Dr. Jon LaPook explains why peptide sales are controversial

As of October 29, 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to allow compounding pharmacies to prepare six unapproved peptide drugs, published in the Federal Register on October 28. This decision, driven by Kennedy's push for greater access to these peptides, faces strong opposition from FDA scientific staff who warn it could undermine public health by allowing unproven substances onto the market. The FDA had previously warned about safety risks associated with such peptides, which are often imported from China and used without medical oversight. Critics argue that this move exposes Americans to "untested dangerous substances," potentially leading to contamination or other adverse effects.