An FDA advisory committee has voted by a majority to recommend broader access to certain peptides.Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help regulate functions such as metabolism, growth and tissue repair, according to Cleveland Clinic.Some peptides are used in FDA-approved medications, including insulin and GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, while others are experimental compounds marketed for wellness or performance that remain under federal review.FDA TO REVIEW 7 POPULAR PEPTIDES TOUTED FOR WEIGHT LOSS, HEALING AND LONGEVITYSeven peptides were reviewed during a two-day hearing held by the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee in Maryland last week.The panel considered whether each peptide should be added to the Section 503A Bulks List.If ultimately approved by the FDA, licensed compounding pharmacies could prepare them for valid prescriptions instead of leaving patients to rely on unregulated online vendors.Peptides have surged in popularity for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and even wound repair.
(iStock)The committee voted in favor of loosening restrictions on the following six peptides, according to Reuters.The Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted in favor of moving six peptides forward.(iStock)While some peptide experts celebrate this as one step closer to access to life-improving drugs, others claim there isn’t enough data on safety and efficacy.
The FDA will now consider the committee's recommendation before making a final decision.Jim LaValle, a Texas-based clinical pharmacist and chair of the International Peptide Society, who testified at the hearings, noted that restrictions still exist.TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ"This was not FDA approval, nor was it a blanket endorsement of every peptide, every use or unrestricted access," LaValle, who is also a board-certified nutritionist, told Fox News Digital."I have said throughout this process that you do not solve a quality...