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What's the deal with peptides?

A model of a molecule.

April 27, 2026—Peptides are popular right now. Wellness influencers and others on social media are claiming they have a variety of purported benefits, ranging from antiaging to muscle recovery to tissue regrowth. But with so many claims, it's difficult to know if peptides really work and if they're safe.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short-chain amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Your body makes them naturally. They signal cells in the body to do things—for instance, to make more collagen or to control your appetite.

Several peptide-based medicines have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A popular example: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) weight-loss medications.

But there are also unapproved peptide products—and they're growing in popularity. They're often promoted by influencers to enhance physical performance or speed healing from sports injuries, promote gut health, and reduce inflammation, among other things.

Some of those products are being sold online or in wellness clinics. They're often labeled "for research only" or "not for human consumption."

Two examples that are popular in fitness circles are TB-500 and BPC-157, the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine reports. Other peptides include GHK-Cu and TB-4.

What's changing?

In 2023, FDA determined that several peptide products might have significant risks. That meant compounding pharmacies couldn't make them. Now, FDA is revisiting that decision.

In July 2026, an FDA committee is scheduled to review whether compounding pharmacies can make BPC-157, TB-500 and other peptides in order to treat certain medical conditions.

Will that make them FDA-approved?

No. It's possible that many peptide products may gain FDA approval in the future. To do that, they'd need to go through FDA's approval process, which includes large clinical trials and monitoring to check a drug's safety and effectiveness.

Compounding pharmacies make medicines that are not FDA-approved. Doing that lets them meet an important need. For example, if someone needs a medicine but is allergic to an ingredient, a compounding pharmacy could adapt the formula and make a medication just for them. The customized version of the medicine would not be FDA-approved, but it could be lifesaving.

But compounded medicines aren't monitored the same way FDA-approved drugs are. They can come with added risks.

What are the concerns about popular peptide products?

Animal studies aren't enough. Many peptides have performed well in animal studies. For instance, BPC-157 improved muscle, tendon, ligament and nerve healing in rats. But that doesn't mean it will work the same way in humans. And a lack of human studies means we don't know the possible side effects or even what dose is most effective.

There could be long-term effects. Many peptide compounds have not undergone long-term human safety studies. Even FDA-approved drugs can have risks, such as side effects. Clinical trials help reveal those risks before a drug is widely available.

You might not get what you pay for. A peptide product bought online could be contaminated, contain the wrong dose or be different from the peptides you meant to buy.

Self-injecting can cause problems. Many peptide compounds are taken as injections. Self-injections come with risks, such as infection or injuries, warns the American Council on Exercise.

Talk to your doctor

If you have questions about a health product you see online, you can always ask your doctor. You can also learn more about using medications safely in our Medications health topic center.

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