An FDA advisory committee has voted by a majority to recommend broader access to certain peptides, a regulatory step that could affect how some patients obtain compounds that remain under federal review.

The vote came after a two day hearing held last week in Maryland by the FDA's Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee. The panel reviewed seven peptides and considered whether each should be added to the Section 503A Bulks List.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that help regulate functions including metabolism, growth and tissue repair, according to Cleveland Clinic. Some are used in FDA approved medications, including insulin and weight loss drugs, while other compounds are marketed for wellness or performance and remain under federal review.

If the FDA ultimately approves the recommendation, licensed compounding pharmacies could prepare the peptides for valid prescriptions. That would provide a regulated route instead of leaving patients to rely on unregulated online vendors.

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The committee voted in favor of loosening restrictions on six peptides, according to Reuters. The FDA will now review the recommendation before making a final decision.

Peptides have become popular for weight loss, muscle building, performance enhancement, chronic disease management and wound repair. However, the article noted that some experts view the vote as a step toward access, while others say there is not enough data on safety and efficacy.

Jim LaValle, a Texas based clinical pharmacist and chair of the International Peptide Society, testified at the hearings. LaValle is also a board certified nutritionist and told Fox News Digital that the vote should not be mistaken for full federal approval.

"This was not FDA approval, nor was it a blanket endorsement of every peptide, every use or unrestricted access," LaValle said. "I have said throughout this process that you do not solve a quality problem by forcing the market underground."

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LaValle said he was encouraged because the committee's recommendation could move patients toward a more accountable medical pathway. He said his work with the International Peptide Society focuses on training clinicians about potential benefits and risks as interest in peptide therapies grows.

According to LaValle, the better model is access with guardrails, qualified clinicians, licensed pharmacies, validated quality testing and meaningful patient follow up. He said the process should include checking that the active ingredient and final product meet quality standards and establishing a system for tracking and reporting side effects.

"My hope is that the FDA follows the recommendation with a transparent, science-driven process; establishes clear, peptide-specific standards; and follows the guidance for approving a substance that meets the FDA’s current regulations," LaValle said.

"The peptide revolution is here," LaValle said. "However, don’t expect miracles. Better choices related to diet , exercise, gut health, sleep, stress and managing metabolic health, guided by regular lab assessments, should be the goal."

LaValle said peptides can play an important part in some cases, but he also emphasized that the public should not view the committee vote as an immediate change. "The American public should understand that nothing changed overnight."

He also pointed out that compounded medications are regulated differently than FDA approved drugs. At the same time, he said the evidence is not equally mature across all peptides that are approved by the FDA.

"The evidence is also not equally mature across all peptides that are approved by the FDA," he noted. "Any consideration of peptide therapy should involve a qualified licensed clinician and a legitimate licensed pharmacy."

Dr. Alex Tatem, a board certified urologist in Indiana, also discussed why federal hearings on seven peptides were mandated. He argued that years of patient use show a promising safety profile, according to the article.

For now, the advisory committee vote remains only a recommendation. The FDA still must decide whether the peptides reviewed during the hearing should move forward under the Section 503A Bulks List.