STAT+: In win for RFK Jr., FDA advisory panel narrowly votes to allow compounding of unapproved peptides

STAT PlusBreaking News In win for RFK Jr., FDA advisory panel narrowly votes to allow compounding of unapproved peptides Majority of panelists who voted yes have ties to peptide industry 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. In a win for peptide proponents and for health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration recommended on Thursday that compounding pharmacies be allowed to manufacture the drugs BPC-157 and KPV. The FDA will vote on two other peptides, TB-500 and MOTS-c, later on Thursday afternoon, and on additional compounds on Friday.Advertisement The votes are not binding, and the FDA will ultimately decide whether to lift current restrictions on these peptides and make them more easily accessible to people who’ve been turning to the little-researched but highly popular drugs to improve their health. It’s unusual for the FDA to go against the recommendations of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee, or PCAC, but it has happened at least once before. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. 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, public health, 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 The Readout July 23, 2026 FDA panel confronting peptide controversy The Readout July 22, 2026 STAT Plus: Pharma tries to tamp down broad China restrictions Advertisement D.C. Diagnosis July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Rare disease drugmakers try to avoid Trump price cuts Biotech July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Broad Institute, partners unveil new initiative to develop gene therapies for rare diseases The Readout July 21, 2026 STAT Plus: Anthropic deepens work with rare disease drugs Subscriber Picks