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BPC-157

From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #004 · Recovery · Hand-curated entry · Editorial standards

Research warning. No human clinical trials exist. All data is from preclinical animal studies. Long-term safety profile is unknown. Not for human use or consumption.

BPC-157 (also known as PL-10, PLD-116, Bepecin) is a recovery research peptide. A 15-amino acid cytoprotective peptide derived from human gastric juice. Widely researched for wound healing, tendon repair, and GI protection across hundreds of animal studies.

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric juice protein. It is stable under gastric acid conditions. Research across hundreds of animal studies demonstrates cytoprotection in various tissue types — including tendon, ligament, muscle, gut, and bone — through multiple overlapping mechanisms: angiogenesis promotion (upregulation of VEGF), nitric oxide pathway modulation, growth hormone receptor sensitization, and direct fibroblast proliferation. Notably effective in models of tendon-to-bone healing, NSAID-induced gut damage, and inflammatory bowel conditions. No human RCTs yet completed.

1 Mechanism of action

Promotes angiogenesis via VEGF upregulation; modulates NO synthase pathways; sensitizes GH receptors; directly stimulates fibroblasts and tenocytes. Anti-inflammatory via reduced inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6).

Primary targets: VEGFR · NO pathway · GHR (indirect)

2 Reported effects

Effects below are those reported in the published literature cited on this page. They are not claims of clinical benefit and not medical advice.

2.1 Reported benefits

  • Accelerated tendon and ligament healing in preclinical models
  • Gastrointestinal cytoprotection against NSAID and ethanol damage
  • Promotion of angiogenesis and collagen synthesis
  • Anti-inflammatory effects across multiple tissue types

2.2 Side effects

  • Injection site reactions (erythema, mild pain)
  • Nausea at high oral doses
  • Theoretical concern: angiogenesis promotion could accelerate pre-existing tumors
  • Unknown long-term side effects due to absence of human trials

3 Chemical and physical properties

CAS number137525-51-0
Molar mass1419.56 g/mol
Purity (typical)>99.8%
Half-life~4 hours (estimated)
Storage−20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated
SolubilitySterile water / bacteriostatic water
Receptors / targetsVEGFR, NO pathway, GHR (indirect)

3.1 Amino acid sequence

Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val

4 Research dosages

10 μg/kg SC or oral in rat models; human-equivalent dosing not established.

Dosages are reported from published protocols for reference only. Research chemicals are not for human consumption.

5 Research studies (9)

  1. Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in Trials for Inflammatory Bowel Disease
    Current Pharmaceutical Design (2018) · Review · N/A (review)
    Comprehensive review of BPC-157 in IBD models and early clinical considerations; covers GI cytoprotection and anti-ulcer mechanisms.
    Key finding: BPC-157 counteracted experimental colitis and NSAID-induced GI lesions across multiple preclinical models.
  2. BPC 157 Effect on Achilles Tendon Healing in Rat
    Journal of Orthopaedic Research (2010) · Preclinical · N=60 (rats)
    BPC-157 accelerated Achilles tendon-to-bone healing; increased VEGF and collagen deposition vs controls.
    Key finding: Accelerated functional recovery and increased collagen deposition in BPC-157 treated tendons vs controls.
  3. Cytoprotective Effect of BPC-157 on Gastric Lesions
    Life Sciences (1997) · Preclinical · N=48 (rats)
    Foundational study showing BPC-157 cytoprotection against ethanol, NSAID, and stress-induced gastric mucosal damage.
    Key finding: Near-complete prevention of ethanol-induced gastric lesions at 10 μg/kg — cytoprotection across multiple injury models.
  4. Fabrication and characterization of biocompatible BPC-157 based chitosan hydrogel
    3 Biotech (2026) · Preclinical
    Collectively, these findings indicate that CH/BPC hydrogel possesses desirable physicochemical and antibacterial characteristics, highlighting their potential as multifunctional hydrogel for future biomedical applications.
  5. Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study
    Joint diseases and related surgery (2026) · Preclinical
    These preliminary findings indicate that both peptides warrant further investigation as candidate adjuncts to tendon repair, pending dose-optimization and longer-term studies.
  6. Stable pentadecapeptide therapy counteracts gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity via nitric oxide-system modulation: evidence from a triple nitric oxide-agent approach in rats
    Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society (2026) · Preclinical
    Combined with the BPC 157 application, the triple NO-agent approach shows BPC 157's full efficacy in maintaining and/or reestablishing NO-system effects and functions, and kidney integrity in the gentamicin-rats.
  7. Unilateral Adrenalectomy, and the Stable Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 as Therapy in Rats-A Cytoprotection Approach
    Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland) (2026) · Preclinical
    These effects of BPC 157 therapy and its easy applicability deserve further consideration.
  8. BPC-157 and Its Novel Hybrid Analogs as Inhibitors of Acetylcholinesterase
    International journal of molecular sciences (2026) · Preclinical
    The results highlight the potential of peptide-based hybrid molecules as multifunctional candidates in the development of novel therapeutics targeting cholinergic dysfunction.
  9. Protective effects of BPC 157 in rats with experimentally induced lower extremity ischemia-reperfusion injury
    Scientific reports (2026) · RCT
    The study was conducted and reported in accordance with the ARRIVE guidelines.

