The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners (ALBMA) recently issued a notice regarding an "increased interest in peptides," warning Alabama physicians about restrictions on substances not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The notice warned physicians against prescribing or recommending research-grade peptides, citing "potential risks" and reiterating that it was illegal for a physician to even advise or recommend non-approved peptides, even if delegated through an intermediary.
"A physician may not circumvent his or her duty of care to patients by permitting or delegating the purchase, administration, or dispensing of these drugs to Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs), Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners (CRNPs) or Physician Assistants (PAs). This prohibition includes advising, recommending, supplying, prescribing, or administering," the ALBME said in its notice.
The interest in peptides has grown in recent years. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is pushing to loosen FDA restrictions on approximately 14 popular peptide injections.
Kennedy's efforts have received support from U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who is heavily assumed to be the state's next governor. Tuberville has spoken favorably of the potential of peptides, telling Kennedy in a letter, "Physicians and pharmacists should have the flexibility to treat patients using their expertise without unnecessary regulatory barriers."
ALBME stated in a follow-up with 1819 News that a particular event did not prompt the warning. Rather, it was preemptive in light of the growing interest in the treatments.
"As the state agency responsible for regulating the practice of medicine, we are seeing increased interest in peptides from both patients and medical professionals," a spokesperson told 1819 News. "Patients are increasingly asking physicians about peptides because of health claims they have seen on social media and online. At the same time, physicians and other licensed medical professionals have contacted the Board seeking guidance regarding research-grade peptides. That combination prompted the Board to issue this reminder that research-grade peptides are not approved by the FDA for human use and are not subject to the safety, effectiveness, manufacturing, and quality standards that apply to FDA-approved products."
The spokesperson did not have evidence of a particular injury incurred by someone using unapproved peptides. However, they did say that a physician assistant's license was suspended in March for distributing unapproved peptides. The Board and its investigators also worked with the Attorney General's Office in 2025 to close a clinic in Cullman that provided patients with research-grade peptides that were not approved for human use.
"The alert was issued as a proactive patient-safety measure and not in response to any specific reported injury," the spokesperson stated. "The Board's responsibility is to provide guidance to licensees and help ensure compliance with Alabama law and accepted standards of medical practice."
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