By Sumayya
Canadians are being warned not to use or inject unapproved peptides after potentially dangerous bacteria were found in seized drugs from China.
According to Health Canada, it discovered the contaminated medicines after taking and testing more than 11,400 vials produced by the Chinese firm Shanghai ERP Peptide Biotechnology Co. Ltd., which is also known as ERP Peptide.
“Injecting contaminated products can cause serious infections, hospitalization, and in severe cases, life-threatening sepsis,” Health Canada warned in a public safety notice.
“If you have used an unauthorized injectable peptide drug and develop symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain at the injection site, fever, chills or you feel unwell, seek medical attention immediately, as these may be signs of a serious infection.”
What Are Peptides and Why Are They Popular?
Peptides are medications made from short chains of amino acids that are used to treat conditions like diabetes, obesity, and osteoporosis. In Canada, injectable peptides are generally regulated as prescription medications. Approved peptides include popular drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.
Despite warnings from health officials, unapproved peptides have exploded in popularity in recent years thanks to social media influencers, celebrities, and so-called wellness experts. Health Canada says Canadians should only use approved peptides under the care and direction of a licensed healthcare professional.
“Do not buy or use unauthorized drugs,” Health Canada cautioned. “Dispose of unauthorized peptide drugs by following municipal or regional guidance for chemicals and other hazardous waste or take the product to your local pharmacy for proper disposal.”
Seizures and Health Risks
The government agency stated that selling unapproved drug products is illegal. The unapproved peptides were taken by Health Canada from ERP Peptide as well as two online Canadian store sites—truenorthbiolabs.ca and bcaxiompeptide.com—that are no longer active following compliance and enforcement action, the department said. According to ERP Peptide’s website, the Shanghai-based company maintains a warehouse in Canada as well as two in the United States.
“While unauthorized peptides are often promoted for weight loss, muscle growth, anti-aging, or wellness, they may expose you to significant and unpredictable health risks,” Health Canada stated. According to the health department, those dangers include:
- Hormonal imbalance and mood swings
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Liver or kidney damage
- Blood clots
- The growth of cancerous tumors
Specific Drugs and Bacteria Identified
Examples of unapproved drugs sold online by ERP Peptide include Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), MOTS-C, NAD+, Retatrutide, Tesamorelin, and Tirzepatide.
The drugs seized by Health Canada tested positive for potentially dangerous bacteria such as Acinetobacter seifertii and Acinetobacter nosocomialis. These germs can cause severe, drug-resistant, and potentially fatal infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems.
Health Canada has requested that ERP Peptide immediately stop selling illegal peptides in Canada. The department is also working with the Canada Border Services Agency to block unapproved shipments. ERP Peptide did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“Unauthorized products have not been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality by Health Canada,” the department stated. “Health Canada will continue to take enforcement action, including product seizures, testing and disrupting distribution channels, to remove these products from the Canadian market and protect Canadians from preventable harm.”
Make sure to double-check the physical labels of any medication you use to confirm it is officially authorized.
