Are Peptides Legal in Australia? TGA Status
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A neutral, source-grounded reference to how the peptides tracked on Peptide Science Daily are classified. Not legal or medical advice.
Quick answer
Of the 56 peptides tracked by Peptide Science Daily, 12 are approved medicines in Australia, 9 are prescription only or otherwise restricted, 11 are investigational (in clinical trials, not approved), and 24 have an unclear or unlisted status. A peptide is a legal medicine in Australia only where it holds approval or authorisation for use there; the rest are not approved medicines.
How Australia regulates peptides
In Australia, peptides are regulated as therapeutic goods by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A peptide may be supplied as a medicine only if it is entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), and most peptides are not on the ARTG.
Many peptides are captured as Schedule 4 (prescription only) substances under the Poisons Standard, meaning they may lawfully be supplied only on a prescription. BPC-157, for example, became a Schedule 4 substance with effect from 1 June 2024. Individuals may access some unapproved medicines through supervised pathways such as the Special Access Scheme or personal importation.
The status shown for each compound below reflects its recorded TGA standing. Open any profile for the specific, cited regulatory sources.
Status in Australia (TGA) by compound
Every tracked peptide and its recorded status in this jurisdiction. The colored dot shows the regulatory tone; the text states the specific status. Select a compound for its full profile and cited sources.
- AbaloparatideApproved
Synthetic parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34) analog; osteoanabolic agent
Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Eladynos, sponsor Theramex Australia) for postmenopausal osteoporosis, November 2024.
- AfamelanotideApproved
Synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, NDP-MSH)
Approved by the TGA and registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) in November 2020 as Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria; sponsored by the Australian company Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals.
- DesmopressinApproved
Synthetic vasopressin V2-receptor agonist analog (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin)
Registered on the ARTG (Minirin and other brands; tablet, nasal spray, sublingual wafer, and injection) for indications including diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis; prescription medicine.
- DulaglutideApproved
Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 analogue fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment)
Registered on the ARTG (Trulicity) for type 2 diabetes, available on prescription.
- ExenatideApproved
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; synthetic exendin-4
Registered on the ARTG for type 2 diabetes, available on prescription.
- GHK-CuApproved
Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu2+); endogenous matrikine; cosmetic ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1
Permitted topically as a cosmetic ingredient; no approved medicinal (e.g., injectable) product.
- LanreotideApproved
Long-acting synthetic somatostatin analog (cyclic octapeptide)
Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Somatuline Autogel, sponsor Ipsen), since September 2003.
- LinaclotideApproved
Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist peptide (14 amino acids)
Registered on the ARTG as Constella (linaclotide) for adults with IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation; prescription medicine.
- LiraglutideApproved
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (acylated GLP-1 analogue)
Registered on the ARTG: Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight management, available on prescription.
- OctreotideApproved
Synthetic somatostatin analog (octapeptide); inhibitor of growth hormone and gastroenteropancreatic hormone secretion
Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Sandostatin and Sandostatin LAR).
- TeduglutideApproved
Recombinant glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog
Registered on the ARTG as Revestive (ARTG 274911) since May 2017 for adults with short bowel syndrome dependent on parenteral support; prescription medicine.
- TeriparatideApproved
Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment PTH(1-34); bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis agent
Registered on the ARTG (Forteo, ARTG 80333) as a prescription medicine; teriparatide biosimilars such as Terrosa are also registered.
- CagrilintideInvestigational
Long-acting amylin (and calcitonin) receptor agonist / amylin analogue
Not entered on the ARTG; investigational only and not approved for supply.
- ElamipretideInvestigational
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding Szeto-Schiller peptide)
Not on the ARTG; investigational only and not approved for supply.
- FollistatinInvestigational
Endogenous activin-binding glycoprotein; myostatin/activin antagonist (studied as recombinant protein and via gene therapy, e.g., FS-344)
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product.
- GHRP-2Investigational
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP)
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product.
- GHRP-6Investigational
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; first-described growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys)
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product.
- HexarelinInvestigational
Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) hexapeptide
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product.
- KisspeptinInvestigational
Reproductive neuropeptide; KISS1 gene product and endogenous agonist of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54); upstream stimulator of GnRH neurons
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product.
- MazdutideInvestigational
Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors; a synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue
Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply.
