The complete list of peptides expected to return to Category 1 compounding status after the February 2026 RFK announcement, with current legal status and what each compound is used for.
Quick Summary - 14 peptides are expected to return to Category 1 compounding status following the February 27, 2026 RFK announcement - As of April 2026, the formal FDA rule has not been published -- compounding status is in transition - Category 1 means prescription-required compounding access -- NOT over-the-counter or FDA approved - 5 compounds from the original 19 restricted are NOT expected to be reclassified - Track your labs before and during any peptide protocol regardless of source
In late 2023, the FDA moved 19 widely used peptides to its Category 2 bulk drug substances list, effectively preventing licensed compounding pharmacies from preparing these compounds for patients.
On February 27, 2026, HHS Secretary RFK Jr. announced that approximately 14 of these 19 compounds would be moved back to Category 1, restoring their compounding eligibility. The formal rule change was pending publication as of April 2026.
Healing and Recovery
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157): 15-amino-acid peptide derived from gastric protective protein. Primary uses: tissue repair, gut healing, anti-inflammation, tendon and ligament injury recovery. One of the most researched healing peptides with 180 or more PubMed publications.
TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment): Synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4. Primary uses: cell migration, tissue repair, tendon healing, post-surgical recovery, Wolverine Stack. Works synergistically with BPC-157.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val): Anti-inflammatory tripeptide derived from alpha-MSH. Primary uses: gut inflammation, IBD, systemic anti-inflammation. Often used for gut-specific conditions where BPC-157 is being run.
Growth Hormone Axis
CJC-1295 (Modified GRF 1-29): GHRH analog. Primary uses: GH pulse amplification, IGF-1 optimization, body composition. Used as part of the standard ipamorelin plus CJC-1295 stack.
Ipamorelin: Selective GHRP (ghrelin receptor agonist). Primary uses: GH release without cortisol elevation, IGF-1 optimization, sleep quality. The cleanest GHRP in the category.
GHRP-2: Growth hormone releasing peptide. Primary uses: GH secretion, appetite stimulation. Older than ipamorelin; causes cortisol and prolactin elevation at higher doses.
GHRP-6: Growth hormone releasing peptide. Primary uses: GH secretion with significant appetite stimulation. Useful for users seeking GH effect plus increased appetite; less clean than ipamorelin.
Sermorelin: Full 29-amino-acid GHRH sequence. Primary uses: gentle GH optimization, sleep quality, general longevity. The original GHRH analog with decades of prescribing history.
Immune Support
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Zadaxin): FDA-approved in multiple countries for hepatitis and immune modulation. Primary uses: immune system modulation, anti-viral support, post-infection recovery.
Longevity and Anti-Aging
Epithalon (Epitalon): Tetrapeptide with telomerase activation evidence. Primary uses: longevity, telomere support, anti-aging, circadian rhythm optimization. Decades of Russian research including human longevity studies.
GHK-Cu (Copper peptide): Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide. Primary uses: collagen synthesis, anti-aging, wound healing, antioxidant defense, Glow Stack. Part of RFK Category 1 list.
MOTS-c: Mitochondria-derived peptide. Primary uses: insulin sensitivity, metabolic flexibility, exercise capacity. One of the newest peptides in the longevity toolkit.
Selank: Anxiolytic heptapeptide analog of tuftsin. Primary uses: anxiety reduction, cognitive enhancement, stress modulation. Primarily used for neurological and mood applications.
AOD-9604: Fragment of human growth hormone. Primary uses: fat metabolism, weight loss. Targets fat-specific GH receptor activity without the broad GH effects of full-length GH secretagogues.
These compounds remain in Category 2 or have their own regulatory pathway:
PT-141 (Bremelanotide): Has an FDA-approved form (Vyleesi) -- different regulatory status. Compounding still available through appropriate channels.
Melanotan II: Not included in the reclassification. Remains in Category 2.
IGF-1 LR3: Not included in the reclassification announcement.
PEG-MGF: Not included in the reclassification announcement.
Follistatin 344: Not included in the reclassification announcement.
Note: The FDA has not published a formal updated list as of April 2026. This represents the best available prediction from compounding pharmacy trade groups and industry experts based on the RFK announcement. Confirm current status with your prescribing physician or pharmacist before any protocol decisions.
Whether you are sourcing peptides through a telehealth platform, a compounding pharmacy, or any other channel, tracking your biomarkers is the most important thing you can do to know whether your protocol is producing results.
MyProtocolStack tracks 40 or more biomarkers alongside your logged protocol. Upload your labs from Quest, LabCorp, or Function Health and StackAI analyzes your full panel in context of what you are running.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Written by Ryan -- Founder, MyProtocolStack. Last Updated: April 2026.
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