# STAT+: FDA staff and peptide enthusiasts set to clash at advisory panel Canonical URL: https://biopharmsignal.com/news/MARKET/stat-fda-staff-and-peptide-enthusiasts-set-to-clash-at-advisory-panel-9ddd1c5e Ticker: MARKET Company: MARKET Source: STAT News Published: 2026-07-23 08:30 EST Original Source URL: https://www.statnews.com/2026/07/23/fda-advisory-panel-peptide-safety-compounding-pharmacies/?utm_campaign=rss ## Summary FDA advisers are set to consider whether allowing compounding pharmacies to offer largely unproven peptides is a safer bet than the gray-market versions now in use. ## Article Body RFK Jr. wants to let compounding pharmacies manufacture certain peptides. Agency staff think it’s a bad idea Adobe Sarah covers how industries like food and tobacco affect Americans’ bodies and minds. Her interests include ultra-processed foods; smoke-free tobacco; and wellness trends like perimenopause products and peptides. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at sarahlizchar.47. Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at lizzylaw.53. As more Americans experiment with synthetic peptides despite warnings about their unproven benefits and potential risks, an advisory panel to the Food and Drug Administration will meet on Thursday and Friday to discuss changes that could make peptides more accessible. At issue is whether to allow compounding pharmacies to manufacture seven peptides that are currently designated as unsafe for them to make. The panel discussion is expected to be unusual in more ways than one. First, many of the newly appointed members on the panel hold what critics ( including FDA staff ) say are conflicts of interest. The panel roster includes several physicians who prescribe peptides to patients as well as pharmacist and Tennessee state Sen. Bobby Harshbarger, whose mother, U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.) has advocated for looser peptide regulations . Many of these panelists were selected by the Health and Human Services Department, FDA officials previously told STAT. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus daily intelligence on Capitol Hill and the life sciences industry — by subscribing to STAT+. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe Reporter, Commercial Determinants of Health Sarah covers how industries like food and tobacco affect Americans’ bodies and minds. Her interests include ultra-processed foods; smoke-free tobacco; and wellness trends like perimenopause products and peptides. Confidential tips can be sent on Signal at sarahlizchar.47. FDA Reporter Lizzy leads STAT’s coverage of the FDA. Her stories explore the relationship between politics and science at the FDA, industry influence, and the agency’s ability to protect and promote public health. 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