STAT+: FDA staff and peptide enthusiasts set to clash at advisory panel

STAT PlusPolitics FDA staff and peptide enthusiasts set to clash at advisory panel RFK Jr. wants to let compounding pharmacies manufacture certain peptides. Agency staff think it’s a bad idea Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Sarah Todd and Lizzy LawrenceJuly 23, 2026 Sarah Todd[email protected]Sarah covers how industries like food and tobacco affect Americans’ bodies and minds. Her interests include ultra-processed foods; smoke-free tobacco; and wellness trends like perimenopause products and peptides. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at sarahlizchar.47.Lizzy Lawrence[email protected]Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. As more Americans experiment with synthetic peptides despite warnings about their unproven benefits and potential risks, an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration will meet on Thursday and Friday to discuss changes that could make peptides more accessible. At issue is whether to allow compounding pharmacies to manufacture seven peptides that are currently designated as unsafe for them to make. The panel discussion is expected to be unusual in more ways than one. Advertisement First, many of the newly appointed members on the panel hold what critics (including FDA staff) say are conflicts of interest. The panel roster includes several physicians who prescribe peptides to patients as well as pharmacist and Tennessee state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, whose mother, U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) has advocated for looser peptide regulations. Many of these panelists were selected by the Health and Human Services Department, FDA officials previously told STAT. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in Monthly $39 Totals $468 per year $39/month Get Started Totals $468 per year Starter $30 for 3 months, then $399/year $30 for 3 months Get Started Then $399/year Annual $399 Save 15% $399/year Get Started Save 15% 11+ Users Custom Savings start at 25%! Request A Quote Request A Quote Savings start at 25%! 2-10 Users $300 Annually per user $300/year Get Started $300 Annually per user View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Log In biotechnology, FDA, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, research, RFK Jr., STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints Sarah Todd Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health Sarah covers how industries like food and tobacco affect Americans’ bodies and minds. Her interests include ultra-processed foods; smoke-free tobacco; and wellness trends like perimenopause products and peptides. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at sarahlizchar.47. Lizzy Lawrence FDA Reporter Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended First Opinion July 22, 2026 What Argentina’s World Cup loss should teach American hospitals The Readout July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharma tries to tamp down broad China restrictions Advertisement Health tech July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: ‘Cochlear implant for blindness’ debuts in Europe, could launch in U.S. in 2027 Insurance July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: More workers hate their jobs, but keep them for the health insurance D.C. Diagnosis July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Rare disease drugmakers try to avoid Trump price cuts Subscriber Picks