By Islam El-Sakka
Australian actor and martial artist Richard Norton died in March 2025 after injecting twice the prescribed dose of unapproved peptides, a coroner’s report has concluded. The 75-year-old, known for film roles alongside Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan and for training Hollywood stars, suffered a fatal heart attack triggered by an anaphylactic reaction to the peptides CJC1295 and Ipamorelin.
Coroner’s Findings
Melbourne coroner David Ryan determined that Norton’s death was “triggered by his injection” of peptides, noting he had been administering double the prescribed dosage. Two days before his death on March 30, 2025, Norton told his doctor’s nurse he had been taking double the dose; the nurse advised him to return to the prescribed amount the following week.
Medical Background and Prescription
Norton, recovering from shoulder surgery, consulted Dr. Jerzy Muchnicki on March 11, 2025, for fatigue and pain and expressed interest in peptide therapy. Muchnicki discussed the experimental nature and potential risks, and Norton signed a consent form. On March 25, Norton reported improvement, but on March 28 he requested a replacement vial after breaking one, telling the nurse he experienced better sleep and reduced pain with no side effects.
Doctor’s Actions Criticized
The coroner faulted Muchnicki for authorizing the replacement vial without checking the nurse’s record that Norton had reported dosing incorrectly, and for not speaking directly with Norton to confirm appropriate use. Muchnicki has accepted accountability, apologized for errors in judgment, and will no longer prescribe peptides.
Broader Peptide Safety Concerns
The coroner recommended that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration impose tougher restrictions on unapproved peptides. In the U.S., the Department of Health and Human Services recently allowed compounding pharmacies to produce six peptides despite FDA scientists citing insufficient safety and efficacy data.
