BPC-157
Synthetic pentadecapeptide (gastric-derived)
Also known as: Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin, PL 14736
A synthetic peptide derived from a protein in gastric juice, widely promoted for tendon, ligament, and gut healing. Human evidence remains extremely limited.
Nearly all supporting data comes from rodent studies. No large, published double-blind human trials currently validate the marketed benefits.
Primarily animal, in vitro, or anecdotal evidence.
Intended use
Marketed (off-label / research) for soft-tissue injury recovery, tendon and ligament repair, and gastrointestinal healing.
Mechanism of action
Thought to promote angiogenesis and fibroblast activity, up-regulate growth-hormone receptor expression, and modulate the nitric-oxide system to accelerate tissue repair.
Reported benefits
Tendon & ligament repair
Rodent models show accelerated healing of transected tendons and ligaments.
Gut protection
Preclinical data suggest protection against NSAID-induced and inflammatory gut damage.
Angiogenesis
Appears to stimulate new blood-vessel formation at injury sites in animals.
Risks & side effects
Unknown long-term safety
moderate riskNo long-term human safety data exist.
Unregulated supply
high riskSold as a research chemical with frequent purity and dosing inconsistencies.
Injection-site reactions
low riskAnecdotal reports of local irritation with subcutaneous use.
Research & citations
Studies are ordered by design strength. Dots indicate the rigor of each study type — meta-analyses and double-blind RCTs rank highest, case reports and in vitro work lowest.
- Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 and tissue healing
Consistent tendon, muscle, and nerve healing effects across rodent injury models.
Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2018 · n = Rodent models
Animal / Preclinical - BPC-157 and the gut-brain-axis
Cytoprotective effects on gastrointestinal lesions in rodents.
Frontiers in Pharmacology · 2020 · n = Rats
Animal / Preclinical - Human safety observations
Sparse anecdotal human tolerability data; no controlled efficacy endpoints.
Journal of Applied Physiology · 2016 · n = Limited
Case report
Legal status by region
Regulatory status varies widely and changes often. Verify against current local law before acting.
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Research only | Not FDA-approved; placed on the FDA 503A bulk-compounding review list (Category 2). |
| European Union | Research only | No marketing authorization; sold only as a research chemical. |
| Australia | Banned | TGA Schedule 4 / prohibited for general supply. |
| United Kingdom | Research only | Not licensed as a medicine. |
Sourcing & prescribing
Where a compound can legally be obtained, and who is able to prescribe it.
- Gray area
Research-chemical vendors
Sold 'for research use only'; personal use exists in a legal gray zone.
- Gray area
Compounding pharmacy
Previously compounded in the US; now restricted pending FDA review.
- Gray area
Longevity / wellness clinics
Some clinics offer it off-label; legality varies by jurisdiction.
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