STAT+: Are stem cells the next peptides? These advocates think RFK Jr. could make it happen

Oct. 5, 2026 Manto attended a conference filled with peptide proponents and spoke to regenerative medicine experts and former regulators for this article. WASHINGTON — Stem cell entrepreneur Chuck Meeker is bullish about his industry’s prospects with the Food and Drug Administration nowadays. “If I were a betting man, I would say before the end of the year we have a series of FDA roundtables happening,” Meeker told STAT at PepMed 2026, a conference for regenerative health businesses held by the American Academy of Peptide Medicine. (The FDA declined to say whether such events were imminent.) That stem cells made an appearance at a conference centered on peptides isn’t a coincidence. Peptides and stem cells are two peas in the pod of regenerative medicine, which focuses on therapies that claim to trigger the body’s natural healing mechanisms. But while compounded peptides are having a bit of a moment with the FDA, commercially available, unapproved stem cell therapies have remained a black sheep for the agency. Meeker and others at PepMed told STAT they believe that’s about to change. The stem cell industry sees the FDA’s tentative embrace of peptides as its chance to get a foot in the door — and bring stem cells from the grey market to millions of Americans. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe