Coroner finds unapproved peptides triggered death of actor Richard Norton

Mixed · 2Coroner David Ryan found that the death of Australian actor and martial artist Richard Norton, 75, was "triggered by" his injection of unapproved peptides, in findings delivered on Wednesday 28 October 2026. 1 2 Mixed · 2Norton died at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on 30 March 2025 after collapsing and suffering a cardiac arrest following an injection of the peptide products CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin, which a doctor had prescribed. Both outlets say his death is believed to be the first in Australia from unapproved peptide use. 1 2 Mixed · 2Norton approached Dr Jerzy Muchnicki about peptide therapy, saying another practitioner had previously prescribed him peptides for fatigue, reduced physical recovery, shoulder pain and loss of lean muscle mass. He also had asthma, osteoarthritis and previous bilateral shoulder reconstructions. 1 2

Mixed · 2According to the coroner, the doctor discussed the experimental nature of the treatment, its risks and the lack of TGA-approved alternatives, arranged baseline blood tests, and had Norton sign an informed consent form. A licensed compounding pharmacy in Queensland prepared the injections. 1 2 Mixed · 2The coroner said Norton "had been taking amounts of the medication in excess of the dose prescribed by his medical practitioner". He told a nurse at the clinic he was injecting double the prescribed dose, and the nurse advised him to use only the prescribed dose from the following week. Hours after that conversation he became unresponsive after injecting a dose. 1 2 Mixed · 2The coroner recommended that the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) review the therapeutic benefits and safety risks of such peptides and "consider whether further restrictions ought to be imposed on their use". 1 2

Mixed · 2The TGA said it continues to warn consumers that unapproved peptides have not been assessed for safety, quality or effectiveness. The coroner's report noted it said various pathways exist for doctors to access them. ABC adds the regulator said it is considering whether further regulatory or other measures may be appropriate. 1 2 Left · 1ABC also reports that the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency received a notification about Norton's treatment, and the Medical Board of Australia investigated. An expert report by Clinical Professor Alistair Vickery said there was insufficient evidence the peptides were safe or effective, and that Muchnicki's care was at a reasonably expected standard but his notes were "sparse, inadequate and perfunctory". In July 2026 the board found his practice "is or may be unsatisfactory", but imposed a caution and conditions rather than regulatory action. ABC said it had contacted Muchnicki for comment. 1 Mixed · 2Norton's career included work as an actor, stuntman, instructor and fight co-ordinator. Daily Mail lists his work on films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and says he trained stars including Scarlett Johansson, Margot Robbie and Ben Affleck. 2 1