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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 9 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

Safety risks in unauthorized peptide markets

Overview

Investigations into the gray market for injectable peptides have highlighted significant contamination and safety concerns. In the United States, analysis of a vial labeled as the weight loss drug retatrutide, purchased from a Brooklyn bodega, revealed it contained phenylacetic acid, a filler used in perfume and illicit amphetamine manufacturing, rather than a peptide. Laboratory testing of that sample also identified at least 13 different bacterial colonies.

In Canada, Health Canada issued a warning regarding unauthorized peptides sold online after testing revealed three types of harmful bacteria. The agency seized over 11,400 vials linked to Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. and two online retailers. The unauthorized products, which include substances such as Retatrutide, Tirzepatide, and NAD+, are often marketed for weight loss, anti-aging, or wellness. Health Canada warned that these unassessed products may cause hormonal imbalances, organ damage, or blood clots, and may contain heavy metals or physical contaminants like glass and plastic.

Entities

University of Iowa · Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd. · Carl Ross · Eli Lilly · Health Canada

Timeline

  1. [HEALTH] 9 sources
    Health Canada warns of bacteria in unauthorized online peptides

    Health Canada warns against unauthorized online peptides after finding harmful bacteria in over 11,400 seized vials from Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

  2. [HEALTH] 3 sources
    Gray market peptide products found to contain bacteria and chemical fillers

    Chemical analysis of gray market peptides sold in US convenience stores revealed they often contain bacterial colonies and industrial fillers like phenylacetic acid instead of actual peptides.

Sources

edmonton.citynews.ca · globalnews.ca · halifax.citynews.ca · kitchener.citynews.ca · thecrystaleyes.com · toronto.citynews.ca · vancouver.citynews.ca · winnipeg.citynews.ca · wtxnews.com