FDA To Weigh Easing Limits On Peptides Backed By RFK Jr.

The FDA will convene its Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee on July 23 and 24 to consider whether seven peptides should be permitted for compounding, the agency said in a federal notice Wednesday.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly pledged to loosen peptide regulations and previewed the July meeting in an interview with Joe Rogan, saying "I'm a big fan of peptides" and that he used them himself.

Former FDA official Peter Lurie said allowing peptides without clinical testing poses a "profound threat" to FDA's drug-vetting system, while Dr. Eric Topol called the move "a disaster in the works" because of limited safety data.

The FDA added more than a dozen to nearly 20 peptides to a federal list barring compounding in 2023, and last year several members of Congress including Sen. Tommy Tuberville sent letters asking Kennedy to lift limits.

Even if the advisory panel recommends permitting compounding, the FDA would still have to draft and publish implementing rules, and Scott Brunner of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding said the meeting will begin a "protracted process".