Peptides and the Australian Poisons Standard
How peptides are classified in the Poisons Standard and what scheduling means for supply and access.
Last updated: 3 April 2026
What is the Poisons Standard?
The Poisons Standard is the classification system used in Australia to control access to potentially hazardous substances. Substances are assigned to Schedules 1–9 based on risk and intended use.
Some peptides fall into scheduled categories, which affects their legal supply and access.
Relevant schedules for peptides
Schedule 4 (Prescription Only): includes GH and GH-related peptides. These can only be supplied on prescription by an authorised prescriber. Schedule 3 (Pharmacist Only): some peptides might fall here. Unscheduled: peptides not covered by the Standard can be supplied more freely.
Scheduling determines legal access routes and who can supply.
Examples of scheduled peptides
Growth hormone (somatotropin) is Schedule 4. GH-releasing peptides and somatostatin analogs may also be scheduled. GLP-1 receptor agonists include both scheduled (semaglutide, tirzepatide) and non-scheduled variants.
Always check the current Poisons Standard for a specific peptide.
Practical implications
Schedule 4 peptides can only be accessed through a prescription. Schedule 3 requires pharmacist supply. Research peptides marketed 'for research only' are not intended to fall within therapeutic supply frameworks.
The distinction between therapeutic supply and research-use supply is critical to compliance.