BPC-157

From Retapedia, the free peptide encyclopedia
"BPC-157" redirects here. For other uses, see BPC-157 (disambiguation).
Medical disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any compound discussed below. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

BPC-157 (also known as BPC-157) is a performance-enhancing peptide studied for its effects on healing, recovery, tissue repair. Synthetic gastric-juice peptide for tissue repair, gut healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Strong animal evidence, limited human trials; not FDA-approved.

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic 15-amino acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It works by promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), enhancing growth hormone receptor expression, and reducing inflammatory cytokines. Primarily researched for accelerating tissue repair, wound healing, gut health, and musculoskeletal injury recovery.

Natty status
BPC-157 is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places the athlete in the enhanced category. See § Natty status.
Contents [hide]
  1. 1 Overview
  2. 2 Mechanism of action
  3. 3 Reported effects
  4. 4 Dosage and administration
  5. 5 Natty status
  6. 6 Research
  7. 7 Related compounds
  8. 8 References
  9. 9 External links

Overview

BPC-157 has shown robust regenerative and cytoprotective effects in preclinical animal studies, particularly for tendon, ligament, muscle injuries, and gastrointestinal disorders.

However, human clinical evidence remains extremely limited with only three small pilot studies conducted to date.

It is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use and is classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

While generally well-tolerated in animal studies, quality control concerns exist as it remains an unregulated compound.

BPC-157 is considered investigational and requires more comprehensive human clinical trials to establish safety, efficacy, and proper clinical applications.

Mechanism of action

Speeds healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and gut lining. Promotes new blood vessel growth and reduces inflammation. Evidence is almost entirely from animal studies.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

  • Accelerated outgrowth of fibroblasts from rat Achilles tendon explants, improved cell survival under oxidative stress, and dose-dependently increased fibroblast migration and spreading via FAK-paxillin activation. [3] Preclinical
  • Promoted angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, and neuromuscular stabilization in animal models by activating VEGFR2 through the Akt-eNOS nitric oxide axis and ERK1/2 signaling, particularly in poorly vascularized tissue such as tendon and the myotendinous junction. [1] Preclinical
  • Showed consistent cytoprotective and regenerative activity across multiple organ systems in animal and mechanistic studies. [6][7][2] Preclinical
  • Produced concentration-dependent vasorelaxation in isolated human internal mammary artery rings, predominantly through an endothelium-dependent nitric oxide synthase pathway. [5] Preclinical
  • Preclinical ADME work in two species found a plasma half-life under 30 minutes, linear dose-proportional kinetics, and intramuscular bioavailability of 14 to 51 percent. [6] Preclinical
  • Intravenous infusion of up to 20 mg in two healthy adults was tolerated with no measurable effects on cardiac, hepatic, renal, thyroid, or blood glucose biomarkers and no reported side effects. [4] Phase I

Evidence grades: FDA approvedApproved (non-US)Phase IIIPhase IIPhase IPreclinicalAnecdotal

Dosage and administration

⚠
Dosage information is included for encyclopedic purposes only. Retapedia does not provide medical advice. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Subcutaneous

  • Beginner: 200-250mcg daily, split into 2 doses (100-125mcg each, 12 hours apart)
  • Intermediate: 300-400mcg daily, split into 2 doses (150-200mcg each, 12 hours apart)
  • Acute injury: 400-500mcg daily for 2-4 weeks, then reduce to maintenance

Oral

  • General: 500-1000mcg daily (lower bioavailability, better for gut issues)

Cycle

  • 4-8 weeks on, 2-4 weeks off

Weight

  • based: 2.5-3.75mcg per kg body weight, taken twice daily

Natty status

See also: Peptide § Natty status

BPC-157 is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.[8] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.

Research

1 active clinical trial on record — highest phase: Phase 2
View on ClinicalTrials.gov · fetched Aug 4, 2026

The peptide has been the subject of 13 studies and reference works collected on this site. Additional bibliography is in § External links below.

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

TB-500 Not natty
Speeds wound healing, muscle and tendon recovery. Reduces inflammation, improves joint mobility, minimizes scar tissue formation.
ghk-cu Not natty
Copper-binding tripeptide that supports skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and hair growth, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used topically in cosmetics; deeper effects remain investigational.
IGF-1 LR3 Not natty
Long-acting IGF-1 analog studied preclinically for muscle growth and tissue repair. No peer-reviewed human evidence of benefit. Risks include hypoglycemia, joint pain, unproven cancer concerns.
Selank Not natty
Synthetic tuftsin analogue used as an anxiolytic nootropic. Reported to act on GABA and monoamine signalling without sedation or dependence. Registered in Russia; no FDA or EMA approval.

References

  1. ^ Narrative review on regeneration or risk
  2. ^ Gastric cytoprotection study
  3. ^ Tendon healing study
  4. ^ Safety evaluation
  5. ^ Endothelium-Dependent Nitric Oxide-Mediated Vasorelaxant Effects of BPC 157 in Human Internal Mammary Artery.
  6. a b BPC-157 as an Investigational Peptide Therapeutic: Biopharmaceutical Challenges, Formulation Strategies, and Translational Development Barriers. Recent review
  7. ^ Peptide Therapies in Thyroid Health: Emerging Applications in Endocrine and Immune Modulation. Recent review
  8. a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

Categories: Peptides | Performance-enhancing substances | Healing | Recovery | Tissue repair | Gut health

This page was last updated on August 4, 2026, at 00:34 (UTC).

Research last reviewed on August 4, 2026.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.