Summary of How the peptide craze is turning deadly

Overview of How the peptide craze is turning deadly

This episode of ABC News Daily examines the growing use of unapproved peptides in Australia and the serious health risks now emerging. Through the case of Australian actor Richard Norton and recent hospital data, the conversation highlights how peptides are being marketed for weight loss, anti-ageing, recovery, and tanning — often with little evidence of safety, poor regulation, and significant potential for harm.

Key case: Richard Norton’s death

• Richard Norton, an Australian-born actor and martial artist, died in March last year after seeking peptide treatment for:
  • fatigue
  • muscle loss
  • recovery from training
  • shoulder pain
• According to the Victorian coroner’s report, he was prescribed two unapproved peptides:
  • CJC-1295
  • ipamorelin
• Later, he was also given:
  • BPC-157
  • TB-500
• After injecting the peptides, he developed:
  • headache
  • flushing
  • unresponsiveness
• He suffered a cardiac arrest, and the coroner concluded he died from anaphylaxis linked to the peptides.
• The report is believed to be the first known death in Australia linked to unapproved peptides.
• The doctor involved was found to have fallen short in the second prescription and in record-keeping, and was told to pursue further education.

What peptides are — and why they’re risky

• Peptides are short chains of amino acids; some, like insulin and GLP-1 drugs, are legitimate medicines.
• The problem is that many peptides being used in the wellness/fitness market are:
  • unapproved
  • untested for safety
  • sold through telehealth, online sellers, or compounding pharmacies
• Because peptides are broken down in the stomach, they must usually be injected, which adds another layer of risk.
• Users often do not know what is actually in the vial, the dose, or whether it contains contaminants.

The surge in use and hospital presentations

• New South Wales Health reported a sharp rise in emergency department presentations related to peptides:
  • from fewer than 5 cases in a year to more than 200
• The most common problem cited was retatrutide, a powerful, unapproved GLP-1-style drug being sold online.
• Reported side effects and complications include:
  • anaphylaxis
  • abdominal pain
  • headaches
  • rising blood sugar
• Data suggest the users are:
  • more often younger
  • roughly evenly split between men and women

Examples of peptides being marketed

• Melanotan is used for tanning and can work — but it may also cause moles to become malignant.
• Some products are heavily marketed for recovery or performance, but their actual composition may be uncertain.
• One example mentioned was a peptide marketed as “copper-containing,” with concerns that what’s sold may be adulterated or misleadingly colored.

Regulatory concerns and gaps

• The coroner recommended that the TGA consider moving peptides from Schedule 4 to Schedule 10:

  • Schedule 4 = prescription-only, but still available in some circumstances
  • Schedule 10 = effectively prohibited

• Regulators including:

  • TGA
  • AHPRA

  have warned doctors about peptide prescribing.

• A major concern is the regulatory gap between approved medical practice and the rise of telehealth clinics that may prescribe based on scripts rather than proper assessment.

• The episode stresses that telehealth can be appropriate for:

  • follow-up care
  • repeat prescriptions with a regular GP

• But it is not necessarily safer when used for first-time consultations with unfamiliar companies or clinicians.

Main takeaways

• Peptides are increasingly being sold as shortcuts for weight loss, anti-ageing, recovery, and appearance, but many are unapproved and potentially dangerous.
• The death of Richard Norton shows these substances can have real and severe physiological effects.
• Hospital presentations linked to peptide use are rising fast, suggesting a broader public health problem.
• The current system has major gaps in oversight, especially in telehealth and online supply chains.
• Norman Swan’s message was blunt: don’t use them.

Practical advice

• Do not buy or inject unapproved peptides.
• If you have symptoms such as fatigue, pain, unexplained weight loss, or other unusual changes:
  • seek a proper medical assessment
  • don’t assume peptides are a safe shortcut
• Be cautious of wellness marketing, gym recommendations, and social media claims — especially where there is no solid evidence of benefit and real risk of harm.