TikTok search returns no results for some popular peptides

TikTok searches for some popular peptides, including semaglutide, BPC-157 and retatrutide, are returning a “no results found” page, according to The Verge. The change appears to affect search results, not videos already posted: searches for “peptides” still surface short videos, and the report found no sign that videos had been removed.

The Verge reports that BPC-157 and TB-500, ingredients in the so-called “Wolverine” peptide stack, cannot be searched by those names. Slight variations of either name still bring up published videos, however, and TikTok’s search suggestions offered working variations of popular peptide names while the reporter was typing.

Peptides are combinations of amino acids and include substances such as insulin and GLP-1. The report notes that some peptides promoted online are unregulated and unapproved, and that claims about benefits including weight loss and wound healing lack supporting clinical data. Influencers have directed viewers to compounding pharmacies and other sources of unknown quality, according to The Verge.

Influencer Jeff Tang, who is connected to Bryan Johnson, drew attention to the apparent search changes in a post and later blamed Eli Lilly in a video, the report says. TikTok’s US owner did not immediately respond to The Verge’s request for comment.