Dr. Jon LaPook explains why peptide sales are controversial

As of October 28, 2026, the Trump administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) allowed pharmacies to produce and sell six unapproved peptide drugs without FDA approval. This decision faced significant opposition from most FDA scientific staff members who warned it could undermine public health by exposing Americans to potentially unsafe substances. HHS stated that this move is intended to provide a regulated alternative for consumers seeking peptides, which have previously been available through the "gray market," often imported illegally from countries like China. The policy will be in effect while HHS works on formalizing a rule change and is set to take comments for two weeks before finalization.