Influencers profit from $4bn black market in unapproved peptides
A $4 billion black market in unapproved peptides is fuelling influencer profits and health emergencies across Australia.
Fitness influencers are pushing unapproved peptides on social media while cashing in on a black market worth up to $4 billion. Josh Sawyer, 22, earns up to $2,000 weekly promoting the peptide GHK-Cu through affiliate codes and discounts.
Josh Sawyer's TikTok videos documenting use have been viewed more than 415,000 times. As of April, the hashtag peptides generated more than 230 million views on TikTok.
Health harm is escalating: in NSW, emergency visits for black market peptides jumped from 5 monthly in July 2025 to almost 220 in September 2026. Young people make up 60% of cases.
Those aged 25 to 34 represent 32%, and 16 to 24-year-olds another 25%. Harms include kidney and liver damage, severe allergic reactions and dehydration.
Promoting these unapproved substances is illegal under Australian law. The TGA can fine influencers.
- $2,000
- Influencer weekly earnings
- $4 billion
- Black market size
- 5 to almost 220 monthly
- Emergency visits spike
- 60%
- Young people in cases
Why it mattersYoung people are being targeted with unapproved substances by influencers making money. This is driving serious medical complications.
AustraliaNSW emergency departments report a 4,300 per cent increase in visits linked to these peptides in 14 months, signalling a growing public health crisis.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 4 h ago
