The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) is urging the public to exercise caution over the increasing promotion of injectable peptide treatments.
BCAM states that these treatments are commonly promoted for antiageing, fat loss, skin rejuvenation and performance enhancement. It also emphasises that “peptide therapy” is an umbrella term encompassing compounds with differing evidence bases, legal statuses and safety profiles.
The organisation highlights that some peptide-based medicines, including certain GLP-1 receptor agonists, are regulated and licensed for conditions such as type 2 diabetes and weight management when prescribed appropriately within a medical framework. However, BCAM warns that many products marketed online as “research peptides”, including BPC-157, TB-500 and melanotan, may not have been assessed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency for quality, safety or efficacy for human use. It also notes that UK medicines regulations prohibit the advertising of unlicensed medicines and prescription-only medicines to the public.
BCAM further warns that unregulated peptide products may carry risks including inaccurate dosing, contamination, uncertain purity and a lack of pharmacovigilance.
Sadie Van Sanden Cooke, chief operating officer for BCAM, says, “Patients are increasingly being exposed to highly marketed injectable treatments that appear scientific and innovative, but which may have very limited evidence, unclear legality and unknown long-term risks. Just because something is being promoted online does not mean it is safe, regulated or medically appropriate. When it comes to injectable treatments, understanding the science and understanding who is providing the treatment, is essential for protecting your health.”