- OrforglipronInvestigational
Oral small-molecule (non-peptide) agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor
Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); not yet approved for supply.
- RetatrutideInvestigational
Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide)
Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply.
- SurvodutideInvestigational
Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors (investigational metabolic peptide)
Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply.
- AOD-9604Restricted / Rx-only
Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (tyrosine-modified hGH 176-191); lipolytic peptide
Not approved for therapeutic use; the obesity indication was not approved. When supplied for therapeutic use it is a prescription-only (Schedule 4) substance; it is not an approved medicine on the ARTG.
- BPC-157Restricted / Rx-only
Synthetic stable gastric pentadecapeptide (15-amino-acid partial sequence derived from a protein in human gastric juice)
Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) under the Poisons Standard (added to Schedule 4 effective 1 June 2024); no registered product, prescription/compounded supply only.
- CJC-1295Restricted / Rx-only
Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved GHRH analog. Supply for human therapeutic use is restricted (prescription-only class of substance) and no obesity/GH indication is approved.
- IpamorelinRestricted / Rx-only
Growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor agonist (pentapeptide)
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved growth hormone secretagogue. Supply for human therapeutic use is restricted (prescription-only class) with no approved indication.
- LixisenatideRestricted / Rx-only
Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-4 based incretin mimetic)
Registered on the ARTG as Lyxumia in 2013 as a prescription-only medicine. Sanofi cancelled the standalone Lyxumia ARTG entry in February 2021.
- Melanotan IIRestricted / Rx-only
Synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); melanotan I and II are unapproved substances, and the TGA has warned consumers against unapproved injectable tanning products. Supply for therapeutic use falls in the prescription-only class.
- SemaglutideRestricted / Rx-only
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist
Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription.
- SetmelanotideRestricted / Rx-only
Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Any access in Australia would be through unapproved-goods pathways such as the Special Access Scheme.
- TirzepatideRestricted / Rx-only
Dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors (incretin-based metabolic peptide)
Registered on the ARTG (Mounjaro) for type 2 diabetes and for weight management, available on prescription.
- AmycretinUnclear
Unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Investigational; not approved in Australia.
- ArgirelineUnclear
Topical cosmetic peptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8); SNAP-25 N-terminal fragment mimetic
Permitted in topical cosmetics as a cosmetic ingredient; not an approved therapeutic (medicinal) product.
- DihexaUnclear
Angiotensin IV-derived peptide (metabolically stabilised); investigational nootropic / HGF-Met modulator
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- DSIPUnclear
Delta sleep-inducing peptide; endogenous neuromodulatory nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu)
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- EfpeglenatideUnclear
Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-based, once-weekly)
Not registered on the ARTG. Investigational only.
- EpithalonUnclear
Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG); studied as a telomerase-related peptide
Not approved by the TGA and not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no registered therapeutic product.
- FOXO4-DRIUnclear
Senolytic peptide (FOXO4 D-retro-inverso peptide); disrupts the FOXO4-p53 interaction
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- GonadorelinUnclear
Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH); decapeptide identical to endogenous GnRH; GnRH receptor agonist
Gonadorelin (native GnRH) has been used clinically in Australia for diagnostic and fertility indications; its current ARTG registration should be verified. Related GnRH analogues (e.g., leuprorelin, goserelin) are registered.
- HumaninUnclear
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (24-residue; encoded in the mtDNA 16S rRNA region); cytoprotective
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance.
- IGF-1 LR3Unclear
Long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 analogue (Long R3 IGF-1); recombinant IGF-1 with an Arg3 substitution and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension; sold as a laboratory research reagent
Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product.
- KPVUnclear
Tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val); C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-derived anti-inflammatory peptide
No registered/approved product; an unapproved therapeutic substance.
- LL-37Unclear
Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (37-residue C-terminal fragment of hCAP18); host-defence peptide
Not on the ARTG; no approved LL-37 product.
- Maridebart cafraglutideUnclear
Peptide-antibody conjugate with GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP receptor antagonist activity
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Investigational; not approved in Australia.
- MOTS-cUnclear
Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); AMPK activator / exercise mimetic
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance with no approved indication.
- PetrelintideUnclear
Long-acting amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) receptor agonist for weight management
Not registered on the ARTG. Investigational only.
- PramlintideUnclear
Synthetic amylin analog (amylinomimetic)
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); pramlintide is not marketed as a registered medicine in Australia.
