Unapproved peptides that are often marketed for performance enhancement or anti-ageing have become a new priority focus for the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), alongside products like vapes and sunscreens.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids which, when joined, make up proteins in our bodies.

Some — like many GLP-1s — are legal, but others are increasingly being used for beauty, fitness and anti-ageing reasons.

The regulator said there had been increased detection of unlawful importation, supply and advertising — all of which posed a potential safety risk.

TGA head Anthony Lawler said the regulator’s compliance priorities were informed by intelligence and market monitoring.

“As the availability of unapproved peptide products has increased, so too has evidence of potential risk to consumers,” he said.

The TGA said many peptide products supplied in Australia were unapproved therapeutic goods, which meant they were not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and had not been assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness.

“Australians should be very cautious about buying unapproved peptide products online, particularly from overseas websites or through online platforms or social media,” Professor Lawler said.

“If you don’t know exactly what’s in the vial, where it was made or whether it’s sterile, you could be putting your health at serious risk.”

Entities involved in the unlawful importation, manufacture, advertising and supply of peptide products could face fines, product seizures, import interventions and possibly even criminal penalties.

Under a recent joint operation with the Australian Border Force and Victoria Police, peptide products, performance and image enhancing drugs, and illicit steroids were seized — with an estimated street value of more than $2m.