Peptides - Illegal products from the internet with incalculable health risks New

Numerous online shops offer a variety of products for different indications, such as weight loss and muscle building, as well as anti-aging and biohacking supplements. These products are collectively referred to as "peptides" and are heavily advertised on social media.

A multitude of products "for research purposes"

The products offered contain a wide variety of active ingredients and are marketed in various dosage forms, such as pens, solutions for injection, nasal sprays or drops, or in lyophilised (freeze-dried) form. The packaging often bears labels such as "for research and laboratory purposes," "for research use only", "research grade," etc. However, the overall context of the websites in question clearly indicates that the products offered are intended for human use. The designation as "research chemical" or similar should therefore be considered a mere pretext, since many of these "peptides" are classified as medicinal products by the Austrian Federal Office for Safety in Health Care (BASG) depending on their composition, concentration, effects and scientific data. However, none of these products possess the required marketing authorisation resulting in their legal status as (illegal) medicinal products. As such, the placing on the market and import of such products to Austria are prohibited.

Questionable product quality and efficacy

Unauthorised, i.e., illegal, medicinal products are not subject to any official control. Neither the origin of the products nor the manufacturers or compliance with quality standards is known. Reliable information about transport routes and storage conditions is also generally unavailable. For these reasons, sufficient product quality, purity or efficacy cannot be guaranteed. In addition, for many of the "peptides" offered, there exists insufficient clinical data for human use. Therefore, no reliable statements can be made about these products concerning their efficacy, safety, adverse reactions and potential interactions with other medicinal products.

Health risks and legal consequences

In summary, the application or use of "peptide" products from dubious sources (e.g. purchased online) poses an incalculable health risk. Contaminated or low‑quality products can have serious health consequences.  
Since these products are illegal medicinal products, not only distributors or importers but also purchasers must expect legal consequences (e.g. prosecution).
 

If you have any information regarding "peptide webshops" or illegal "peptide" products, please report it directly to the enforcement unit of the Federal Office for Safety in Health Care at enforcement@basg.gv.at.

Further inquiry note

enforcement@basg.gv.at