Regulators reject the 'research use only' label on peptides
FDA and two state boards are pushing back on 'research use only' peptides:
- Aug 2026: FDA warned five online sellers that 'research use' labels don't count when sites show dosing info, injection instructions and dose calculators
- FDA also called bacteriostatic water sold for the injections an unapproved drug
- Alabama medical board (June 2026): research-grade peptides can't be given to patients
- Ohio pharmacy board (Dec 2025): clinics and med spas can't possess 'research only' products, even with patient consent
The letters didn't name the six peptides (incl. BPC-157, not FDA-approved) an FDA panel recommended in July for compounding; that vote is non-binding.
Source: McDermott Will & Schulte legal alert, Sept 24, 2026
Our guides: BPC-157
