Why are unapproved peptides still allowed to be prescribed by doctors?

Oct 29, 2026, 3:05 AM4 min

A coroner has recommended the TGA consider further restrictions on some unapproved peptides after actor Richard Norton collapsed and died following injections prescribed by his doctor. His death is believed to be Australia's first confirmed death from unapproved peptide use, and the coroner found he had been taking more than he had been prescribed. Doctors can prescribe peptides using their own judgement, but experts say the evidence they are safe for humans is not there, so should anyone be taking them?

A coroner has recommended the TGA consider further restrictions on some unapproved peptides after actor Richard Norton collapsed and died following injections prescribed by his doctor.
His death is believed to be Australia's first confirmed death from unapproved peptide use, and the coroner found he had been taking more than he had been prescribed.
Doctors can prescribe peptides using their own judgement, but experts say the evidence they are safe for humans is not there, so should anyone be taking them?

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