What does the FDA peptide ban mean for health-conscious consumers? What alternatives exist?
If you’ve listened to a biohacking podcast recently, you’ve likely heard about peptides. These short chains of amino acids have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their potential to enhance various biological processes.
However, it may soon be more difficult to source peptides due to a recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruling.
So, what are peptides exactly? And why did the FDA reschedule these substances?
Peptides are not only amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, but many are also “bioactive.” This means that peptides may have a physiological effect on the body. For example, certain peptides are believed to promote growth, enhance immune function, regulate metabolism, and improve cognitive function.
Although they have a range of potential health benefits, peptides haven’t been widely studied. Therefore, the FDA has said the ruling was due in part to the lack of adequate safety data.
Ultimately, the FDA peptide ban will have an impact on this emerging industry. It’s a complicated ruling. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at peptide therapy, the peptides that were banned, and potential alternatives for peptide therapy.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are a type of protein that is found in all living cells. They are involved in a variety of important bodily functions, including cell growth, repair, and communication.
Peptides can also be used in cosmetics to help improve the appearance of the skin. Synthetic peptides mimic this function. Ultimately, they’re believed to trigger the same physiological response and promote a wide range of health benefits.
BPC-157, for example, the so-called “Wolverine peptide,” is believed to stimulate cellular regeneration. Thymosin Beta 4 (TB4) is another example. TB4 may stimulate angiogenesis, promote wound healing, and protect nerve tissue. Both of these peptides were rescheduled, and now they will be more difficult to source.
What Role Do Peptides Play in Health?
Synthetic peptides offer a range of potential health benefits due to their ability to mimic the effects of naturally occurring peptides. Key health benefits include:
- Enhance muscle growth – Peptides are believed to stimulate the release of growth hormones. This promotes muscle growth and repair.
- Improved wound healing – Peptides can accelerate healing. They do this by stimulating the proliferation of new skin cells and promoting collagen production.
- Anti-aging effects – Peptides may protect against age-related decline and support cognitive function, skin elasticity, and bone health.
- Reduced inflammation – Peptides can have anti-inflammatory properties. These peptides may alleviate symptoms associated with chronic inflammatory conditions.
These are just a few examples. Other potential benefits of peptides include immunomodulation, improved sexual function, weight loss, a reduction in fatigue, and enhanced athletic performance.
FDA Peptide Ban: Which Peptides Were Regulated?
The list of newly rescheduled peptides contains 19 substances, including some of the most popular for anti-aging and performance. They include:
1. Thymosin Beta 4 (TB4)
This naturally occurring peptide offers a number of potential benefits. It is believed to stimulate cell regeneration, which may help:
- Promote wound healing
- Deliver anti-inflammatory properties
- Manage various inflammatory conditions
TB4 is still being researched as a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and in cancer treatments. It’s also well-tolerated, with no significant side effects.
2. Thymosin Alpha 1
This is a naturally occurring peptide found in the thymus gland. The thymus plays an important role in T cell development, the white blood cells that play an important role in immunoregulation. Thymosin Alpha 1 is believed to:
- Support immune function
- Provide antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Suppress tumor growth
- Protects against oxidative damage
3. BPC-157
The Wolverine peptide is a growth hormone secretagogue (GHS). That means it stimulates growth hormone secretion. BPC-157 is, therefore, popular among weightlifters. BPC-157 may also support cognitive function and autoimmune health.
4. Epithalon
Epithalon is a peptide that has been shown to increase telomerase production. The telomerase enzyme helps to maintain the integrity of telomeres, which are the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. As we age, our telomeres shorten. This has been linked to an increased risk of age-related diseases. Potential benefits include:
- May slow or prevent age-related shortening of telomeres
- May reduce the risk of age-related diseases
- May improve cognitive function
- May boost the immune system
- May promote wound healing
5. Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a peptide that mimics the effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone. As a synthetic, ipamorelin may help increase GH levels. Other potential therapeutic uses include:
- Anti-aging: Ipamorelin may have anti-aging effects by increasing collagen production and reducing skin wrinkles.
- Osteoporosis: Ipamorelin may improve bone density in people with osteoporosis.