- PT-141 (Bremelanotide)Unclear
Melanocortin receptor agonist; synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH)
Not registered on the ARTG; no approved bremelanotide/Vyleesi product in Australia. Compounded or imported PT-141 is unapproved.
- SelankUnclear
Synthetic tuftsin analog (heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro); anxiolytic/nootropic neuropeptide
Not approved by the TGA and not on the ARTG; no registered therapeutic product.
- SemaxUnclear
Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro); nootropic/neuroprotective neuropeptide
Not approved by the TGA and not on the ARTG; no registered therapeutic product.
- SermorelinUnclear
Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone comprising its first 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29); formerly FDA-approved (Geref), later withdrawn from the US market
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved sermorelin product. Supply for human therapeutic use would be prescription-only or via compounding.
- TB-500Unclear
Synthetic peptide fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponding to the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4; note it is NOT the same molecule as full-length recombinant thymosin beta-4
No registered/approved product; an unapproved therapeutic substance.
- TesamorelinUnclear
Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH); approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy
Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved tesamorelin product in Australia.
- ThymalinUnclear
Thymic polypeptide preparation (calf-thymus extract); immunomodulatory bioregulator
Not on the ARTG; an unapproved substance in Australia.
- Thymosin Alpha-1Unclear
Synthetic 28-amino-acid thymic peptide (thymalfasin); immunomodulator
Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved thymalfasin product in Australia.
| Compound | Tone | Status in Australia (TGA) |
|---|---|---|
| Abaloparatide Synthetic parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP 1-34) analog; osteoanabolic agent | Approved | Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Eladynos, sponsor Theramex Australia) for postmenopausal osteoporosis, November 2024. |
| Afamelanotide Synthetic linear analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) agonist ([Nle4-D-Phe7]-alpha-MSH, NDP-MSH) | Approved | Approved by the TGA and registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) in November 2020 as Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant for the prevention of phototoxicity in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria; sponsored by the Australian company Clinuvel Pharmaceuticals. |
| Desmopressin Synthetic vasopressin V2-receptor agonist analog (1-deamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin) | Approved | Registered on the ARTG (Minirin and other brands; tablet, nasal spray, sublingual wafer, and injection) for indications including diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis; prescription medicine. |
| Dulaglutide Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (GLP-1 analogue fused to a modified human IgG4 Fc fragment) | Approved | Registered on the ARTG (Trulicity) for type 2 diabetes, available on prescription. |
| Exenatide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist; synthetic exendin-4 | Approved | Registered on the ARTG for type 2 diabetes, available on prescription. |
| GHK-Cu Copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with Cu2+); endogenous matrikine; cosmetic ingredient name Copper Tripeptide-1 | Approved | Permitted topically as a cosmetic ingredient; no approved medicinal (e.g., injectable) product. |
| Lanreotide Long-acting synthetic somatostatin analog (cyclic octapeptide) | Approved | Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Somatuline Autogel, sponsor Ipsen), since September 2003. |
| Linaclotide Guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist peptide (14 amino acids) | Approved | Registered on the ARTG as Constella (linaclotide) for adults with IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation; prescription medicine. |
| Liraglutide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (acylated GLP-1 analogue) | Approved | Registered on the ARTG: Victoza for type 2 diabetes and Saxenda for weight management, available on prescription. |
| Octreotide Synthetic somatostatin analog (octapeptide); inhibitor of growth hormone and gastroenteropancreatic hormone secretion | Approved | Registered on the ARTG as a prescription medicine (Sandostatin and Sandostatin LAR). |
| Teduglutide Recombinant glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) analog | Approved | Registered on the ARTG as Revestive (ARTG 274911) since May 2017 for adults with short bowel syndrome dependent on parenteral support; prescription medicine. |
| Teriparatide Recombinant human parathyroid hormone fragment PTH(1-34); bone-forming (anabolic) osteoporosis agent | Approved | Registered on the ARTG (Forteo, ARTG 80333) as a prescription medicine; teriparatide biosimilars such as Terrosa are also registered. |
| Cagrilintide Long-acting amylin (and calcitonin) receptor agonist / amylin analogue | Investigational | Not entered on the ARTG; investigational only and not approved for supply. |
| Elamipretide Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (cardiolipin-binding Szeto-Schiller peptide) | Investigational | Not on the ARTG; investigational only and not approved for supply. |
