BPC-157

Body Protection Compound-157 · pentadecapeptide

The most-discussed repair peptide — extensive rodent data, almost no published human trials.

Unapproved / researchRecovery, Muscle & JointsGut & Immune

Not FDA-approved. Not approved. FDA lists it among bulk substances with potential safety risks (Category 2) for compounding. WADA-prohibited since 2022. This page describes research and public discussion; it is not a recommendation to use.

Overview

BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid fragment derived from a gastric protein. Hundreds of rodent studies, largely from one Croatian group, report accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut. Published human evidence is limited to small pilot reports.

Mechanism of action

Proposed: upregulation of growth-hormone receptor and VEGFR2 signaling, nitric-oxide modulation, and fibroblast migration — inferred mainly from animal and cell studies.

Benefits & evidence ratings

Accelerated tendon/ligament healing in ratsC Preliminary research

Gut-lining protection in rodent colitis/ulcer modelsC Preliminary research

Knee pain relief (small retrospective human report)C Preliminary research

Rapid injury recovery in humansD Anecdotal / community

Dosing

Doses show what has been studied or discussed — not guidance. Always follow your prescriber.

Source

Dose

Frequency

Duration

Route

Clinically studied dose

C Preliminary research

None established

—

Online / clinic protocols

D Anecdotal / community

Not derived from controlled human trials. Reported for transparency, not recommendation.

250–500 mcg

1–2× daily

2–6 weeks

Subcutaneous or oral

Clinical trials & studies

Review2025
Emerging use of BPC-157 in orthopaedic sports medicine: systematic review (HSS J)
36 studies, 35 preclinical; one human retrospective study.
Phase 12025
Intravenous BPC-157 safety pilot in humans
Small pilot (n=2) — no adverse effects; not efficacy evidence.
Phase 1Ongoing
Registered clinical trials
Search registry for current human studies.

Safety

Side effects

Largely uncharacterized in humans
Injection-site reactions
Theoretical: angiogenesis could promote tumor growth

Contraindications

Active or prior cancer (theoretical, pro-angiogenic)
Pregnancy
Competitive athletes

Interactions

Unknown

Long-term safety

No human long-term safety data.

Regulatory status

Unapproved / research

Not approved. FDA lists it among bulk substances with potential safety risks (Category 2) for compounding. WADA-prohibited since 2022.

FAQ

Commonly discussed alongside

TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4 BPC-157 + TB-500 KPV

Listing a combination does not mean it has been studied or is safe.