Doctors Using Regulatory Loophole to Prescribe Unauthorized Peptides

A CBC News investigation has uncovered that some doctors are utilizing a regulatory gap to prescribe Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157), an unauthorized peptide promoted for tissue repair, inflammation, and muscle growth.

While Health Canada has warned that unauthorized peptides sold for wellness have not been assessed for quality, safety, or effectiveness, a loophole allows these substances to be compounded as pills by pharmacies if a doctor provides a prescription. Health Canada confirmed to CBC News that BPC-157 can be compounded for oral administration or topical use as a natural health product (NHP), as the agency views compounding within a practitioner-patient relationship as distinct from manufacturing.

Undercover footage captured Dr. Shawn Seit of Rejuuv Medi Spa in Markham, Ontario, claiming BPC-157 helps with inflammation and healing, stating he uses the peptides himself. In British Columbia, Dr. Charles Jiang of the Richmond Anti-Aging Clinic previously claimed on his website that the peptide could be used for gut lining and musculoskeletal repair.

Experts warn this practice leverages longevity trends without scientific backing. Stuart Phillips, a McMaster University kinesiology professor, told CBC News that the federal safety check is essentially bypassed when these products are treated as compounded NHPs. Timothy Caulfield, a professor at the University of Alberta and research director of the Health Law Institute, stated that physicians should be warning patients about these products rather than providing them, noting there is no evidence to support their use.