BUYER'S GUIDE · Updated October 15, 2026
Peptides, Exosomes and Medical Weight Loss: A Regulatory Guide for Clinics (2026)
These are the highest-risk services on our list from a regulatory standpoint. Here is the status as of October 15, 2026, with sources.
Provisional: this is an initial research list built from vendor websites (checked October 15, 2026). We have not tested these products hands-on, and we do not publish a numeric score until we have verified pricing and specs against the rubric. Anything we could not verify says “not verified yet”. Ask vendors for written quotes and specs.
Status table
| Service | FDA / regulatory status (as of Oct 15, 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Shockwave: SoftWave (OW100S)Used in Dr. Goss’s practice Dr. Goss’s take (personal opinion) “SoftWave is the shockwave system I use in my practice. Its patented applicator is FDA-cleared for specific uses, and it’s become one of the most dependable tools in my clinic. In my experience, it’s taken our clinical outcomes to the next level.” — Dr. Ryan Goss, DC | FDA 510(k)-cleared (K213120) for relief of minor muscle aches and pains, temporary increase in local blood circulation, and activation of connective tissue. Separately cleared (K231710) for chronic diabetic foot ulcers and second-degree burns in adults, with standard care. | Source |
| Shockwave: StemWave (Modus-F) | Per StemWave, a Class I therapeutic massager (21 CFR 890.5660, product code ISA), exempt from 510(k). Registered and listed with FDA, which StemWave notes does not mean FDA clearance or approval. Intended use: temporary relief of minor muscle aches and pains and temporary increase in local blood circulation. | Source |
| Red light / low-level laser | Regulated as medical devices. Clearance (if any) is specific to each device and indication, so check the exact model in FDA's 510(k) database before marketing any claim. Evidence varies widely by indication. | Source |
| Spinal decompression | Decompression tables are generally marketed as powered traction equipment. Check the specific table's 510(k) and cleared indications. Don't claim more than the cleared indication and the published evidence support. | Source |
| Medical weight loss (GLP-1s) | Semaglutide (Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Zepbound) are FDA-approved prescription drugs. FDA declared the tirzepatide shortage resolved in December 2024 and semaglutide in February 2025, and the shortage-based enforcement discretion for compounders has ended. Prescribing requires a licensed prescriber; chiropractic scope generally does not include it. | Source |
| Peptides (e.g., BPC-157) | Not FDA-approved. FDA placed BPC-157 in Category 2 (may present significant safety risks) for compounding in 2023. Reports indicate it was removed from Category 2 in April 2026 after the nominations were withdrawn, which was not a safety finding and did not add it to the list pharmacies may compound from. Treat as unapproved. | Source |
| Exosomes | FDA states there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products, and that exosomes used to treat diseases or conditions are regulated as drugs and biologics requiring premarket approval. FDA has warned about serious adverse events. | Source |
What this means
Not medical or legal advice. We describe regulatory status and business factors only, and make no claim that any treatment works for any condition beyond what is cited. Scope of practice varies by state. Check with your state board and a healthcare attorney before offering a service.
FAQ
Are exosomes FDA approved?
No. FDA says there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products.
Can clinics still offer compounded semaglutide?
FDA declared the shortage resolved in February 2025 and shortage-based enforcement discretion has ended. Talk to a healthcare attorney.