Bengaluru peptide party axed after FSDA notice; what’s this Silicon Valley trend?

A “peptide party” scheduled in Bengaluru for last Saturday (August 29) was reportedly cancelled following a notice issued to the event organisers by the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) Department seeking details.

The cancellation came a day after the FSDA sought detailed information from the organisers on peptide preparations, including their composition, manufacturers, regulatory status, dosage and intended use.

The proposed party in Koramangala, organised by Upsurge Labs LLP, was being publicised as an invite-only event featuring “peptide tastings”, music, food and networking, as cited in social media posts.

What are peptides and peptide parties?

Peptide parties (sometimes called peptide raves) are informal, invite-only social gatherings where biohackers, wellness enthusiasts, and fitness influencers meet to discuss, sample, or promote peptide-based products.

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Peptides are not a single drug or substance. They are a class of short chains of amino acids that have a range of functions in the body, from maintaining skin elasticity to regulating metabolism to tissue repair and injury recovery and much more.

Some common examples of peptides are insulin and oxytocin. These are natural peptides in the body. Insulin is a peptide hormone that helps cells absorb sugar from food for energy. Those with diabetes may inject it because their body cannot produce it naturally. Similarly, oxytocin is a peptide hormone that triggers uterine contractions during childbirth and aids lactation.

Peptides can also be used as supplements or medicines. An example is collagen peptides, which are dietary supplements broken down from animal collagen to support joint, bone, and skin health.

What happens at peptide parties?

The concept originated as a Silicon Valley tech trend focused on longevity, anti-ageing, and cognitive enhancement. It has since spread internationally.

So, here’s what happens at peptide parties. “Peptide tastings” are events offering oral peptides or “peptide mocktails” to the attendees. Some unregulated private circles even involve self-injecting compounds.

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In “biohacking discussions”, attendees exchange advice on DIY peptide therapies for muscle recovery, fat loss, sleep quality, and lifespan extension. The events mix so-called wellness trends with standard party elements like music, food, games, and networking.

FSDA’s notice

The FSDA said the planned party came to its notice following a social media post/publicity material, which described an event involving peptides and referred to discussions/activities concerning peptide preparations.

“The publicity material appears to indicate that peptide preparations/products may be promoted, displayed, supplied, distributed, recommended, administered or otherwise made available to participants in connection with the proposed event,” it said in a notice to the organisers of the event.

The notice also stated that the exact identity, composition, source, regulatory classification, intended use and regulatory status of the preparations referred to in the publicity material were not established.

FSDA seeks details

The FSDA also stated that certain peptide preparations, depending upon their composition, presentation, intended use, claims and manner of administration, may fall within the regulatory framework applicable to “drugs” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

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It also sought details of each peptide product, import, and other regulatory licences, and details of claims related to weight management, muscle growth and other purported benefits, along with scientific evidence and regulatory approvals to substantiate such claims.

It also sought information on medical supervision, consent procedures and arrangements for managing any adverse events, in case the peptides were to be administered to participants.

The FSDA has also issued an advisory to the general public regarding peptide parties.

(With agency inputs)