Peptides company hauled to court over alleged illegal health ads - news24.com.au

Peptides company hauled to court over alleged illegal heath ads claiming to treat life-threatening conditions

A supplement company is in hot water after allegedly advertising that its peptides could be used to treat cancer and AIDS.

A peptides company has been hauled to court for allegedly claiming their product could treat serious health conditions.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against the former company behind BioV8 alleging the company unlawfully advertised prescription-only goods.

BioV8, which fell into administration owing more than $1.4 million to creditors earlier this year, has been facing a TGA investigation into misleading advertising.

It is alleged the company claimed its product could treat cancer, HIV, AIDs, mental illnesses and other serious disorders.

BioV8's former directors Edward McGill and Nicholas Austin will also face legal action over the unlawful claims.

The TGA alleged that between June 2024 and July 2025, BioV8 wrongly advertised peptides, such as BPC-157, CJC-1295 and GHRP-6, on its website and social media pages.

The claims are known as restricted or prohibited representations and are not allowed to be included in advertising for therapeutic goods unless approval or permission is given by the TGA.

The TGA also alleged that the directors aided, abetted, counselled or procured the unlawful advertising.

The medical regulator has sought a declaration and pecuniary penalties against the company, Mr McGill and Mr Austin.

As the former BioV8 company is now in liquidation, proceedings against it are subject to a grant of leave by the Federal Court.

Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA Professor Anthony Lawler warned that the regulator would take legal action against "any company or entity unlawfully operating in the peptide industry".

"This includes health practitioners, compounding pharmacies, social media influencers and telehealth clinics where we identify unlawful advertising of peptides," he said.

"Unapproved peptides can pose serious risks to Australian consumers, and it is the responsibility of the businesses to ensure they are adhering to Australia's therapeutic goods framework."

The TGA recently expanded its focus areas to include unapproved peptide products, following increased detection of unlawful importation, supply and advertising, which posed potential risks to consumer safety.

Businesses and individuals involved in unlawful conduct involving peptide products should expect increased compliance action, the TGA said.

Many peptide products imported into and supplied in Australia are unapproved therapeutic goods, meaning they are not listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and have not been assessed for safety, quality, or effectiveness.