BPC-157
PreclinicalPentadecapeptide studied for tissue repair
Also known as: Body Protection Compound-157, PL 14736, Bepecin
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice, studied extensively in animal models for accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut tissue.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
- CAS number
- 137525-51-0
- Molecular formula
- C62H98N16O22
- Molecular weight
- 1419.5 g/mol
- Half-life
- Short — rapidly cleared from plasma (minutes); effects reported to outlast measurable levels
- Primary targets
- VEGFR2, Nitric oxide system, Growth factor signalling
- Routes (research)
- Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Oral
- Storage
- Lyophilised: −20 °C. Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, use within weeks.
Overview
BPC-157 (“Body Protection Compound-157”) is a synthetic peptide composed of 15 amino acids. Its sequence is a partial fragment derived from a protective protein discovered in human gastric juice. Unlike many research peptides, BPC-157 is notably stable in gastric acid, which is part of why oral administration has been explored in animal work.
It is among the most discussed peptides in the recovery space, almost entirely on the strength of a large body of animal research. It’s important to read those results in context: striking effects in rodent models have not yet been confirmed by rigorous human trials.
Mechanism of action
The proposed mechanisms center on tissue repair pathways. In animal studies, BPC-157 appears to:
- Promote angiogenesis — stimulating new blood vessel formation, partly through upregulation of the VEGFR2 receptor, improving blood supply to healing tissue.
- Modulate nitric oxide (NO) — interacting with the NO system that governs vascular tone and tissue protection.
- Influence growth factors — affecting signalling involved in fibroblast migration and collagen organisation, relevant to tendon and ligament repair.
These mechanisms are complementary, which is why BPC-157 is often studied alongside compounds that act through different repair pathways, such as TB-500.
Common research uses
In preclinical settings, BPC-157 has been investigated for:
- Tendon, ligament, and muscle healing after injury
- Protection and repair of the gastrointestinal lining
- The gut–brain axis and related neuroprotective endpoints
- Wound and bone healing models
Because the human evidence base is thin, these should be understood as research directions, not established therapeutic uses.
Compare BPC-157
BPC-157 FAQ
Is BPC-157 approved for human use?+
No. BPC-157 has not been approved by the FDA or other major regulators. The overwhelming majority of evidence comes from rodent studies; controlled human trials are lacking.
What is BPC-157 most studied for?+
Preclinical research focuses on soft-tissue repair — particularly tendon and ligament healing — as well as gut protection and effects on the gut–brain axis.
How is BPC-157 thought to work?+
Animal studies suggest it promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) via the VEGFR2 pathway and modulates nitric oxide signalling and growth factors involved in healing.
References
Related peptides
TB-500
PreclinicalSynthetic Thymosin Beta-4 studied for repair & cell migration
TB-500 is a synthetic version of Thymosin Beta-4 (or its active fragment), a naturally occurring peptide studied for its role in actin regulation, cell migration, and tissue repair.
GHK-Cu
Extensively studiedCopper-binding peptide for skin & repair
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide extensively studied and widely used in skincare for collagen stimulation, wound healing, and tissue remodelling.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.