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BPC-157

low risk

Also: Body Protection Compound 157 · Pentadecapeptide BPC-157 · PL-10

Moderate Evidence Research Only

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric juice protective protein. Over 100 animal studies demonstrate broad tissue-protective and healing effects. No completed human RCTs, but Phase II IBD trials have been conducted. One of the most-studied research peptides.

Molecular Weight
1419.5 Da
Formula
C62H98N16O22
Common Dosing
200–500 mcg/day SC or IM, typically in 4–8 week cycles
Category
therapeutic
Last Reviewed
2025-01-15

Reported Benefits

Gut healing / IBD

Moderate Evidence 28 studies

Multiple rodent studies show accelerated gastric ulcer, fistula, and IBD healing.

Tendon repair

Moderate Evidence 19 studies

Promotes collagen synthesis and accelerates tendon-to-bone healing in animal models.

Neuroprotection

Preliminary 11 studies

Reduces dopaminergic system damage in rodent models; some TBI recovery evidence.

Wound healing

Moderate Evidence 22 studies

Accelerates full-thickness wound closure in multiple animal models.

Mechanism of Action

Upregulates GH receptor expression, stimulates angiogenesis via VEGF, activates FAK-paxillin pathway for tendon repair, modulates nitric oxide synthesis.

Key Clinical Studies

Sikiric et al. (2016)

RCT · Animal (rat)

PubMed →

Accelerated GI fistula and IBD healing vs. controls

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BPC-157 used for?
BPC-157 is primarily researched for gut healing (IBD, gastric ulcers, NSAID injury), tendon and ligament repair, neuroprotection, and general wound healing. It has over 100 animal studies documenting tissue-protective effects, though no completed human RCTs exist yet.
Is BPC-157 legal to buy and use?
BPC-157 has research-only status in the US — it is not FDA-approved for human use and was removed from the 503A bulk substances list in 2024. It can be purchased as a research chemical but cannot legally be compounded for patient use by licensed pharmacies in the US.
What is the proper dose of BPC-157?
In animal research, BPC-157 is typically dosed at 1–10 mcg/kg. Human research protocols commonly reference 200–500 mcg/day administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, often in 4–8 week cycles. No clinical dose-finding studies in humans have been completed.
How long does BPC-157 take to work?
Animal studies suggest tissue repair effects begin within days to weeks of consistent administration. Anecdotal human reports most often describe noticeable effects on gut symptoms within 1–2 weeks, and on connective tissue within 3–6 weeks. No human pharmacokinetic studies confirm these timelines.
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid peptide derived from gastric juice, with primary evidence in gut, tendon, and nerve repair. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) has broader systemic anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair properties with stronger evidence for muscle injury recovery. They are often stacked because their mechanisms are complementary.

Overview

BPC-157 remains one of the most researched non-approved peptides. The preclinical data is consistent and mechanistically coherent, but human RCT data is absent. A Phase II IBD trial was conducted by the Croatian group but results were never published in peer-reviewed form.

Regulatory Note

BPC-157 was removed from consideration for the 503A bulk substances list and is not legally available through US compounding pharmacies for human use. The FDA has issued warning letters to vendors.

Most Common Use Cases

GI healing (oral route preferred), tendon/ligament recovery (localized injection), and systemic tissue repair (SC). All use is off-label and experimental.

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Regulatory Status

Research Only

Safety Profile

Side Effects

  • Nausea (oral)
  • Injection site irritation
  • Dizziness (rare)

Contraindications

  • Active malignancy (theoretical)
  • Pregnancy

Drug Interactions

  • NSAIDs (may reduce efficacy)

Primary Uses

Gut healingTendon repairNeuroprotectionAnti-inflammatory

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational and research purposes only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any compound.