Crypto Transactions in Gray-Market Peptide Trade Rise 159% in Q1, Chainalysis Says 

Cryptocurrency is becoming a preferred payment method for some U.S. buyers seeking gray-market peptides, as restrictions from banks and card networks have made conventional payment options less accessible, according to a Bloomberg report.

Data compiled by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis indicates that vendors in the sector received approximately $32 million worth of digital assets during the first three months of 2026. That represented a sharp sequential increase of 159%, placing annual crypto transaction volumes on course to top $100 million if the trend continues.

Some China-based peptide suppliers now accept only Bitcoin, according to the report, prompting first-time cryptocurrency users to open accounts on exchanges such as Coinbase to complete their purchases.

Source: Bloomberg