Coroner links Richard Norton’s death to unapproved peptides

Australian actor Richard Norton died after injecting the unapproved peptides CJC1295 and ipamorelin, according to findings by coroner David Ryan, who has recommended a review of the substances’ safety and benefits. Norton, 75, suffered cardiac arrest and died at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital on March 30, 2025. Ryan found that complications involving the peptides caused Norton’s death. The products had been prescribed by Dr Jerzy Muchnicki after Norton sought treatment for fatigue, reduced physical recovery, shoulder pain and loss of lean muscle mass. Norton had previously undergone bilateral shoulder reconstructions and told the doctor another practitioner had prescribed peptides to him. The coroner’s findings said Muchnicki discussed the experimental nature of peptide therapy, potential risks and the lack of other treatment options then approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. Norton underwent blood tests and signed an informed consent form before receiving injectable CJC1295 and ipamorelin. A licensed compounding pharmacy in Queensland prepared the treatment. In the days before his death, Norton told his care team the therapy had improved his symptoms. Ryan’s findings...