Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signals in the body, influencing processes such as metabolism, appetite, and hormone release. Some peptide-based medicines are FDA-approved and well studied, including several widely used for diabetes and weight management. Many others, marketed for recovery, longevity, or performance, remain investigational. For patients in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, the most useful peptide consultation is one that clearly separates the two.
Dr. David Nazarian’s perspective on peptides and emerging therapies has been featured by national and international media, including CNN, BBC, FOX News, Forbes, USA Today, People, and The New York Times. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a member of the American College of Physicians, with training at UCLA, the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University, and Huntington Memorial Hospital, a USC teaching affiliate. In his Beverly Hills practice, he applies that same evidence-focused lens to every peptide conversation.
“Some peptides are proven medicines, and some are promising ideas that have not been tested well in people. My role is to be clear about which is which, and to keep up with regulations that are changing quickly.” — Dr. Nazarian
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Nazarian for a long time. He has been a colleague and my personal physician. It is difficult to find a more caring and knowledgeable doctor anywhere. Every patient receives the VIP quality service. I would highly recommend Dr. Nazarian to anyone looking for an elevated level of knowledge and service.
What Peptide Therapy Is and Where the Evidence Stands
“Peptide therapy” is a broad label, and the level of evidence depends entirely on the specific peptide, the condition, and how it is given:
- FDA-Approved Peptide Medicines: Examples include GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management, tesamorelin for excess abdominal fat in certain patients with HIV, and bremelanotide for low sexual desire in some premenopausal women.
- Investigational Peptides: Compounds such as BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, and thymosin alpha-1 are not FDA-approved drugs, and much of their evidence for recovery or longevity comes from laboratory and animal studies.
- Topical Cosmetic Peptides: Ingredients such as copper peptide (GHK-Cu) are used in skincare, and evidence for topical use does not establish the safety of injectable forms.
For weight management, our GLP-1 medications and tirzepatide pages describe approved options in more detail.
Regulatory Status of Investigational Peptides in 2026
Federal rules for compounded peptides have changed several times, so it is worth understanding the current picture as of September 2026:
- April 2026 Category 2 Removal: The FDA removed 12 peptides, including BPC-157, TB-500, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax, and epitalon, from its Category 2 list of bulk substances with potential significant safety risks. Removal did not add them to the list of substances approved for compounding.
- July 2026 Advisory Committee Votes: The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee recommended adding six of these peptides to the 503A bulks list for specific proposed uses. The votes were close, FDA staff had recommended against inclusion, and the recommendations are not binding.
- Final FDA Action Pending: As of this writing, the FDA has not finalized any of these peptides for the 503A bulks list, and none has become an FDA-approved drug.
- Peptides Outside the July Review: CJC-1295, ipamorelin, and thymosin alpha-1 were not among the peptides reviewed in July 2026, and their compounding status remains restricted or unsettled.
Compounded drugs are not FDA-approved, and products sold online “for research use only” are not intended or tested for human use. Competitive athletes should also know that many of these peptides are prohibited under anti-doping rules. The FDA’s page on bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks is updated as decisions are made.
Common Goals Patients Bring to a Peptide Consultation
Patients often ask about peptides for weight management, muscle recovery, joint or tendon healing, energy, skin and hair, and healthy aging. Each goal deserves a medical evaluation first, including a review of symptoms, medications, and appropriate laboratory blood work, since hormonal, metabolic, and nutritional issues often explain how someone feels. Topic-specific guidance is available here:
What to Expect During Your Peptide Consultation
Your visit in Beverly Hills or by telemedicine begins with your goals, health history, and current medications. Dr. Nazarian explains which options are FDA-approved for your situation, which are investigational, and what the evidence and risks look like for each. When an approved medication is prescribed for home injection, you will receive product-specific instructions for dosing, storage, injection technique, and disposal, along with a plan for follow-up monitoring. Side effects vary by medication, and injection-site reactions, nausea, and changes in blood sugar or blood pressure are among those your physician will review with you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peptide Therapy
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Some are. GLP-1 medications, tesamorelin, and bremelanotide are examples of FDA-approved peptide medicines for specific conditions. Peptides such as BPC-157, TB-500, and CJC-1295 are not FDA-approved drugs.
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BPC-157 was removed from the FDA’s Category 2 list in April 2026, and an advisory committee recommended it for the compounding list in July 2026. As of September 2026, the FDA has not finalized that change, and BPC-157 remains an unapproved drug with limited human data.
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No. These growth hormone-releasing peptides have limited clinical data, were not part of the July 2026 advisory review, and are not FDA-approved for longevity or any other use.
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Side effects depend on the specific peptide, dose, and route. Injection-site reactions are common, and some investigational peptides have little human safety data, so risks may not be fully known.
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Certain FDA-approved peptide-based medicines have strong evidence for weight management in eligible patients. Learn more on our GLP-1 medications page.
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Yes. Consultations are available in our Beverly Hills office and through telemedicine, with in-person follow-up when an examination or testing is needed.
Why Choose Dr. Nazarian for Peptide Therapy
- Flexible Access: In-office, telemedicine, house call, and hotel visit options. Choose Us
- Regulatory Awareness: Recommendations reflect current FDA status, not marketing claims.
- Approved Options First: FDA-approved peptide medicines are prioritized when they fit your goals.
- Internal Medicine Oversight: Labs, medications, and health history guide every plan.
Schedule a Peptide Therapy Consultation in Beverly Hills
If you are interested in peptide therapy, a physician-guided consultation can help you understand which options are proven, which are still investigational, and which fit your health goals. Dr. Nazarian welcomes patients from Beverly Hills and throughout Los Angeles. Contact My Concierge MD to schedule a consultation about your health concerns and the evidence, risks, and alternatives relevant to any proposed peptide treatment.
Further reading: FDA information on safety concerns with certain compounded peptides.
Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD on