Peptides are the latest rave among social media influencers interested in longevity and biohacking. These substances, which typically need to be taken via injection, are touted as miracle drugs that speed healing, cure insomnia, improve energy and build muscle. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims.
In July 2026, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory board voted in favor of wider access to six peptides (BPC-157, MOTS-c, KPV, TB-500, epitalon and semax) that were previously banned for safety concerns. There is very little new evidence suggesting these peptides are safe and effective.
The discord between the evidence and the hype has raised many questions – including whether unapproved peptides could be harmful or even increase the risk of cancer.
Here are some things to know.
What are peptides?
Peptides are small proteins, which are strings of amino acids that fold together into tiny machines that help the cells of the body function. An example is insulin, which is produced by the body and helps control blood sugar levels.
Therapeutic peptides can amplify or prolong a signal in the body. An example is semaglutide (Ozempic), which mimics a natural hormone in the body but is man-made. The man-made version is slower to break down in the body, so it can control appetite and blood sugar for longer.
Are all peptides FDA approved?
No, though there are many peptide drugs that are approved.
For a therapeutic peptide to be FDA approved, it needs to be tested in a clinical trial in humans to prove it is safe and effective, meaning it improves a given ailment in a substantive way. Approved peptides are prescribed by a doctor and are delivered by pharmacies or pharmaceutical companies that guarantee purity and dosage of the drug.
Why are some popular peptides not FDA approved?
Recently, new and controversial peptides have become popular among health and longevity influencers. These peptides include BPC-157, MOTS-c, KPV, TB-500, epitalon and semax. Influencers claim that these peptides help with injury healing, insomnia, muscle growth, weight loss, and energy levels.
These peptides have not been approved by the FDA because there are no large controlled clinical trials of these peptides in humans showing that they are safe and effective.
Currently, these unapproved and unregulated peptides are not available via a prescription and not made by specialty pharmacies in the U.S. Rather, people order them from labs outside of the U.S. that sell them for “research purposes” or through unauthorized distribution channels on the so-called gray market. These products bypass FDA regulations and are not guaranteed to be pure or to contain a specified dose of the peptide.
What does the FDA advisory committee vote mean?
The FDA advisory committee vote doesn’t mean that the six peptides they evaluated are FDA-approved. Rather, the vote is a recommendation for consideration by the FDA. If the FDA follows the recommendation, then the peptides will be added to a list of substances that can be made by specialized pharmacies in the U.S.
What are the risks of taking unapproved peptides?
There are several potential risks:
Quality Concerns: Currently, unapproved, unregulated peptides are purchased online from labs outside of the U.S. These products may not be tested to confirm that they contain the listed ingredients and stated dose and are free of contaminants.
Safety Concerns: The FDA has warned about potential safety risks associated with several peptides. Unapproved peptides could cause unwanted side effects or immune reactions, be toxic to certain organs, such as the liver or pancreas, or cause irritation at the injection site.
Concerns about Potential Risks Cancer: There is very little evidence about the relationship between peptides and cancer in humans. However, some scientists are concerned that certain peptides could increase the risk of cancer. Some peptides have mechanisms, such as promoting blood vessel growth or extending structures called telomeres, that are also hijacked by cancer cells to trick the body into fueling tumor cells and promoting their growth. More research is needed to determine if they are safe to use.
If unregulated peptides are available, why shouldn’t I try them?
Until more scientific evidence is available, the safety and effectiveness of these unapproved peptides remain unknown. Large, controlled clinical trials are needed to establish a safe formulation, and a safe and effective dose, and to determine if these substances are risky for people with certain health conditions or with long term use.
“In order for drugs to be safe and effective, adequate data must be collected and vetted by appropriate regulatory authorities,” says Dana-Farber Cancer Institute cancer prevention expert Tim Rebbeck, PhD.