Are Peptides Legal in the US?
Pending medical review
Short answer: Some are and some are not. Peptide medicines like Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, Vyleesi, and Egrifta are FDA-approved with a prescription. Many popular "wellness" peptides, like BPC-157 and TB-500, are not FDA-approved.
FDA-approved peptide medicines
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza)
- Bremelanotide (Vyleesi)
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta)
Not FDA-approved
- BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, AOD-9604, MOTS-c, Semax, Selank, KPV, Epitalon, Kisspeptin-10, Melanotan II, and Thymosin alpha-1.
- The FDA put all of these on a list of things that may be risky when pharmacies mix them into medicines.
- Retatrutide is still being tested and is not approved.
What does "compounded" mean?
A compounded drug is mixed by a pharmacy. The FDA says compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not check them for safety or quality before they are sold.
What about "for research only"?
The FDA has warned companies that sold semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide labeled "for research purposes" to people. The FDA urges people not to buy them.
FAQ
Is it legal to buy peptides online?
Approved peptide medicines need a prescription from a licensed pharmacy. The FDA warns against "research only" products sold for people.
Are compounded peptides FDA-approved?
No. Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved.
Which peptides are FDA-approved?
Examples: Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Victoza, Vyleesi, Egrifta.
Related pages
- Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic)Proven in people & FDA approved
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro)Proven in people & FDA approved
- BPC-157Not enough proof
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide, Vyleesi)Proven in people & FDA approved
- Tesamorelin (Egrifta)Proven in people & FDA approved
We never share doses or tell you where to buy. Always ask your doctor.