Victorian Coroner David Ryan has recommended the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) consider tighter restrictions on unapproved peptides after the death of Australian actor and stuntman Richard Norton. Norton, 75, suffered a cardiac arrest in March 2025 following the injection of CJC1295 and Ipamorelin.
Did you know?
ABC News reports that Richard Norton’s death is believed to be the first confirmed fatality in Australia resulting from the use of unapproved peptides.
Coroner recommends shifting peptides to Schedule 10
In findings delivered Wednesday, Coroner David Ryan stated he is not satisfied that these substances should be available for prescription by medical practitioners. He recommended the TGA review the safety risks and therapeutic benefits of the peptides, suggesting they be moved from schedule 4 prescription-only drugs to schedule 10.
A schedule 10 classification would restrict the substances to clinical trials or other experimental uses. Ryan noted that the risks to patients are not yet fully known and it is unclear how safe use can be clinically indicated given the uncertainties regarding their benefits.
Norton administered double the prescribed dose
Norton, a martial artist and fight choreographer who worked with stars like Chuck Norris, sought peptide therapy to treat fatigue, shoulder pain, and loss of muscle mass. He approached Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki in March 2025, and both discussed the experimental nature of the treatment and the lack of TGA-approved alternatives, according to the coroner’s report.
After signing an informed consent form and undergoing blood tests, Norton was prescribed CJC1295 and Ipamorelin injections on March 19. While he initially reported feeling improved, he later disclosed to a nurse on March 28 that he had been administering double the prescribed doses.
Hours after a nurse advised him to return to the prescribed dosage, Norton injected the substances and felt hot and flushed before becoming unresponsive. He died at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital on March 30, 2025.
Medical Board finds insufficient evidence of safety
The Medical Board of Australia investigated Dr. Muchnicki’s treatment of Norton. An independent expert, clinical professor Alistair Vickery, concluded there is “insufficient evidence that CJC1295/Ipamorelin is safe, effective or beneficial for human use,” as reported by ABC News.
Professor Vickery further described Dr. Muchnicki’s clinical notes as “sparse, inadequate and perfunctory,” stating they were substantially below expected standards. The Medical Board determined that regulatory action was not warranted but required Dr. Muchnicki to undergo one-on-one training for clinical record keeping and management.
Dr. Muchnicki accepted accountability for his actions, expressed sorrow to Norton's family, and stated he would not prescribe peptides without strong clinical evidence.
Regulatory Warning: The TGA has issued warnings to consumers regarding the risks of importing and using unapproved peptides promoted online for weight loss, muscle growth, and anti-ageing.
Peptide Use Comparison
| Current Status (Schedule 4) | Proposed Status (Schedule 10) |
|---|---|
| Available via prescription from medical practitioners. | Restricted to clinical trials and experimental use. |
| Used for symptoms like fatigue and muscle loss. | Prohibited for general prescription due to safety uncertainties. |
Common questions about unapproved peptide risks
What specific peptides were linked to Richard Norton’s death?
The coroner found the death was triggered by the injection of CJC1295 and Ipamorelin, which were compounded by a licensed pharmacy in Queensland.
Why is the TGA being asked to change the scheduling of these drugs?
Coroner David Ryan argued that the therapeutic benefits are uncertain and the risks to patient safety are not fully known, making prescription-only access inappropriate.
What was the outcome of the Medical Board’s investigation into the prescribing doctor?
The board found the doctor’s record-keeping was below standard and ordered mandatory one-on-one training, though it decided that further regulatory action was not warranted.
The TGA’s review of the therapeutic benefits and safety risks of these peptides will determine if they are shifted to the more restrictive schedule 10.
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