| Follistatin Endogenous activin-binding glycoprotein; myostatin/activin antagonist (studied as recombinant protein and via gene therapy, e.g., FS-344) | Investigational | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product. |
| GHRP-2 Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) | Investigational | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product. |
| GHRP-6 Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; first-described growth hormone-releasing hexapeptide (His-D-Trp-Ala-Trp-D-Phe-Lys) | Investigational | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product. |
| Hexarelin Synthetic growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin receptor (GHS-R1a) agonist; growth hormone-releasing peptide (GHRP) hexapeptide | Investigational | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered product. |
| Kisspeptin Reproductive neuropeptide; KISS1 gene product and endogenous agonist of the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R/GPR54); upstream stimulator of GnRH neurons | Investigational | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product. |
| Mazdutide Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors; a synthetic oxyntomodulin analogue | Investigational | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply. |
| Orforglipron Oral small-molecule (non-peptide) agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor | Investigational | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); not yet approved for supply. |
| Retatrutide Triple agonist of the GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors (investigational incretin/metabolic peptide) | Investigational | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply. |
| Survodutide Dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucagon receptors (investigational metabolic peptide) | Investigational | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); investigational only and not approved for supply. |
| AOD-9604 Modified C-terminal fragment of human growth hormone (tyrosine-modified hGH 176-191); lipolytic peptide | Restricted / Rx-only | Not approved for therapeutic use; the obesity indication was not approved. When supplied for therapeutic use it is a prescription-only (Schedule 4) substance; it is not an approved medicine on the ARTG. |
| BPC-157 Synthetic stable gastric pentadecapeptide (15-amino-acid partial sequence derived from a protein in human gastric juice) | Restricted / Rx-only | Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) under the Poisons Standard (added to Schedule 4 effective 1 June 2024); no registered product, prescription/compounded supply only. |
| CJC-1295 Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) analog | Restricted / Rx-only | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved GHRH analog. Supply for human therapeutic use is restricted (prescription-only class of substance) and no obesity/GH indication is approved. |
| Ipamorelin Growth hormone secretagogue; ghrelin (GHS-R1a) receptor agonist (pentapeptide) | Restricted / Rx-only | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved growth hormone secretagogue. Supply for human therapeutic use is restricted (prescription-only class) with no approved indication. |
| Lixisenatide Short-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-4 based incretin mimetic) | Restricted / Rx-only | Registered on the ARTG as Lyxumia in 2013 as a prescription-only medicine. Sanofi cancelled the standalone Lyxumia ARTG entry in February 2021. |
| Melanotan II Synthetic cyclic analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); non-selective melanocortin receptor agonist | Restricted / Rx-only | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); melanotan I and II are unapproved substances, and the TGA has warned consumers against unapproved injectable tanning products. Supply for therapeutic use falls in the prescription-only class. |
| Semaglutide Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist | Restricted / Rx-only | Registered on the ARTG - Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management, available on prescription. |
| Setmelanotide Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) agonist | Restricted / Rx-only | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Any access in Australia would be through unapproved-goods pathways such as the Special Access Scheme. |
| Tirzepatide Dual agonist of the GIP and GLP-1 receptors (incretin-based metabolic peptide) | Restricted / Rx-only | Registered on the ARTG (Mounjaro) for type 2 diabetes and for weight management, available on prescription. |
| Amycretin Unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor co-agonist | Unclear | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Investigational; not approved in Australia. |
| Argireline Topical cosmetic peptide (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8); SNAP-25 N-terminal fragment mimetic | Unclear | Permitted in topical cosmetics as a cosmetic ingredient; not an approved therapeutic (medicinal) product. |
| Dihexa Angiotensin IV-derived peptide (metabolically stabilised); investigational nootropic / HGF-Met modulator | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance. |
| DSIP Delta sleep-inducing peptide; endogenous neuromodulatory nonapeptide (Trp-Ala-Gly-Gly-Asp-Ala-Ser-Gly-Glu) | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance. |
| Efpeglenatide Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist (exendin-based, once-weekly) | Unclear | Not registered on the ARTG. Investigational only. |