6 Safety and risk profile

6.1 Regulatory status

BPC-157 is currently classified as Investigational. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.

Safety score: 45/100 — moderate concern. Derived from clinical data volume, known risks and regulatory status.

6.2 Contraindications

Conditions and populations in which use is contraindicated:

  • Active malignancy (angiogenesis concerns — theoretical)
  • Pregnancy and lactation (no safety data)
  • Concurrent use with anti-VEGF therapies (e.g., bevacizumab)
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (angiogenesis effect on vascular tone unknown)

6.3 Drug interactions

Drug or classInteractionRisk
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin)May mitigate NSAID-induced GI damage (protective), but co-administration effects on systemic healing unknown.Low
Anti-VEGF agents (bevacizumab, ranibizumab)Opposing mechanisms — BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis while anti-VEGF blocks it. Theoretical antagonism.Moderate

6.4 Long-term risks

  • Unknown carcinogenicity risk from prolonged angiogenesis stimulation
  • Potential for scar tissue overgrowth / fibrosis with chronic use
  • Gut microbiota changes with chronic administration
  • No long-term (>6 month) animal data available

6.5 Research best practices

  • Store lyophilized at −20 °C; stable at room temperature for short periods
  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate after reconstitution
  • Use within 30 days of reconstitution
  • Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
Safety data disclaimer. Safety assessments are based on published literature and are for educational reference only. Clinical evidence varies significantly between peptides. Always consult primary research and current regulatory guidance.

7 Frequently asked questions

What types of injuries has BPC-157 been shown to help heal?
Preclinical research shows BPC-157 accelerated healing in models of tendon/ligament tears, muscle injury, bone fractures, GI ulcers, nerve damage, and skin wounds — primarily via stimulation of blood vessel growth and fibroblast activity.
Why is BPC-157 considered unique in regenerative research?
Unlike growth factors that target a single receptor, BPC-157 activates multiple overlapping repair pathways simultaneously: angiogenesis (VEGF), nitric oxide signaling, and direct fibroblast stimulation — producing a coordinated healing response in multiple tissue types.
Are there human clinical trials for BPC-157?
No human randomized controlled trials have been completed. All data comes from hundreds of preclinical animal studies. Phase 1 human trials are pending but not yet initiated.

8 References

  1. Fabrication and characterization of biocompatible BPC-157 based chitosan hydrogel PubMed (2026). Arunim, et al.. View source
  2. Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study PubMed (2026). Biçer O, et al.. View source
  3. Stable pentadecapeptide therapy counteracts gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity via nitric oxide-system modulation: evidence from a triple nitric oxide-agent approach in rats PubMed (2026). Vukoja I, et al.. View source
  4. Unilateral Adrenalectomy, and the Stable Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 as Therapy in Rats-A Cytoprotection Approach PubMed (2026). Smoday IM, et al.. View source

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9 See also

For research reference only. Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction. Entry validated by the PeptidePlaza Biomedical Research Desk; see editorial standards.

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