Research-use-only, explained
Most research peptides are sold 'for research use only' (RUO). They are not approved by the FDA as drugs for human use, and RUO labeling means they haven't been evaluated for safety or efficacy in people.
A handful are FDA-approved medications in specific contexts (e.g. semaglutide, tirzepatide, tesamorelin, PT-141) and are legitimately prescribed — which is different from buying the RUO research version.
Compounding vs. grey market
Some peptides are available through licensed compounding pharmacies with a prescription. That is a regulated path with oversight.
The 2023 FDA category-2 classification of several peptides restricted what compounding pharmacies can make — which is part of why the grey market exists.
Staying responsible
- Understand that RUO products are not quality-controlled like medications
- Never represent RUO peptides as approved treatments
- Where a regulated, prescribed path exists, it is the safer one
- Laws vary by country and change — verify your local status