An Australian coroner, David Ryan, found that actor Richard Norton, 75, died on 30 March 2025 from complications of using the unapproved peptide products CJC1295 and Ipamorelin, ABC News reported on 29 October 2026. He recommended that Australia's medicines regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), review the risks and consider further restrictions.

What did the coroner find?

The coroner found the death resulted from complications that arose from his use of the two products. Mr Norton collapsed, suffered a cardiac arrest and died at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital. The report says he had been taking more than his doctor prescribed. A doctor had prescribed the peptides and a licensed compounding pharmacy in Queensland had made them. He had also signed an informed consent form, and his doctor had discussed the experimental nature of the treatment with him.

What did the coroner recommend?

One recommendation is reported. The TGA should review the therapeutic benefits and safety risks of peptides such as CJC1295 and Ipamorelin and consider whether further restrictions ought to be imposed. The report also records the TGA saying that various pathways let practitioners in Australia access unapproved peptides.

In a statement after the finding, the TGA said it warns that unapproved peptides have not been assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness, and is considering whether further measures are appropriate.

Does it affect readers in the UK?

The report concerns Australia and sets no rule for the UK. A recommendation to review does not itself change any rule, and the ABC says the case is believed to be the first confirmed death in Australia from unapproved peptide use. Judge any supplier on its documentation, starting with how to read a peptide COA.

Source: ABC News, 29 October 2026.

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