RFK Jr. Pushes for Peptide Access in Pharmacies
RFK Jr. seeks White House approval to expand peptide drug access through pharmacies.
2 min read
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing for the White House to approve an interim policy that would allow certain peptide drugs to be compounded and dispensed in select pharmacies. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) submitted the policy to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review, marking a key step in the effort to bring these drugs to patients.
Following the FDA’s sanction of six peptide drugs this summer, the HHS action plan aims to streamline the process for compounded peptide medications. This initiative has been a top priority for Kennedy since he took over as HHS secretary. The American Academy of Peptide Medicine (AAPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing peptide therapies, is the primary requestor for the policy.
Lee Rosebush, chair of the AAPM, stated that the OMB’s official posting is a positive development, indicating the policy is moving forward. He emphasized the need for these substances to be placed on the interim bulk drug substances list to ensure safe and legitimate access for patients.
The AAPM, founded in 2025, has cataloged 174 peptides as part of its research and reference index. Rosebush and healthcare entrepreneur Brigham Buhler co-authored “The Peptide Revolution,” a book that outlines the health benefits and applications of peptides, including their use in fat loss, muscle growth, recovery, and hormonal balance.
In July, the FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee approved six out of seven peptides for consideration. Peptides, composed of short amino acid chains, are typically administered as injections. Kennedy has been vocal about his commitment to removing peptides from the black market and ensuring their availability for patients.
Today, we took long-overdue action to restore science, accountability, and the rule of law. In September 2023, the Biden FDA pushed a number of peptides into Category 2 — “Bulk Drug Substances that Raise Significant Safety Risks” — driving a dangerous black market that puts Americans at risk. Now, after nominators withdrew 12 peptides, the FDA will remove them from Category 2 and will bring them to PCAC at its next two meetings, beginning in July—where independent experts will rigorously evaluate each substance on its scientific merits using full clinical, pharmacological, and safety evidence. • BPC-157 • Thymosin beta-4 fragment (LKKTETQ) • Epitalon • GHK-Cu (injectable) • MOTS-c • DSIP (Emideltide) • Dihexa Acetate • Ibutamoren Mesylate • Melanotan II • KPV • Semax (heptapeptide) • Cathelicidin LL-37 This action begins to restore regulated access and will immediately begin shifting demand away from the black market. We will follow the science, enforce the law, and deliver the clarity patients, providers, and pharmacies deserve.
Kennedy reaffirmed his dedication to this cause in a recent post on X, stating, “We will follow the science, enforce the law, and deliver the clarity patients, providers, and pharmacies deserve.” The HHS has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Source: Daily Caller
