Australia’s medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has announced it will increase its regulation of “unapproved” peptides.
The drugs have surged in popularity, with influencers promising claimed benefits like muscle growth, weight loss and collagen production.
Head of TGA Professor Anthony Lawler said the growing availability of unregulated peptides has also led to increasing evidence of potential risk to consumers.
So, what are peptides and why is the TGA cracking down on them?
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein.
In simple terms, peptides are smaller versions of proteins thathelp regulate a range of bodily processes, including tissue growthand repair.
Some peptides occur naturally in the body, including insulin and endorphins.
Synthetic peptides have been used in medicine for around a century, with insulin among the first developed to treat type 1 diabetes.
Rising trend
The TGA has repeatedly cautioned consumers about peptides promoted on social media despite not being evaluated for safety, quality or effectiveness.
The regulator says unapproved peptides can carry risks including contamination, incorrect dosing and allergic reactions. It has also raisedconcerns that many of the claimed benefits remain unproven.
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In March, University of Queensland senior research fellow Dr Tim Piątkowski told TDA many unregulated peptides were essentially "Chinese research chemicals" being marketed directly to consumers.
Examples of peptides
- GLP-1 meds: Includes prescription-only weight loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro, as well as retatrutide(which is illegal in Australia).
- Collagen supplements and skincare: Some topical products can be bought over the counter (e.g. from The Ordinary). Others, such as GHK‑Cu, are unapproved or illicit.
- Muscle growth and recovery: Ibutamoren can be prescribed, but some, including TB-500, are illegal.
- Melanotan: An illicit peptide that increases melanin production so users seem more tanned.
Crackdown
On Wednesday, the TGA announced unapproved peptides would become a "priority focus area".
That means the regulator will dedicate more resources to consumer education, monitoring imports, seizing products and issuing penalties. This enforcement could target both suppliers and advertisers.
In a statement, the TGA pointed to a joint Australian Border Force and Victoria Police operation in April, which resulted in the seizure of around $2 million worth of steroids and peptides.
“Australians should be very cautious about buying unapproved peptide products online, particularly from overseas websites or through online platforms or social media," Head of the TGA Professor Anthony Lawler said.