| Epithalon Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide bioregulator (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG); studied as a telomerase-related peptide | Unclear | Not approved by the TGA and not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no registered therapeutic product. |
| FOXO4-DRI Senolytic peptide (FOXO4 D-retro-inverso peptide); disrupts the FOXO4-p53 interaction | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance. |
| Gonadorelin Synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH/LHRH); decapeptide identical to endogenous GnRH; GnRH receptor agonist | Unclear | Gonadorelin (native GnRH) has been used clinically in Australia for diagnostic and fertility indications; its current ARTG registration should be verified. Related GnRH analogues (e.g., leuprorelin, goserelin) are registered. |
| Humanin Mitochondrial-derived peptide (24-residue; encoded in the mtDNA 16S rRNA region); cytoprotective | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance. |
| IGF-1 LR3 Long-acting insulin-like growth factor-1 analogue (Long R3 IGF-1); recombinant IGF-1 with an Arg3 substitution and a 13-amino-acid N-terminal extension; sold as a laboratory research reagent | Unclear | Not on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); an unapproved substance with no registered therapeutic product. |
| KPV Tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val); C-terminal fragment of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH); melanocortin-derived anti-inflammatory peptide | Unclear | No registered/approved product; an unapproved therapeutic substance. |
| LL-37 Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (37-residue C-terminal fragment of hCAP18); host-defence peptide | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; no approved LL-37 product. |
| Maridebart cafraglutide Peptide-antibody conjugate with GLP-1 receptor agonist and GIP receptor antagonist activity | Unclear | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Investigational; not approved in Australia. |
| MOTS-c Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP); AMPK activator / exercise mimetic | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved experimental substance with no approved indication. |
| Petrelintide Long-acting amylin (islet amyloid polypeptide) receptor agonist for weight management | Unclear | Not registered on the ARTG. Investigational only. |
| Pramlintide Synthetic amylin analog (amylinomimetic) | Unclear | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); pramlintide is not marketed as a registered medicine in Australia. |
| PT-141 (Bremelanotide) Melanocortin receptor agonist; synthetic cyclic analog of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) | Unclear | Not registered on the ARTG; no approved bremelanotide/Vyleesi product in Australia. Compounded or imported PT-141 is unapproved. |
| Selank Synthetic tuftsin analog (heptapeptide, Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Pro); anxiolytic/nootropic neuropeptide | Unclear | Not approved by the TGA and not on the ARTG; no registered therapeutic product. |
| Semax Synthetic ACTH(4-10) analog (heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro); nootropic/neuroprotective neuropeptide | Unclear | Not approved by the TGA and not on the ARTG; no registered therapeutic product. |
| Sermorelin Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone comprising its first 29 amino acids (GHRH 1-29); formerly FDA-approved (Geref), later withdrawn from the US market | Unclear | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved sermorelin product. Supply for human therapeutic use would be prescription-only or via compounding. |
| TB-500 Synthetic peptide fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponding to the actin-binding region of thymosin beta-4; note it is NOT the same molecule as full-length recombinant thymosin beta-4 | Unclear | No registered/approved product; an unapproved therapeutic substance. |
| Tesamorelin Synthetic analogue of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH); approved for HIV-associated lipodystrophy | Unclear | Not registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved tesamorelin product in Australia. |
| Thymalin Thymic polypeptide preparation (calf-thymus extract); immunomodulatory bioregulator | Unclear | Not on the ARTG; an unapproved substance in Australia. |
| Thymosin Alpha-1 Synthetic 28-amino-acid thymic peptide (thymalfasin); immunomodulator | Unclear | Not entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG); no approved thymalfasin product in Australia. |
Regulatory classifications change; entries reflect the status recorded in each compound profile and are provided for reference, not as legal or medical advice.
Common questions
- Are peptides legal in Australia?
- It depends on the specific peptide. A peptide is a legal medicine in Australia only where it holds approval or authorisation for use there. Of the 56 peptides tracked here, 12 are recorded as approved, 9 as prescription only or restricted, and 11 as investigational; the remaining 24 have an unclear or unlisted status. Unapproved peptides are not legal medicines.
- Which peptides are approved for use in Australia?
- The following peptides tracked here are recorded as approved or authorised in Australia: Abaloparatide, Afamelanotide, Desmopressin, Dulaglutide, Exenatide, GHK-Cu, Lanreotide, Linaclotide, Liraglutide, Octreotide, Teduglutide, Teriparatide. Any tracked peptide not listed here does not have a recorded status of approved in Australia.