US policy eases enforcement against pharmacies compounding six peptides

The US health department will ease enforcement of restrictions on compounding six peptides promoted for wellness.

The policy applies to certain licensed pharmacies and physicians, and allows products made from registered manufacturers’ ingredients; patients need a valid prescription.

The six peptides are not FDA-approved medicines, and research on their safety and effectiveness is limited.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, and wellness sellers promote them for uses including healing, sleep and migraine relief.

The policy could offer a regulated alternative to peptides sold through gray and black markets, which officials say it aims to discourage.

But compounded drugs are not reviewed like approved medicines, and consumer advocates warn of risks.

Pharmacies may take time to begin dispensing them, as suppliers and pharmacies check that ingredients meet the policy’s requirements.

HHS says it may revisit the policy if safety or product-quality problems arise.