On August 28, 2026, the Ministry of Public Health in Qatar issued strict directives regarding the use of unlicensed peptide products.
- Official prohibition on import, manufacture, sale, and use of unapproved peptides
- Targeting social media, online platforms, gyms, and wellness centers
- Strict warning against products labeled for research purposes
The Ministry’s Pharmacy and Drug Control Department has officially prohibited the import, manufacture, preparation, sale, prescription, dispensing, injection, use, advertising, and promotion of various peptide products, including
Retatrutide,
BPC-157, and
MOTS-c, that have not received regulatory approval for medical use within Qatar. This action addresses the rising demand and marketing of these products across social media, online platforms, gyms, wellness circles, and cosmetic centers, often marketed for weight loss, recovery, anti-ageing, tissue repair, or physical performance enhancement. The MoPH clarified that labeling products as "for research purposes" or "not for human use" does not exempt them from the ban if they are being sold or promoted for human consumption.
The regulatory prohibition applies to a wide range of stakeholders, including healthcare facilities, clinics, pharmacies, practitioners, businesses, and individuals. Regarding Retatrutide, the Ministry emphasized that it remains an investigational drug currently in Phase 3 clinical trials, and its developer, Eli Lilly, has confirmed it is not yet an approved medicine for public use. Consequently, any products sold under this name through unofficial channels lack verified authenticity, composition, sterility, and dosage. Similarly, BPC-157 and MOTS-c are listed as examples of substances that have not established sufficient safety or effectiveness for human use under local regulations. Qatar authorities have warned that online promotion of such items via Instagram, TikTok, WhatsApp, or other private channels is strictly prohibited. Residents are advised to verify the registration status of any therapeutic or performance-enhancing product through official healthcare providers and pharmacies to avoid health and regulatory risks.
