Glossary
The acronyms and jargon you’ll meet across peptide regulation in Australia — TGA, ARTG, SAS and the rest — in plain English.
The building blocks of peptides and proteins. Chains of amino acids linked together form peptides.
The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods — the official database of therapeutic goods that may lawfully be supplied in Australia.
A doctor authorised by the TGA to prescribe a specified unapproved therapeutic good to a defined class of patients.
A marketing term implying a substance is structurally identical to one made by the body. It does not by itself imply approval or safety.
The preparation of a medicine tailored to an individual patient against a prescription, typically by a compounding pharmacy.
Growth-hormone-releasing hormone — a hormone that stimulates the release of growth hormone. Several peptides are GHRH analogues.
Glucagon-like peptide-1 — the receptor targeted by registered medicines such as semaglutide and liraglutide.
Use of an approved medicine for a purpose other than its registered indication, at a prescriber’s clinical discretion.
A short chain of amino acids. Smaller than a protein, peptides act as signalling molecules in the body.
A scheme allowing importation of certain therapeutic goods for personal use under strict conditions.
A medicine that may only be supplied on the prescription of an authorised health practitioner (Schedule 4).
A label often applied to substances sold “for research use only”. The label does not make a product lawful for human use.
A pathway allowing access to unapproved therapeutic goods for individual patients in defined circumstances.
The Poisons Standard category for Prescription Only Medicines.
A substance that causes another substance to be secreted — e.g. a growth-hormone secretagogue prompts growth-hormone release.
Under the skin — a common route of administration for injectable peptides, where they are used.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration — Australia’s regulator of therapeutic goods, part of the Department of Health.
The World Anti-Doping Agency. Many peptides are prohibited in sport under its Code, separately from TGA regulation.
This is general education, not medical advice. Peptides.au does not sell, supply, recommend or promote any product or clinic. Always speak with a registered Australian health practitioner before making any health decision.