A panel of advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is set to meet this week to decide whether specialized pharmacies should be allowed to produce certain popular wellness peptides. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are often marketed for muscle building, anti-aging, and other health benefits, though many are not FDA-approved for these uses. The panel will consider whether compounding pharmacies—which custom-mix medications for individual patients—should be permitted to make these products without going through the standard drug approval process. The meeting comes amid growing demand for peptides and concerns about safety and quality control. The advisory committee's recommendations will help shape FDA policy on regulating these substances. A decision could affect the availability of peptides for consumers and the business of compounding pharmacies. The FDA typically follows its advisory panels' advice but is not required to do so.