WATCH LIVE: FDA advisory panel considers use of peptides

By — Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Matthew Perrone, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/watch-live-fda-advisory-panel-considers-use-of-peptides Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH LIVE: FDA advisory panel considers use of peptides Health Jul 23, 2026 10:12 AM EDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Health advisers begin meeting Thursday to review more than a half-dozen peptides, unproven substances that have become a growing wellness trend despite little evidence they are safe or effective. Watch Day 1 of the two-day meeting live in the video player above. The two-day meeting hosted by the Food and Drug Administration has the backing of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has described himself as a "big fan" of peptides and vowed to overturn industry restrictions put in place under President Joe Biden. READ MORE: FDA panel on peptides will include experts who promote the unproven chemicals favored by RFK Jr. Peptide supporters include podcaster Joe Rogan and wellness influencers such as Gary Brecka, a supporter of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" agenda who sells peptide vials online. Social media platforms are brimming with testimonials from people claiming the substances helped them build muscle, recover from injuries or look younger. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Despite such support, the FDA's two-day meeting is expected to showcase a stark split over the compounds. FDA's career scientists have made clear they don't think there's enough data to support making peptides more widely available, specifically from compounding pharmacies, which mix customized medicines that aren't available from traditional drugmakers. READ MORE: FDA to weigh easing limits on unproven peptides favored by RFK Jr. and MAHA supporters That's also the stance of many medical and scientific experts who have weighed in ahead of the meeting. "This is really alarming," said Rita Jew, a pharmacist and president of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices. "There aren't that many other substances people are injecting into themselves where you see that the clinical evidence is so lacking." But the panel of outside advisers convened for the meeting includes at least seven doctors or pharmacists with financial ties to the peptide industry. The group includes owners of wellness clinics that sell peptides, pharmacies that produce the formulas and online consulting businesses that promote them. Other expert panels appointed under Kennedy have faced criticism for apparent conflicts of interest. READ MORE: What are peptides, and are they safe? Here's what to know Earlier this week, the FDA added several additional experts to the 20-member panel, including academics who don't have connections to the industry. FDA scientists remain unconvinced of peptide safety and health benefits The experts wi