FDA scientists opposed Trump administration peptide access plan

Most Food and Drug Administration scientific staff members opposed a plan to give Americans easier access to unproven peptide drugs favored by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., according to six people familiar with the policy's development. The staffers had limited input in drafting the policy.

The draft policy covers certain injectable peptides popular within the wellness industry, including BPC-157, TB-500 and KPV. These substances would otherwise be considered illegal drugs because they have not gone through the agency's rigorous review process for safety and effectiveness.

“advances patient choice and freedom”

The policy directs the FDA not to take action against specialty pharmacies that sell a half-dozen wellness peptides. The document recently underwent regulatory review at the White House, typically the final step before publication.

Kennedy has called himself a "big fan" of peptides and previously described using BPC-157 to treat a muscle injury. According to the document posted online, Kennedy determined the change "advances patient choice and freedom" while protecting people in the United States from peptides sold online that are often made from ingredients of unknown origin and quality.

The government will take comments for two weeks before finalizing the measure. Lee Rosebush of the American Academy of Peptide Medicine said in an online post that HHS had taken "a huge step for patient and provider medical freedom."