At a Glance
- The peptide trend in Silicon Valley is growing, with imports from China doubling to $328 million in 2025.
- Tech insiders are mixing powdered amino acids into syringes and injecting them for health claims.
- High-profile figures like Bryan Johnson caution about limited research and safety.
- Why it matters: Consumers and investors see a surge in unregulated peptide use, raising safety and regulatory concerns.
Intro paragraph: A photo of a “peptide rave” in San Francisco shows tech users turning powder into injectable liquid, while U.S. customs data reveal a sharp rise in peptide imports. The trend is fueled by claims ranging from weight loss to autism cures, and high-profile figures are both participating and warning about the risks.
The Rise of DIY Peptide Use
Tech professionals are buying vials of powdered amino acids made in China, reconstituting them in syringes, and injecting the solution into their bodies. The practice is driven by vague promises from podcasters and chatbots that “needle hack” can optimize bodily performance. A photo by Jason Henry captures a demo station with a white-lab-coat figure and an orange-and-white syringe, surrounded by a small, blurry crowd holding White Claw cans.
- Health claims span from weight loss to autism treatment.
- The process resembles that of heroin injection, turning powder into liquid.
- The trend is still rising despite no reported deaths in the article.
Import Data and Costs
According to U.S. customs data, imports of hormone and peptide compounds from China roughly doubled to $328 million in the first three quarters of 2025, from $164 million in the same period of 2024.
| 2024 Q3 | 2025 Q3 |
|---|---|
| $164 million | $328 million |
Off-brand Ozempic, an example of a peptide, costs about $200 per month. Some users add extra peptides, paying $250 each for purity testing in the Czech Republic.
High-Profile Users
A co-founder of a B2B AI startup began micro-dosing semaglutide and later added five peptides: MOTS-c, epitalon, GHK-Cu, Ipamorelin, and Kisspeptin-10. The CEO of a rationalist version of Burning Man, “Vibecamp,” takes BPC-157, TB-500, and retatrutide, but once overdosed on the last, she experienced a racing heartbeat and hair loss. She tracks vitals with an app and undergoes regular blood tests.
Bryan Johnson cautioned about peptides:
> “Limited research for many peptides, so it is hard to make a blanket statement about them other than do your research, measure and use a reputable supplier.”
Key Takeaways
- Peptide imports from China have doubled to $328 million in 2025.
- Tech insiders are injecting powdered amino acids for a range of unverified health claims.
- High-profile figures warn of limited research and safety risks.
The surge in DIY peptide use highlights the need for clearer regulations and better public education on the potential dangers.
