FDA Panel Backs Wider BPC-157 Access 8-6 as Kennedy Push Collides With Agency Scientists
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 23
FDA Panel Backs Wider BPC-157 Access 8-6 as Kennedy Push Collides With Agency Scientists
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 23
Summary
An FDA advisory committee voted 8-6, with one abstention, to let specialized pharmacies dispense BPC-157, the first major test of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s bid to loosen peptide restrictions.
Eight yes votes came from six peptide sellers, a compounding pharmacist and a pharmacy executive, who said patient testimony outweighed FDA staff warnings about weak evidence and possible harm.
FDA scientists had urged rejection, saying BPC-157 and six other peptides lack meaningful human safety and efficacy data, may vary by formulation, and could carry risks including allergic reactions or tumor growth.
The vote is nonbinding, but Kennedy has authority to overrule FDA decisions and has argued that restoring regulated compounding would be safer than leaving patients to gray-market peptide products.