Former company and directors behind BioV8 to face court for alleged unlawful advertising of peptides

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has commenced proceedings in the Federal Court of Australia against A.C.N. 641 483 703 Pty Ltd (in liquidation), formerly BioV8 Pty Ltd (BioV8), and its former directors, Edward McGill and Nicholas Austin.  BioV8 is alleged to have unlawfully advertised prescription-only therapeutic goods, including peptides, in contravention of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (Cth) (the Act).

The TGA alleges that between 6 June 2024 to 14 July 2025, BioV8 unlawfully advertised peptides, such as BPC-157, CJC-1295 and GHRP-6, on its website and social media pages.

BioV8 allegedly promoted the use of peptides for the treatment of serious diseases, conditions and disorders, including but not limited to cancer, HIV/AIDs and mental illnesses.

Such references are known as restricted representations or prohibited representations and are not allowed to be included in advertising for therapeutic goods unless an approval or permission is given by the TGA.

The TGA also alleges that Mr McGill and Mr Austin aided, abetted, counselled or procured the unlawful advertising by BioV8.

The TGA is seeking declarations and pecuniary penalties against the company, Mr McGill and Mr Austin.

As the former BioV8 company is now in liquidation, commencement of proceedings against it is subject to a grant of leave by the Federal Court.

Further information about the alleged advertising contraventions can be found in the:

• Originating Application
• Concise Statement

While this matter is before the Court, the TGA will not be commenting further.

Many peptide products imported into and supplied in Australia are unapproved therapeutic goods. This means they are not included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and have not been assessed by us for safety, quality, or effectiveness.

Professor Anthony Lawler, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and head of the TGA, said:

"Businesses and individuals are reminded that the TGA will take legal action against all entities unlawfully operating in the peptide industry. This includes health practitioners, compounding pharmacies, social media influencers and telehealth clinics where we identify unlawful advertising of peptides".

"Unapproved peptides can pose serious risks to Australian consumers, and it is the responsibility of the businesses to ensure they are adhering to Australia's therapeutic goods framework."

The TGA recently expanded its priority focus areas to include unapproved peptide products, following increased detection of unlawful importation, supply and advertising, posing potential risks to consumer safety. Businesses and individuals involved in unlawful conduct involving peptide products can expect increased compliance action.

If you suspect non-compliance in relation to therapeutic goods, you can report it to the TGA at any time.

Contact for members of the media:

• Email: news@health.gov.au
• Phone: 02 6289 7400