The Paradigm Peptides Timeline: What Happened from 2019 to 2026?
The Paradigm Peptides case did not happen suddenly. From the start of sales to the final sentencing, more than six years passed.
This article lays out the full timeline, helping you understand how the case developed step by step.
1. April 2019: The Conduct Covered by the Case Begins
The conduct covered by the case began in April 2019.
Kawa ran Paradigm Peptides (legally Paradigm R.E. LLC) through paradigmpeptides.com and shipped from Michigan City, Indiana.
From this point, products began to be sold to customers across the United States and overseas.
2. 7 December 2020: FDA and FTC Warning Letter
On 7 December 2020, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) jointly sent a warning letter to Paradigm R.E. LLC.
This public warning letter was about thymosin alpha-1 marketed with COVID-19 claims (FDA, 2020).
This was the first formal warning from regulators to the company.
3. 2022: A Second FDA Warning Letter
According to the Department of Justice, the FDA sent another warning letter in 2022.
But this letter cannot be found in the FDA's public database, so we are relying on the Department of Justice for its existence.
4. September 2023: FDA Seizes SARM Products for Testing
According to the BBC, the FDA had seized SARM products for testing by September 2023.
This timing is critical, because it means the regulator already had evidence of product problems at this point.
5. March 2024: Paradigm Peptides Shuts Down
In March 2024, Paradigm Peptides shut down.
The conduct covered by the case ended here.
6. February 2025: Department of Justice Letters Reach Customers
In February 2025, a letter from the Department of Justice told customers that Paradigm's SARMs contained testosterone.
This is when Daniel Murphy learned that what he had been taking was completely different from what he thought.
7. 10 December 2025: Both Defendants Plead Guilty
On 10 December 2025, both defendants pleaded guilty.
Matthew Kawa pleaded guilty to introducing unapproved new drugs into interstate commerce with intent to defraud and mislead, and to illegally importing merchandise.
Jennifer Stechkober pleaded guilty to the first charge.
8. 23–24 July 2026: FDA Committee Vote
On 23–24 July 2026, the FDA's advisory committee voted to recommend six peptides for pharmacy compounding.
This included BPC-157, one of the unapproved drugs Kawa was charged with selling.
This vote is advisory, and the FDA has not acted on it.
9. 30 July 2026: Sentencing
On 30 July 2026, Judge Cristal C. Brisco handed down the sentences:
Matthew Kawa: 70 months in prison.
Jennifer Stechkober: 16 months in prison.
Each followed by one year of supervised release.
In addition, the court entered a $5 million money judgment against Kawa and ordered the two defendants to pay $78,317.52 in restitution, jointly.
10. 24 August 2026: FDA Sends Warning Letters to Five Sellers
On 24 August 2026, the FDA sent warning letters to five online sellers:
NuScience Peptides
Royal Peptides
Peptide Partners
Peak Performance Peptides
Tex Peptides
Every one of them used a research-use disclaimer, and the FDA set it aside.
11. Summary
The Paradigm Peptides timeline can be summarized as follows:
First, April 2019: the conduct covered by the case begins.
Second, 7 December 2020: FDA and FTC warning letter.
Third, 2022: second FDA warning letter.
Fourth, September 2023: FDA seizes SARM products for testing.
Fifth, March 2024: business shuts down.
Sixth, February 2025: Department of Justice letters reach customers.
Seventh, 10 December 2025: both defendants plead guilty.
Eighth, 23–24 July 2026: FDA committee vote.
Ninth, 30 July 2026: sentencing.
Tenth, 24 August 2026: FDA sends warning letters to five sellers.
Understanding this timeline helps clarify how regulatory and criminal enforcement advanced step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Paradigm Peptides start selling?
The conduct covered by the case began in April 2019.
When was the first FDA warning?
On 7 December 2020, the FDA and FTC jointly sent a warning letter to Paradigm R.E. LLC regarding thymosin alpha-1 marketed with COVID-19 claims.
When did Paradigm Peptides shut down?
It shut down in March 2024.
When was the sentencing?
On 30 July 2026, Kawa was sentenced to 70 months and Stechkober to 16 months.