The Food and Drug Administration is taking a closer look this week at seven unapproved peptide substances that have surged in popularity for their purported health benefits.At meetings scheduled for July 23 and 24 at the FDA’s White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, Maryland, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee will consider whether to recommend adding seven peptide substances to the agency’s 503A Bulks List, which would allow them to be used in certain compounded prescription drugs.Although these peptides are not FDA-approved, they are widely available through wellness clinics, compounding operations and gray-market online sellers.THINKING ABOUT PEPTIDES? DOCTORS REVEAL KEY DOS AND DONT'S AS 'WILD WEST' MARKET GROWSHHS Secretary Robert F.Kennedy Jr.
has voiced support for expanding access to certain peptide therapies, while FDA reviewers have raised concerns about the limited evidence supporting the safety and effectiveness of the seven substances under consideration.According to Reuters, consumer demand is likely to "remain strong" despite the outcome, as peptides have surged in popularity for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and even wound repair.Peptides have surged in popularity for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and even wound repair.(iStock)FDA documents show that the following seven peptides are under review.Proposed use: Ulcerative colitisProposed forms: Oral capsules, nasal spray, injections, transdermal cream, rectal suppositoryProposed use: Wound healingProposed forms: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injectionSECRET TO WEIGHT LOSS MAY BE HIDING IN YOUR GUT, NEW STUDY SUGGESTSProposed use: Wound healing and inflammatory conditionProposed forms: Cream and gelProposed use: Obesity and osteoporosisProposed forms: Subcutaneous injectionProposed use: Cerebral ischemia (shortage of blood flow and oxygen to the brain), migraine and trigeminal neural...