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
211
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
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.

Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157-Possible Novel Therapy of Glaucoma and Other Ocular Conditions
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023 · PubMed

BPC 157 immediately normalized intraocular pressure in glaucomatous rats with cauterized episcleral veins.; BPC 157-treated rats showed normal pupil diameter, preserved ganglion cells, and normal optic nerve and retinal blood vessel presentation.; BPC 157 counteracted intracranial, portal, and caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension in occlusion-like syndromes.; BPC 157 rapidly reversed noxious events in retinal ischemia at both early and advanced stages.

Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system
Neural regeneration research · 2022 · PubMed

BPC 157 counteracted stroke-induced brain damage and restored memory, locomotion, and coordination in rats.; BPC 157 resolved catalepsy and schizophrenia-like symptoms induced by L-NAME, haloperidol, amphetamine, apomorphine, MK-801, and chronic methamphetamine.; BPC 157 advanced healing and functional recovery after spinal cord compression, counteracting tail paralysis.; BPC 157 specifically addressed encephalopathies, vascular occlusion, dopamine disturbances, nitric oxide system imbalances, and spinal cord injury-related inflammation and hemostasis.

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 211 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).

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