Peptides: Research and clinical trials
On this page
Laboratory or animal research only products
Health Canada has seen peptide products labelled as "Research Use Only" or "Investigational Use Only" that aren't authorized for human use. Don't assume these products are safe simply because they are labelled for research purposes.
A research use label does not make a product legal to import or sell in Canada.
Products with a research use label are subject to Canadian regulatory requirements and to our compliance and enforcement activities.
Drugs used in clinical trials
Health Canada has authorized multiple clinical trials involving peptide-based drugs like semaglutide.
Drugs being used in an authorized clinical trial must follow the dedicated regulatory pathway under Part C, Division 5 of the Food and Drug Regulations. These products are considered investigational drugs. Companies must obtain authorization before selling or importing investigational drugs for use in human clinical trials in Canada.
A drug being studied in a clinical trial has not been proven safe or effective. Research from the clinical trial answers questions about the benefits and risks of the drug. Promising early findings also don't always translate into human effectiveness or safety.
People in Canada may access unauthorized peptides if the product is being used in an approved clinical trial. The person must be enrolled in the clinical trial and be closely followed using the clinical trial protocol.
Learn more: