The Superior Court of Quebec has issued a permanent injunction against Canlab Research by Health Canada to bar the company from selling unauthorized injectable peptides in Canada. Health Canada disclosed in a recent statement that the Quebec-based online retailer had been marketing the drugs on various platforms without obtaining approval from the health agency, asserting unproven health benefits. Over the past few years, Health Canada has taken action against multiple companies nationwide for promoting peptides that claim to aid in bodybuilding, injury recovery, anti-aging, and enhanced mental focus.
Health Canada emphasized that peptides are classified as prescription drugs, and unauthorized usage can expose consumers to “significant health risks,” such as hormonal imbalances, mood swings, liver or kidney damage, blood clots, and the development of cancerous tumors. In April, an advisory was issued cautioning individuals to carefully consider before using injectable peptides purchased online. The agency stressed the importance of consulting a healthcare professional for decisions regarding prescription medications, which should only be procured from licensed pharmacies.
Canlab Research had previously been instructed by Health Canada to cease advertising and vending the products, with a public warning issued in 2023. Despite these measures, the company persisted in selling peptides online. The injunction granted in June prohibits Canlab Research from producing, testing, distributing, or selling unauthorized injectable peptides, as well as assisting others in doing so. Additionally, the company is banned from advertising the products on any website accessible with a Canadian IP address. Failure to comply with the injunction may lead Health Canada to pursue further actions, potentially including prosecution or contempt charges.