How peptides are regulated in Australia

In Australia, peptide therapies are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). This means they are subject to the same oversight as any other prescription medication.

Prescription-only

Peptides used in therapy are Schedule 4 (prescription-only) medications. They cannot be purchased over the counter or imported without a prescription.

Special Access Scheme

Some peptide therapies may be prescribed under the TGA's Special Access Scheme (SAS), which allows practitioners to prescribe medications that aren't on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods for individual patients.

Authorised Prescriber

Alternatively, GPs can apply to become Authorised Prescribers for specific peptides, giving them ongoing authority to prescribe for a class of patients.

Why regulation matters

Unregulated peptides sourced from overseas carry risks including unknown purity, contamination, and incorrect dosages. Prescribed peptides from Australian pharmacies are compounded under strict TGA manufacturing standards.