Also known as: Body Protection Compound-157, Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, PL 14736, PL-10, Bepecin
Half-life: ~4 hours (estimated from animal pharmacokinetic data)
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It consists of 15 amino acids and has been extensively studied in animal models for its ability to accelerate healing across a wide range of tissues, including tendons, muscles, ligaments, the gastrointestinal tract, and even the nervous system. Its mechanism of action involves promoting angiogenesis, modulating nitric oxide synthesis, and upregulating growth hormone receptor expression in injured tissue.
Preclinical research has shown BPC-157 to be remarkably effective at reducing inflammation, protecting the stomach lining from NSAID-induced ulcers, and promoting the repair of damaged connective tissues. It has also demonstrated neuroprotective effects and the ability to counteract certain drug-induced toxicities. The peptide is notable for its stability in gastric acid, making it one of the few peptides being studied for both injectable and oral administration.
Despite widespread use in the wellness and athletic communities, BPC-157 remains an investigational compound with no completed large-scale human clinical trials. A small pilot study showed positive results for chronic knee pain, but rigorous, well-powered trials are needed. Users should understand that current evidence, while promising, comes primarily from animal studies, and individual responses may vary.
BPC-157 was first studied in the early 1990s by Professor Predrag Sikiric and colleagues at the University of Zagreb, Croatia. The peptide is derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice known as Body Protection Compound. The research team identified the 15-amino-acid sequence as the most active fragment of this naturally occurring protein and began systematically investigating its tissue-protective and healing properties across a range of organ systems.
Over the following three decades, more than 100 preclinical studies have been published examining BPC-157 in animal models, covering applications from tendon and ligament repair to gastrointestinal protection, neuroprotection, and even counteracting drug toxicities. A small pilot clinical trial for chronic knee pain conducted around 2021-2022 showed positive results, marking one of the first formal human evaluations. However, in 2024 the FDA issued a warning letter regarding compounded BPC-157 products, citing concerns about unapproved drug claims and the lack of established safety and efficacy data from large-scale human trials.
BPC-157 is generally well tolerated in the available preclinical and limited clinical evidence. Side effects are typically mild and transient, with nausea and injection site irritation being the most commonly reported. The peptide shows remarkable stability in gastric acid, which is unusual for peptides and allows for potential oral administration. No serious adverse events have been reported in published studies, though the absence of large-scale human trials means long-term safety data is limited.
Dose Range
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Duration
4-6 weeks
Dose Range
250-500 mcg
Frequency
Twice daily (oral or SubQ)
Duration
4-8 weeks
Dose Range
500 mcg
Frequency
Twice daily near injury site
Duration
2-4 weeks
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Typical Vial Size
5 mg
Water Type
Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)
Mixing Volume
2 mL
Half-Life
~4 hours (estimated from animal pharmacokinetic data)
Molecular Weight
1419.5 Da
Store reconstituted vial refrigerated at 2-8°C. Use within 28 days. Avoid freezing reconstituted solution. Protect from light.
FDA Status
Not FDA approved for human use. FDA issued a warning letter in 2024 regarding compounded BPC-157 products.
Legal Status
Unregulated research chemical. Not approved as a drug or dietary supplement. Prohibited by WADA.
USA
Not approvedFDA warning letter 2024 regarding compounded products
EU
Not approvedNot authorized as medicinal product
UK
Not approvedClassified as research chemical
Australia
Not approvedTGA has not evaluated
Russia
Not approvedAvailable as research compound
Canada
Not approvedHealth Canada has not authorized
Chang CH, Tsai WC, Lin MS, Hsu YH, Pang JH
Molecules (2014)
Demonstrated that BPC-157 upregulates growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts, providing a mechanistic basis for its tendon-healing properties.
View Study →Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL
Cell and Tissue Research (2019)
Comprehensive review of BPC-157 in musculoskeletal healing, covering mechanisms of angiogenesis, inflammation modulation, and growth factor interactions.
View Study →Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Turkovic B, Rokotov DS, Brcic L, Sever M, Klicek R, Radic B, Drmic D, Ilic S, Kolenc D, Stambolija V, Zoricic Z, Vrcic H, Sebecic B
Current Pharmaceutical Design (2011)
Detailed the gastroprotective effects of BPC-157, demonstrating its ability to counteract gastrointestinal lesions from NSAIDs, alcohol, and other damaging agents.
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