Arabic version: نيو ساوث ويلز تحذّر من الببتيدات غير المعتمدة بعد ارتفاع حالات المستشفيات

According to ABC News, NSW health authorities have issued a warning following a sharp increase in emergency department presentations linked to unapproved peptide products promoted as wellness treatments. NSW Health data recorded 1,180 people seeking treatment across the state between July 2025 and September 2026 after taking unapproved peptides.

Monthly presentations rose from five in July 2025 to almost 220 in September 2026. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up proteins, and some peptide-based medicines are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Authorities are concerned about unregulated products that have gained attention online through claims involving weight loss, ageing reversal and muscle growth.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said unapproved peptides could cause serious side effects, including liver and kidney damage, allergic reactions, severe vomiting and other complications. He said people could become very unwell quickly and urged consumers not to buy or use products promoted through social media and online retailers.

NSW Health said unapproved products may contain peptides including BPC-157, GHK-Cu, TB-500, retatrutide and CJC-1295. Tim Jones, chair of child and young person’s health at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said products may not contain their listed ingredients, could be supplied in vastly different doses, or be mixed with other substances.

People are being urged to discuss health goals with their usual doctor and to use only approved peptide products prescribed by a qualified health practitioner in Australia. Those already using an unprescribed peptide are advised to speak with a health professional before taking another dose to confirm whether it is a registered medicine.