TGA issues urgent melanotan II tanning product warning

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has doubled down on warnings about the risks of melanotan II tanning products – the ‘Barbie drug’ widely spruiked on social media.
 
Tuesday’s appeal comes after the watchdog’s laboratory testing confirmed the presence of the peptides in products seized during an investigation.
 
Subsequent laboratory testing confirmed the presence of melanotan II in five nasal spray bottles labelled ‘Pure Tans Triple Strength 30 MG’.
 
It found the estimated amount of melanotan II in the bottles ranged from 22 mg to 54 mg, based on the labelled volume of 20 mL per bottle, with the variation in dosage across the products increasing the risk of adverse events.
 
In response, the TGA issued 27 infringement notices, totalling $101,412, to the NSW-based individual for the alleged unlawful supply of the melanotan II products to Australian consumers.
 
Melanotan II is not approved for use as a tanning agent in Australia, with the TGA confirming there are currently no products containing the substance listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods or approved for supply.
 
‘Consumers are warned that products containing melanotan II may pose serious health risks,’ the TGA said.
 
‘These products have not been assessed by the TGA for quality, safety or efficacy as required under Australian legislation.
 
‘Consumers cannot be certain of the ingredients, strength or quality of these products.’
 
The regulator urged consumers to stop using tanning products containing melanotan II and dispose of any remaining product safely.
 
The calls come one day after the TGA and NSW Police announced a separate seizure of more than $120,000 of illicit peptide and anabolic steroid products from two NSW homes, allegedly linked to a social media influencer.
 
The influencer allegedly imported and relabelled the products before advertising and selling them on various social media platforms and a dedicated website.
 
Professor Anthony Lawler, head of the TGA, said the operation should send a clear message that ‘selling or supplying online does not place you outside the law’.
 
‘Those who unlawfully import, advertise, manufacture or supply these products risk having them seized,’ he said.
 
‘The TGA will use the full range of compliance and enforcement powers available to disrupt unlawful activity and protect Australian consumers.
 
‘If you are using social media to profit from the unlawful supply of unapproved therapeutic goods, you should expect the TGA to take action.’
 
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