STAT+: Longevity, wellness physicians named to panel advising FDA on peptides

STAT PlusHealth Longevity, wellness physicians named to panel advising FDA on peptides New panelists could benefit from rule changes, raising ethics concerns Manage alerts for this article Email this article Share this article By Lizzy Lawrence and Sarah ToddJune 29, 2026 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.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. WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Monday published the names of eight new panelists who will serve on a committee advising the agency on whether to allow compounding pharmacies to manufacture certain peptides. The majority of new members are involved with businesses that promote and prescribe peptides, and will be weighing in on rules changes that could benefit them. One of the new panelists is pharmacist and Tennessee state senator Bobby Harshbarger, the son of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), who is also a pharmacist and has asked the FDA to ease up on peptide regulation. Advertisement “It’s concerning that several members of the newly formulated [committee] appear to sell unproven offerings including stem cells and peptides, sometimes both,” said Paul Knoepfler, a professor of cell biology and human anatomy at UC Davis School of Medicine and a STAT contributor. He predicted in an op-ed this spring that health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would shape the committee to be friendly to popular but unproven peptides. 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 drug development, FDA, HHS, Pharmaceuticals, Policy, RFK Jr., STAT+ Submit a correction requestReprints 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. 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. Newsletter The latest updates in federal health agencies, research institutes, and U.S. policy Recommended Biotech June 30, 2026 STAT Plus: Anthropic releases Claude Science, a product aimed at researchers, the pharma industry Insurance June 29, 2026 STAT Plus: 26 states sue to block Medicaid work requirements Advertisement Pharma June 25, 2026 STAT Plus: Democrats press White House on who got special access to Eli Lilly’s new obesity drug Business June 24, 2026 STAT Plus: U.S. health spending rose sharply in 2025, thanks to GLP-1 use and more care Health tech June 23, 2026 STAT Plus: FDA drops enforcement against Whoop after it tweaks blood pressure feature Subscriber Picks