Australian actor and martial artist Richard Norton died after a heart attack triggered by peptide injections, with a Victorian coroner finding that he had been taking twice the prescribed dosage of the experimental treatment.

Norton, 75, died on March 30, 2025, following a medical emergency at his home. A report filed by Coroner David Ryan in the Coroners Court of Victoria has now linked his death to injections containing CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin.

The findings also raised questions about how the treatment was prescribed and monitored, particularly after Norton’s doctor authorised a replacement vial without checking records that indicated the actor had been using the medication incorrectly.

According to the coroner’s findings, Norton had been administering more than the prescribed amount of the peptides. Two days before his death, he told a nurse at his doctor’s practice that he had been injecting double the recommended dose. The nurse advised him to return to the prescribed dosage from the following week.

What Happened Before Richard Norton’s Death?

Norton was recovering from shoulder surgery when he visited Dr Jerzy Muchnicki on March 11, 2025. During the consultation, he complained of fatigue and pain and expressed interest in trying peptide therapy.

He also disclosed that another practitioner had previously prescribed peptides to address similar symptoms.

Dr Muchnicki reviewed his medical history and discussed the experimental nature of peptide treatment, including its potential risks. Norton subsequently signed a consent form before receiving the prescription.

The treatment initially appeared to be helping. During a follow-up consultation on March 25, Norton reportedly told the doctor that he was feeling better and that the therapy was improving his symptoms.

However, the situation took a turn three days later.

On March 28, Norton contacted the doctor’s practice after dropping and breaking a vial containing CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin. He requested a replacement and told the nurse that he was sleeping better, experiencing less pain and had improved exercise capacity without noticeable side effects.

The nurse contacted Dr Muchnicki, who authorised the replacement vial.

The coroner’s report identified this decision as a significant failure in the handling of Norton’s treatment.

Wife Judy Green Witnessed His Collapse After Injection

Later that evening, Norton’s wife, Judy Green, contacted the doctor’s practice with an alarming update.

After administering another dose of the peptides, Norton reportedly complained of feeling hot and flushed. He then collapsed and became unresponsive.

He was taken to hospital but died two days later, on March 30, 2025.

Coroner David Ryan concluded that Norton’s fatal heart attack was triggered by the peptide injection. The findings also established that the actor had been taking amounts exceeding the dosage prescribed by his medical practitioner.

Coroner Points to Doctor’s Mistakes in Prescribing Peptides

The investigation also examined the role of Dr Muchnicki in the events leading to Norton’s death.

The coroner criticised the doctor for authorising a replacement vial on March 28 without checking the practice nurse’s records. Those records documented Norton’s earlier admission that he had been administering twice the prescribed dosage.

The report also questioned why the doctor did not speak directly with Norton before approving the replacement to confirm that he was using the medication correctly and assess whether there had been any misuse or adverse effects.

Dr Muchnicki has accepted accountability for his actions and apologised for what he described as errors in judgment. He has also said that he will no longer prescribe peptides.

Coroner Ryan recommended that Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) introduce tighter restrictions on the use of unapproved peptides.

What Are Peptides and Why Are They Being Used?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They have attracted growing attention through online influencers and wellness communities promoting them for various purposes, including faster recovery, improved sleep, skin health and claims related to longevity.

However, not all peptide treatments have been approved for medical use.

CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin, the two compounds prescribed to Norton, were part of an experimental treatment. Their use has also brought attention to concerns surrounding the growing market for unapproved peptide products.

While certain peptides are used in medicines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), this does not mean that every peptide sold through online or alternative wellness channels has undergone the same safety and effectiveness assessments.

The coroner’s recommendation for stricter oversight comes amid wider scrutiny of the unapproved peptide market.

US Moves to Expand Access to Six Peptides

The debate around peptide treatments has also gained attention in the United States.

On Wednesday, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) gave compounding pharmacies permission to begin producing six peptides: BPC-157, Epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax and TB-500.

The development has attracted attention because FDA scientists have previously raised concerns about the lack of sufficient evidence establishing the safety and effectiveness of these compounds.

Compounding pharmacies prepare medications that are not commercially available in the required form. However, permission to produce these substances does not establish that they have been proven safe or effective.

Norton’s death has added a serious dimension to the ongoing discussion about peptide use, medical supervision and the risks associated with experimental treatments.

Who Was Richard Norton?

Actor, martial artist and Hollywood stunt professional

Richard Norton was an Australian actor, martial artist and stunt professional known for his appearances alongside major action-film stars, including Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan.

Beyond his film career, he worked as a trainer for several Hollywood actors, including Ben Affleck, Tom Hardy, Scarlett Johansson and Margot Robbie.

He also worked as a stuntman and bodyguard for music legends David Bowie and Stevie Nicks.

His death at 75 has now become part of a wider discussion about the growing popularity of experimental wellness treatments and the need for stronger medical oversight when prescribing substances that have not received regulatory approval.

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