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Peptide profile · Musculoskeletal

BPC-157

A synthetic pentadecapeptide widely marketed online and frequently discussed in injury-recovery contexts. Human evidence is very limited, and it is not an approved medicine.

Research use only
GradeDPreclinical only
Last reviewed 2026-08-01Updated 2026-08-12

Quick facts

Classification
Synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric protein sequence
Target / mechanism
Not definitively established; proposed angiogenic and growth-factor-related pathways
Development status
Predominantly preclinical; limited early human study
Regulatory status
Research use only
Evidence level
Preclinical only
Therapeutic area
Musculoskeletal / gastrointestinal (proposed)
Route / formulation
Injectable and oral preparations are marketed; none are approved

Also referred to as · Body protection compound 157, PL 14736

What it is

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide sequence that has been studied mainly in rodent models. It is not approved as a drug in the United States or European Union.

It has been placed on the FDA's list of substances that present significant safety risks for use in compounded preparations, and it is prohibited in sport.

How it works

Animal studies describe effects on angiogenesis, fibroblast activity, and tissue repair signalling. A specific receptor has not been conclusively identified.

Mechanistic findings in rodents do not establish comparable effects, dosing, or safety in humans.

What it has been studied for

  • Tendon, ligament, and muscle injury models (animal)
  • Gastrointestinal mucosal injury models (animal)
  • A small number of early-phase human studies in inflammatory bowel disease

Safety and side effects

There is no adequately powered long-term human safety data set. Absence of reported harm in small studies is not evidence of safety.

Because most marketed material is not manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, contamination, incorrect content, and non-sterility are practical risks independent of the peptide itself.

Warnings and contraindications

Not an approved medicine. Claims that it 'heals' injuries are not supported by adequate human evidence.
Prohibited at all times under the WADA Prohibited List; use carries sanction risk for tested athletes.
Included by FDA among bulk substances raising significant safety concerns for compounding.

Compounded / research status

Sold almost entirely under 'research use only' labelling. That framing means the seller is not presenting it as a medicine — it does not imply the product has been evaluated for human administration.

Investigational uses

Any human use is uncharacterised rather than investigational in the regulatory sense, since there is no broad active approved trial programme in most jurisdictions.

Frequently asked questions

References

  • FDA bulk drug substances safety risk list (category 2)U.S. Food and Drug Administration
  • WADA Prohibited ListWorld Anti-Doping Agency
  • Preclinical tissue-repair literature reviewPeer-reviewed scientific literature

Reference entries are editorial placeholders describing source type and origin. Primary documents are linked as each profile is expanded.

Editorial disclaimer

This site is educational and does not provide medical advice, dosing protocols, or treatment recommendations. Regulatory status and evidence strength differ sharply between compounds. A “research use only” label does not indicate that a product is appropriate for human use. Decisions about medicines belong with a qualified clinician.
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