The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), through its Pharmacy and Drug Control Department, has issued a circular prohibiting the handling, distribution, use and promotion of peptide products that have not received official licensing approval.

In a statement, the Department said it has recently identified a rise in the promotion, distribution and circulation of several unlicensed peptides, including BPC-157, Retatrutide and MOTS-c, among others. These substances are being marketed in different pharmaceutical forms, including injectable preparations, and are promoted with claims related to therapeutic benefits, cosmetic applications and performance enhancement.

The Department stressed that the importation, manufacture, preparation, sale, prescription, dispensing, injection, use, advertising or promotion of any peptide product that has not been licensed by the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department is strictly prohibited. The ban applies across all channels and methods, including social media platforms and other electronic media.

The directive also covers products labelled or marketed under descriptions such as “for research purposes” or “not for human use” when they are subsequently promoted for or used by people without the required regulatory approval.

According to the statement, the Pharmacy and Drug Control Department will take all necessary regulatory, legal and enforcement measures against individuals or entities found to be in violation of the directive.

The Department urged healthcare institutions, medical professionals, relevant organisations and members of the public to fully comply with the circular, emphasising that adherence to the regulations is essential to safeguarding public health and ensuring the safety of individuals.