A federal health advisory panel voted 8-6 with one abstention on Wednesday to recommend easing restrictions on BPC-157, a peptide promoted for wound healing and chronic pain, potentially paving the way for licensed compounding pharmacies to produce it.
The vote came during a two-day meeting of the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee reviewing seven peptides. FDA staff scientists argued for maintaining restrictions, citing inadequate human clinical trials and concerns about safety, quality, and stability. Panelists with academic backgrounds largely voted against the substances, while seven of the 14 members have ties to peptide-related businesses or clinics.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly endorsed peptides, calling himself a "big fan" and vowing to overturn FDA restrictions. The panel is expected to vote on the remaining six peptides Thursday.