BPC-157

preclinical

Also known as: Body Protection Compound 157, PL 14736

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a stable fragment of human gastric juice. Its primary mechanism of action involves the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and modulation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-paxillin pathway, which enhances cell migration and adhesion during tissue repair. Additionally, it interacts with the nitric oxide (NO) system, promoting angiogenesis and blood flow to injured sites. These combined effects facilitate accelerated healing of various tissues, including gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Preclinical studies (primarily rodent models) have demonstrated BPC-157’s efficacy in reducing inflammation, protecting against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and improving wound closure rates. Research also indicates protective effects on the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, with evidence of reduced oxidative stress and apoptosis. Notably, BPC-157 has shown promise in mitigating the adverse effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the gastrointestinal tract and in promoting functional recovery after tendon transection. Despite extensive preclinical data, BPC-157 remains in the preclinical research phase, with no completed human clinical trials evaluating its safety or efficacy for any indication. Its clinical relevance is speculative, and potential risks, including unknown long-term effects and lack of standardized dosing, preclude medical use. For research purposes only — not medical advice.

Key data

Category
Healing & Recovery
Molecular weight
1419.5 g/mol
Molecular formula
C62H98N16O22
CAS number
137525-51-0
Administration
subcutaneous, intramuscular, oral
Research status
preclinical
References
222
Tags
healing, tendon, gut-health, angiogenesis

Research & studies

Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing
Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine · 2025 · PubMed

BPC-157 activates VEGFR2, nitric oxide synthesis via Akt-eNOS, and ERK1/2 signaling to promote angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, and neuromuscular stabilization.; Preclinical studies show regenerative effects in poorly vascularized tissues such as tendons and myotendinous junctions.; Only three pilot human studies exist, with no reported adverse effects but lacking rigorous, large-scale trials.; Despite growing popularity and availability, BPC-157 should be considered investigational until further human data are available.

Safety of Intravenous Infusion of BPC157 in Humans: A Pilot Study
Alternative therapies in health and medicine · 2025 · PubMed

No adverse effects were observed with intravenous BPC-157 infusions up to 20 mg in two participants.; Biomarkers for heart, liver, kidneys, thyroid, and blood glucose remained unchanged after infusions.; The peptide infusion was well-tolerated, with no side effects reported by participants.; The study was limited to two healthy adults, and further research is needed to confirm safety.

Concerning BPC-157, a natural pentadecapeptide, that acts as a cytoprotectant and is believed to protect the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT)
Inflammopharmacology · 2025 · PubMed

BPC-157 is a natural pentadecapeptide.; BPC-157 acts as a cytoprotectant.; BPC-157 is believed to protect the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT).; The article discusses a review by Pedrag Sikiric and 21 co-authors published in Inflammopharmacology (2024) 32:3119-3161.

Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review
HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery · 2025 · PubMed

BPC-157 enhances growth hormone receptor expression and pathways for cell growth and angiogenesis while reducing inflammatory cytokines.; In preclinical models, BPC-157 improved functional, structural, and biomechanical outcomes in muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone injuries.; A retrospective study found 7 of 12 patients with chronic knee pain reported relief for >6 months after a single intraarticular BPC-157 injection.; Preclinical safety studies showed no adverse effects, but no clinical safety data in humans were identified.

Injectable Therapeutic Peptides-An Adjunct to Regenerative Medicine and Sports Performance?
Arthroscopy : the journal of arthroscopic & related surgery : official publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association · 2025 · PubMed

Injectable peptides like BPC-157 show early promise for optimizing endurance, metabolism, recovery, and tissue repair in animal studies.; There is scarce clinical orthopedic research on peptide use for tendon, muscle, and cartilage injuries.; The therapeutic peptide industry is growing rapidly despite lack of regulation and over-the-counter internet availability.; Orthopedic surgeons should understand the pharmacokinetic, safety, ethical, and legal aspects of these supplements to advise patients.

Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide-Literature and Patent Review
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025 · PubMed

BPC 157 demonstrated beneficial effects in preclinical models of tissue injury, inflammatory bowel disease, and CNS disorders.; The peptide has a desirable safety profile with few reported side effects.; BPC 157 was temporarily banned by WADA in 2022 but is not currently listed as banned.; The compound is not approved by FDA or other global regulatory authorities due to lack of comprehensive human clinical trials.

Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study
Alternative therapies in health and medicine · 2024 · PubMed

10 of 12 patients reported complete symptom resolution (100% success) after one treatment.; 2 of 12 patients reported 80% symptom resolution with lingering symptoms.; No adverse events or dropouts were observed.; All patients scored 5/5 on the Global Response Assessment.

The Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Pleiotropic Beneficial Activity and Its Possible Relations with Neurotransmitter Activity
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2024 · PubMed

BPC 157 is stable in human gastric juice and acts as a cytoprotection mediator preventing or recovering damage.; BPC 157 counteracts disturbances across dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, adrenalin/noradrenalin, acetylcholine, and the NO-system.; BPC 157 counteracts receptor-related disturbances including blockade, over-activity, destruction, depletion, tolerance, sensitization, and channel disturbances.; BPC 157 activates particular receptors such as VGEF and growth hormone, with close NO-system relations and nerve-muscle and nerve-nerve relations in counteracting muscle disturbances and encephalopathies.

Frequently asked questions

What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a stable fragment of human gastric juice. Its primary mechanism of action involves the upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and modulation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-paxillin pathway, which enhances cell mig

How does BPC-157 work?

Gastric-juice-derived pentadecapeptide that promotes angiogenesis (VEGF) and tissue repair via FAK-paxillin and NO-system modulation.

What is the research status of BPC-157?

BPC-157 is currently classified as preclinical, with 222 research references on record. This is for research purposes only and is not medical advice.

What is the molecular weight of BPC-157?

BPC-157 has a molecular weight of approximately 1419.5 g/mol (formula C62H98N16O22).

Related peptides

Build on BPC-157 data programmatically

Structured peptide data, semantic search, and AI summaries via one API.

Get a free API key