Australian actor and martial artist Richard Norton died after an anaphylactic reaction that led to cardiac arrest, following an injection of the unapproved peptides CJC1295 and Ipamorelin, according to a Victorian coroner’s report. Norton, who appeared opposite Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan and trained Hollywood stars including Ben Affleck, Tom Hardy, Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie, had received twice the prescribed dose two days before his death.
According to the coroner’s report, Melbourne-based coroner David Ryan concluded in a report submitted to the Victorian Coroner’s Court on Wednesday that the 75-year-old’s death was “triggered by the injection” of the peptide.
“Richard was taking more medication than his doctor had prescribed,” the report said.
Two days before Norton’s death on March 30, 2025, his nurse “administered twice the prescribed dose of CJC1295 and Ipamorelin,” according to the report. “The nurse advised Richard to only take the prescribed doses from the next week onwards.”
Norton’s death appears to be the first confirmed fatality in Australia linked to the unapproved peptide. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported the finding.
Peptide treatment and the reaction
Peptides are small proteins promoted by online influencers and others as treatments for a wide range of purposes, including healing, skin rejuvenation, improved sleep and even extending lifespan.
Norton was recovering from shoulder surgery performed on March 11, 2025, when he visited Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki for fatigue and pain. He “advised him to be interested in peptide therapy,” the report said. Norton told Muchnicki that another practitioner had previously prescribed peptides for similar symptoms.
Muchnicki reviewed Norton’s medical history and “discussed in detail matters related to peptide therapy, including the experimental nature of the treatment.” They also discussed the potential risks, according to the report, and Norton signed a consent form before Muchnicki prescribed the peptides.
On March 25, Norton “consulted with Dr. Muchnicki and advised him that he was feeling well and that his symptoms were improving with peptide therapy,” the report stated.
On March 28, Norton called Muchnicki’s office and said that the vials of CJC1295 and Ipamorelin had been dropped and broken. He asked for replacements and told the nurse that he had experienced “no side effects, improved sleep, reduced pain, and improved mobility.”
“The nurse spoke with Dr. Muchnicki over the phone, and the doctor authorized the exchange,” the report stated.
That night, however, Norton’s wife, Judy Green, called Muchnicki’s office to report that after her husband received the second dose, he “complained of a hot flash, a flushing sensation, and then collapsed and became unresponsive.”
Norton was taken to a hospital, where he died two days later. The report said the injection caused an anaphylactic reaction that led to cardiac arrest.
Coroner’s criticism of prescribing decision
The report criticized Muchnicki for authorizing an additional dose of the peptide on March 28 “without reference to the nurse on duty’s record that the patient had reported that the medication had been administered incorrectly.”
It also said Muchnicki failed to speak directly with Norton “to confirm proper use or to assess potential misuse or adverse effects.”
According to the report, Muchnicki “accepted responsibility for his actions” and apologized “for the error in judgment.” He will no longer prescribe peptides.
NBC News emailed Muchnicki through his practice seeking comment. He had not replied at the time of publication.
In his report, Ryan recommended that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration, the country’s equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, impose stricter restrictions on the use of unapproved peptides.
Unapproved peptides and the U.S. market
In the United States, some peptides are ingredients in FDA-approved medicines used to treat diabetes, obesity and other health conditions. At the same time, a “gray market” sells products containing unapproved peptides promoted by online influencers and others.
On Wednesday, the Department of Health and Human Services granted compounding pharmacies that offer off-the-shelf medicines permission to begin manufacturing six of these widely promoted peptides.
The decision came even though the FDA’s own scientists concluded there was insufficient data to show that certain peptides — including BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, semax and TB-500 — are safe and effective.
In addition to his film work, Norton trained actors including Affleck, Hardy, Johansson and Robbie. He had also worked as a stuntman and bodyguard for rock musicians David Bowie and Stevie Nicks.
Source: www.nbcnews.com