- Frailty: Ipamorelin may improve muscle strength and function in frail older adults.
6. CJC-1295
CJC-1295 is a synthetic peptide that mimics the effects of GHRH. It is structurally similar to ipamorelin, but it is more potent and has a longer half-life. CJC-1295 is commonly used like ipamorelin, but it may be more effective.
Are Peptides Safe?
Ultimately, the safety of peptides is generally considered to be good. However, there is some concern that people may overuse peptides in an attempt to achieve unrealistic results. This can lead to side effects such as skin irritation, redness, and swelling.
What Does the Peptide Ban Mean for Patients?
The FDA peptide ban does not directly outlaw these products. Instead, with the new rescheduled status, they will be harder to obtain.
Compounding pharmacies, for example, may now face regulatory action for producing peptide formulations. Therefore, getting a prescription will likely be more difficult. This reclassification goes into effect in December.
Patients will have a few options for peptide therapy moving forward. They can continue to source peptides from their preferred compounding pharmacist with a doctor’s prescription. However, some pharmacies may stop offering them to avoid risk.
There is also fear that the rule change may increase black market sales.
What Is BAHI Therapy? Is It an Alternative Following the Peptide Ban?
For those seeking these health benefits, though, there may be an alternative: BAHI Therapy. BAHI Therapy is our signature health protocol.
Although the mechanisms are much different compared to peptide therapy, BAHI offers many of the same anti-aging, cellular regeneration, and immune support benefits.
BAHI Therapy: An Overview
BAHI Therapy is a holistic approach to promoting overall health and well-being. Our protocol combines four evidence-based techniques:
- Vibration therapy
- Molecular hydrogen therapy
- Photobiomodulation (red light therapy)
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Each therapy targets a specific aspect of health. And when used together, these therapies offer a synergistic effect.
What Are the Benefits of BAHI Therapy?
BAHI Therapy’s three-phase approach produces a similar physiological response compared to peptide therapy. Here’s how the process works:
Phase 1
Vibration therapy works to stimulate blood flow, promote muscle relaxation, and enhance cellular function. This prepares the body for Phase 2.
Phase 2
Molecular hydrogen inhalation and photobiomodulation therapy combine to help:
- Reduce oxidative stress
- Promote cellular repair
- Reduce inflammation
- Enhance immune function
Phase 3
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases the oxygen saturation of the blood and tissues, which can help promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance athletic performance.
Ultimately, BAHI Therapy offers a comprehensive approach. Many use BAHI to seek similar biological responses to peptide therapy, including hormone regulation, muscle and wound recovery, and improvements in skin health.
BAHI Therapy vs Peptide Therapy
BAHI therapy and peptide therapy are both approaches to promoting health and well-being. However, they have different mechanisms of action and target different aspects of health.
BAHI therapy, for example, targets cellular health, creating a synergistic effect that promotes healing and enhances overall well-being. And peptide therapy aims to enhance or restore physiological processes.
Here’s a quick look at the differences:
| Feature | BAHI Therapy | Peptide Therapy |
| Approach | Multimodal, targeting cellular health | Specific, targeting individual biological processes |
| Modalities | Molecular hydrogen inhalation, vibration therapy, red light therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy | Peptide administration |
| Applications | Wide range of health concerns, including pain management, wound healing, inflammation, and athletic performance | Specific health conditions, such as immune deficiencies, muscle wasting, and sexual dysfunction |
| Mechanism | Synergistic effects of multiple modalities | Modulation of specific biological pathways |
| Safety | Generally considered safe with minimal side effects | Varies depending on the specific peptide used |
| Regulation | Not regulated as a medical treatment | Regulated by the FDA as a drug |
However, these therapies do have similarities. They both aim to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and enhance cellular function.
Learn More About BAHI Therapy Today
Hue Light USA is the U.S. distributor of Hue Light’s patented wellness devices. Contact us today to learn more about bringing BAHI Therapy to your clinic or wellness practice.
We offer state-of-the-art machines that can help wellness professionals scale their practices. If you’re interested in Hue Light medical devices for home use, claim your informational brochure now to learn more.