Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reshaped the FDA's peptide advisory committee by adding nine new members who largely promote these drugs, despite concerns from FDA scientists about their safety. The advisory committee's recommendations often influence FDA decisions, though the agency isn't required to follow them. FDA scientists warn that peptide drugs remain largely untested and could pose health risks to consumers.

The new panel includes doctors who run peptide clinics, social media promoters, and industry figures. Gabriel Alizaidy promotes peptides through a newsletter and works at Maximus, which recently received an FDA warning letter for misleading claims. Other new members lead clinics specializing in peptide treatments for anti-aging and pain management.

Four returning members include industry representatives and established medical professionals. Timothy Fensky represents pharmacy industry interests, while Elizabeth Rebello is an anesthesiologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Donnette Staas from Jazz Pharmaceuticals serves as a non-voting industry representative.

This composition raises questions about whether safety concerns will outweigh commercial interests in FDA peptide evaluations. The advisory committee will review peptides as the agency maintains its standard process of considering committee input before making final determinations.