Expert warns UK is ‘wild west’ for experimental peptides
8 reported
A leading expert has warned that the UK has become a "wild west" for people selling experimental peptides, steroids and other substances, and that action is needed to avoid fatalities. Prof Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London, a consultant at Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals, said he encounters patients "day in, day out" taking experimental peptides. He warned the issue is "falling between the stools" of regulatory bodies, with many online sellers touting the substances as part of a "wellness" regime. Jayasena said steroids are known to increase the risk of death threefold, and peptides made in China are not subject to standard quality controls and risk contamination. The warnings follow a Guardian investigation revealing fitness influencers use Telegram to sell anabolic steroids, prescription-only medicines and unregulated peptides. A government spokesperson said the UK takes the illegal sale of medicines seriously, and the MHRA investigates suspected offences.
What’s reported
Prof Channa Jayasena of Imperial College London warned the UK has become a "wild west" for experimental peptides, steroids and other substances.
Jayasena said he encounters patients "day in, day out" taking experimental peptides.
He stated steroids increase the risk of death threefold, and peptides made in China lack standard quality controls and risk contamination.
The Guardian investigation revealed fitness influencers use Telegram to sell anabolic steroids, prescription-only medicines and unregulated experimental peptides.
Susan Backhouse, a professor at Leeds Beckett University, said there is a broader normalisation of enhancement across demographics.
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat chair of the health select committee, raised concerns about tech firms and MHRA resources.
Conservative MP Luke Evans, a former GP, said he has raised the issue in parliament and called for awareness, data, and accountability.
A government spokesperson said the MHRA's criminal enforcement unit investigates suspected offences and disrupts illegal supply chains.
Key figures
Prof Channa Jayasena, consultant in reproductive endocrinology and andrology at Imperial College London and Hammersmith and St Mary’s hospitals
Susan Backhouse, professor of sport psychology and behavioural nutrition at Leeds Beckett University
Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat chair of the health select committee
Luke Evans, Conservative MP and former GP
A government spokesperson (not named)
Sources: The Guardian
