A separate document posted on the HHS website says that after reviewing the recommendations of the committee that met in July, “the Secretary has determined that the policy advances patient choice and freedom while appropriately protecting patient safety.” 

The decision to allow the compounding of peptides is a boon for companies like Hims & Hers, which had reportedly been preparing to offer peptides in 2026. Analysts have said the market for peptides could be as high as $3.3 billion. Hims stock shot up 5% after the Oct. 28 announcement.

The move “represents a vital step toward eliminating the unsafe gray and black markets, restoring safe patient access through legitimate, physician-supervised care,” said Lee Rosebush, chair of the American Academy of Peptide Medicine, a new advocacy group, in a statement. 

Other public-health professionals raised alarm about the decision, which they say allows compounding pharmacies to dispense these medications absent scientific evidence. “American consumers should not be treated like guinea pigs,” said Fred Mills, chief policy officer for Americans for Safe and Effective Medicines, in a statement. “It is possible to advance both patient safety and access to legitimate medicines, but this is not it.”