How impending deregulation could supercharge a shadow industry of peptides into a gold rushHow impending deregulation could supercharge a shadow industry of peptides into a gold rush

Peptides are a staple of the Silicon Valley wellness underground. But impending actions by the Trump administration could push them into the mainstream, a shift that could commercialize a category of supplements currently in the gray market. 

• Peptides are compounds consisting of chains of amino acids. Insulin, which millions of people take to manage diabetes, is a peptide. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, is also a peptide. 
• Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly**** poised to allow compounding pharmacies to dispense certain peptides that are currently restricted by the Food and Drug Administration. 
• Currently, consumers are bypassing the FDA by buying vials of peptides labeled “for research use only” and then conducting that research on themselves. 
• Search interest in the US for “peptides” has skyrocketed and now even surpassed searches for “ozempic.” The global peptide therapeutics market is valued at approximately $52 billion today and projected to reach $87 billion by 2035, according to one estimate from Precedence Research.

But the term “peptides” is most often used as shorthand for injectable supplements associated with the biohacking tech elite. They are said to help melt fat, build muscle, clear up skin, and improve cognitive function — though most have not been thoroughly researched. 

“Everyone has a Chinese peptide dealer now,” The San Francisco Standard**** proclaimed in September. In December, hundreds attended a “Chinese Peptide Rave” in San Francisco sponsored by Peptide Partners.

The Takeaway

Max Marchione, CEO of Superpower, told Sherwood News his company is ready to quickly roll out peptides for its patients as soon as it gets the nod from the FDA. Superpower is one of several startups**** that interpret blood tests and sell supplements.

“We have the supply chain set up,” Marchione said in an email. The company is also working with biotechs to run clinical trials on some peptides, he said, adding that he wants to see results by next year. 

Enhanced Games, the Peter Thiel-backed startup known for organizing a “steroid Olympics,” said earlier this month that it would pivot toward telehealth and supplements, including peptides.