FDA schedules July advisory panel on BPC-157 and 6+ peptides for compounding; Hims surges 12%; fewer than 1 in 4 GLP-1 patients stay on treatment after a year.
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Today's biggest story is the FDA formally scheduling a July 23-24 Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting to review whether seven or more peptides — including BPC-157 and TB-500 — should be eligible for compounding pharmacy production. This is the concrete regulatory step that makes RFK Jr.'s February reclassification pledge actionable, and the market responded instantly: Hims & Hers surged 12% on the news. But the day also surfaced uncomfortable data on the GLP-1 drugs already on the market: NPR reported fewer than 1 in 4 patients stay on GLP-1 therapy after a year, with up to 40% of weight lost coming from muscle mass — raising serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the GLP-1 treatment model. Meanwhile, the non-GLP-1 peptide world continues to advance: CLINUVEL showcased afamelanotide vitiligo results at AAD 2026 with Phase III fully enrolled, and a collagen peptide meta-analysis revealed that industry-funded studies showed benefits while independent studies did not.
The FDA announced it will convene the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee on July 23-24 to evaluate whether seven or more peptides — including BPC-157, TB-500, and other popular wellness peptides — should be added to the list of substances eligible for pharmacy compounding. The announcement follows HHS Secretary RFK Jr.'s February pledge to reclassify 14 restricted peptides.
Hims & Hers Health Inc. jumped as much as 12% after the FDA's advisory panel announcement, with investors betting the telehealth company will benefit from expanded legal access to compounded peptide therapies. RFK Jr. stated on X that this action would 'immediately begin shifting demand away from the black market.'
An NPR investigation found fewer than 1 in 4 patients stay on GLP-1 medications after a year, with most planning to restart later. Researchers warn that up to 40% of weight lost on GLP-1s is lean muscle, and cycling on and off the drugs may accelerate sarcopenia. When patients stop, fat regains rapidly while muscle recovery is uncertain.
CLINUVEL presented afamelanotide (Scenesse) vitiligo data at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting to 20,000+ delegates. The Phase III CUV105 trial has completed enrollment of 200+ patients across 3 continents. Clinical cases showed repigmentation after 20 weeks maintained through 6-month follow-up, even in patients with active disease. Topline results expected H2 2026.
A study of 220,043 patients published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism found that combining GLP-1 receptor agonists with SGLT2 inhibitors reduced all-cause mortality by 29%, the cardiovascular composite outcome by 19%, and heart failure risk by 22% compared to SGLT2 inhibitor use alone over 1.3 years of median follow-up.
Novo Nordisk's oral Wegovy 4mg dose increased from the introductory $149/month to $199/month effective April 15, as previously announced. The 1.5mg starter dose remains at $149/month, while maintenance doses (9mg, 25mg) stay at $299/month. The price increase applies to the NovoCare self-pay channel.
A systematic review and meta-analysis in The American Journal of Medicine analyzing collagen peptide supplements found significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkles — but only in industry-funded and low-quality studies. High-quality studies and those without pharmaceutical funding showed no significant effect across all categories.
A comprehensive review in Discover Oncology highlights antimicrobial peptides' emerging dual role as anticancer and antiviral therapeutics. AMPs selectively target cancer cell membranes through electrostatic interactions while also demonstrating antiviral activity, with their immunomodulatory properties and reduced resistance development offering advantages over conventional chemotherapy.
The GLP-1 mass tort litigation (MDL 3094) before Judge Karen Marston in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania now includes 3,363 cases alleging gastroparesis and other injuries. Expert discovery closed in late March, with Daubert motions due April 28 and summary judgment motions due April 30. A Science Day on vision loss claims is set for June 2.
Scientific American reports that the FDA's decision to convene an expert advisory panel — rather than unilaterally reclassifying peptides — signals a more cautious approach than RFK Jr.'s original February pledge suggested. The panel will weigh limited safety data against surging consumer demand and a growing black market for unregulated peptide products.