SACRAMENTO — Legislation introduced today, AB 2442, aims to position California as the national leader in peptide research and investigational therapeutic innovation.
The measure establishes the intent to create the California Investigational Peptide Research & Therapeutic Access Program, the nation’s first-of-its-kind framework that would authorize University of California campuses and licensed medical schools to develop structured research and medically supervised investigational access programs for promising peptide compounds.
“California leads the world in biotech innovation,” said Patterson. “But too many promising peptides and other research compounds never reach patients because they don’t fit traditional development or rigid treatment models. This bill is about unlocking responsible innovation while maintaining strong safety standards.”
Peptides — short chains of amino acids — are being studied for potential use in rare diseases, metabolic health, aging science, neurodegenerative conditions, and veteran health. Many show early promise but lack the commercial sponsorship necessary to move through conventional drug development pathways.
The legislation recognizes that federal drug approval systems are primarily structured for large-scale commercial products and may not fully accommodate emerging peptide research or early-stage therapeutic innovation. The proposed program would complement existing federal structures while expanding opportunities for research and medically supervised investigational access within California.
The bill will include safety oversight, institutional review requirements, data reporting, and a sunset provision to ensure accountability. By leading the charge on these promising compounds, this legislation can help expand access to all communities.
“This is about responsible, science-driven progress,” Patterson said. “California has the infrastructure and expertise to safely expand research access and accelerate innovation. This legislation aims to carve a pathway that makes these promising therapies available and affordable for all Californians, not just those with the means to pay for expensive concierge care.”
The measure is currently an intent bill and will serve as the foundation for stakeholder engagement and formal statutory development in the coming legislative session.
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