safety and effectiveness of several popular peptide injections. The new panel includes health professionals who prescribe, produce, or promote peptides, which have become a wellness trend among athletes, influencers, and celebrities.

Peptide Proponents on the Panel

Some of the panel members have deep financial ties to the industry. For example, Dr. Haleem Mohammed runs clinics in Florida that sell injections of peptides, vitamins, testosterone, and weight loss medications. Another panelist, Dr. Gabriel Alizaidy, charges $500 for consultations on peptides and hormones.

The FDA has raised safety concerns about peptides, warning Americans about the risks of injecting chemicals with names like BPC-157 and TB-500, which have not been extensively studied in humans. These substances are often sold online and promoted by wellness clinics as a means to build muscle, heal injuries, and look younger, though there’s little evidence behind those claims.

Previous Panels and Criticisms

Previous FDA panels on the topic have been composed of academics and researchers, who have voted against a string of peptide ingredients brought forward by compounding pharmacies, declaring them too risky to be offered to patients. The new panel’s composition has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been critical of federal expert panels, alleging that they are riven with conflicts of interest. He has also expressed support for peptides, describing using them to recover from injuries.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.