Longevity, wellness physicians named to panel advising FDA on peptides

New panelists could benefit from rule changes, raising ethics concerns

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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.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.

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration on Monday published the names of eight new panelists who will serve on a committee advising the agency on whether to allow compounding pharmacies to manufacture certain peptides.

The majority of new members are involved with businesses that promote and prescribe peptides, and will be weighing in on rules changes that could benefit them. One of the new panelists is pharmacist and Tennessee state senator Bobby Harshbarger, the son of U.S. Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), who is also a pharmacist and has asked the FDA to ease up on peptide regulation.