Regulator warning Checked 3 October 2026 · 2 min · 2 sources

Peptides such as BPC-157: what the TGA and the Chief Medical Officer have warned

Peptides are the most searched term in this index, at 90,500 a month. The products sold for healing, fat loss and anti-ageing are mostly unapproved, and the government has warned against them.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Some are approved medicines, insulin among them. The ones sold through wellness clinics, gyms and websites, usually as injections, are mostly not approved, and they are the most searched topic in this index.

The June 2026 warning

On 19 June 2026 Dr Amanda Cuss, acting chief medical adviser for the Therapeutic Goods Administration's health products regulation group, and Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd, issued a joint statement on the public health risks of unapproved peptide products.

It said unapproved peptides that are not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods have not been evaluated by the TGA for safety, quality or effectiveness, and named examples including BPC-157, GHK-Cu, TB-500, retatrutide and CJC-1295.

In sport

Sport Integrity Australia says BPC-157 is not approved for use by any regulatory agency worldwide, and is prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Code, listed under S0, non-approved substances.

Yes, but

The word "peptide" covers approved, prescribed medicines as well as unapproved products. A peptide your doctor prescribes from an Australian pharmacy is a different thing from a vial bought online or supplied by a clinic.

When to talk to your GP

Before using any peptide not prescribed to you, and straight away if you have used one and feel unwell.

Sources

Checked 3 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us via the about page.

General information, not medical advice. Check with your GP first, especially if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take medication.