BPC-157

What is BPC-157?

BPC-157, short for Body Protection Compound-157, is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids. It is derived from a naturally occurring protein found in human gastric juice, which plays a protective role in the gastrointestinal system. Since its discovery, BPC-157 has become one of the most extensively studied peptides in regenerative medicine research.

Unlike many peptides that degrade rapidly in the acidic environment of the stomach, BPC-157 demonstrates remarkable stability in gastric juice—a property that has sparked considerable research interest in its potential therapeutic applications.

Important Note: BPC-157 is a research compound. It is not approved by the FDA for human use and is classified as a prohibited substance by WADA. The information below summarizes published research and is intended for educational purposes only.

Discovery and Background

BPC-157 was first isolated and characterized by researchers at the University of Zagreb in Croatia during the 1990s. Led by Professor Predrag Sikiric, the research team identified this peptide sequence within a larger protective protein found in human gastric juice.

The "Body Protection Compound" name reflects the peptide's observed protective effects in various experimental models. The "157" designation refers to its position within the sequence of the parent protein.

Since its discovery, over 100 peer-reviewed studies have been published investigating BPC-157's properties, primarily in animal models. The peptide has been studied for effects ranging from gastrointestinal healing to musculoskeletal repair.

Molecular Profile

Chemical Structure

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) with the following sequence:

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

Single-letter code: GEPPPGKPADDAGLV

Key Molecular Data

Notable Characteristics

• Gastric Stability: Unlike most peptides, BPC-157 remains stable in gastric juice for extended periods
• Water Solubility: Highly soluble in water and saline solutions
• No Carrier Required: Does not require a carrier protein for biological activity in research models

Available Forms

BPC-157 is available in two primary salt forms, each with distinct characteristics:

BPC-157 Acetate (Original Form)

• The original form used in most early research
• Adequate stability when properly stored
• Most commonly available form
• Typically requires refrigeration after reconstitution

BPC-157 Arginine Salt (Stable Form)

Also known as Pentadeca Arginate (PDA) or BPC-157 Arginate:

• Enhanced stability compared to acetate form
• Contains an arginine molecule bound to the peptide
• May have improved shelf life
• Some researchers report comparable or enhanced effects

Mechanism of Action

Research suggests BPC-157 works through multiple interconnected pathways. Understanding these mechanisms helps explain the wide range of effects observed in studies.

1. Nitric Oxide System Modulation

BPC-157 appears to interact significantly with the nitric oxide (NO) system:

• Modulates NO synthase activity
• Helps regulate blood vessel dilation
• May explain cardiovascular protective effects observed in research

2. Growth Factor Expression

Studies indicate BPC-157 influences several growth factors:

• VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor): Promotes blood vessel formation
• EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor): Supports tissue repair
• FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor): Involved in wound healing
• TGF-β: Regulates cellular growth and differentiation

3. Angiogenesis Promotion

One of BPC-157's most documented effects is promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation):

• Accelerates formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue
• May improve blood supply to healing areas
• Observed across multiple tissue types in research

4. Dopaminergic System Interaction

Research has identified effects on the dopamine system:

• May protect dopamine neurons in experimental models
• Interactions with dopamine receptors observed
• Potential implications for neurodegenerative research

5. FAK-Paxillin Pathway

Studies show activation of the FAK-paxillin pathway:

• Important for cell migration and tissue repair
• May explain accelerated wound closure in research

6. Growth Hormone Receptor Sensitivity

Some research suggests BPC-157 may:

• Increase sensitivity of growth hormone receptors
• Potentially enhance the body's response to endogenous growth hormone

Research Applications

Tendon and Ligament Studies

This represents one of the most extensively researched areas:

Key Findings:

• Accelerated healing of transected Achilles tendons in rat models
• Improved biomechanical strength of healed tendons
• Enhanced collagen organization in repaired tissue
• Faster functional recovery compared to controls

Studied Injuries:

• Complete tendon transections
• Partial tendon tears
• Ligament damage
• Tendon-to-bone healing

Muscle Injury Research

Multiple studies have investigated muscle repair:

• Faster recovery from crush injuries
• Improved healing after muscle transection
• Reduced fibrosis (scar tissue) formation
• Better functional outcomes in animal models

Gastrointestinal Studies

Given its gastric origin, extensive GI research has been conducted:

Protective Effects Studied:

• NSAID-induced gastric lesions
• Alcohol-induced stomach damage
• Inflammatory bowel conditions in experimental models
• Esophageal damage
• Intestinal anastomosis healing

Mechanisms Observed:

• Maintained mucosal integrity
• Reduced inflammation markers
• Accelerated ulcer healing

Bone Healing Research

Emerging research on skeletal applications:

• Accelerated fracture healing in animal models
• Improved bone-tendon junction repair
• Enhanced integration of bone grafts
• Effects on bone-forming cell activity

Neuroprotective Research

Studies have explored central nervous system effects:

• Protection against dopaminergic neurotoxins
• Reduced damage in experimental brain injury models
• Potential effects on peripheral nerve regeneration
• Interactions with serotonergic and GABAergic systems

Wound Healing

General wound healing has been studied:

• Accelerated skin wound closure
• Improved healing in diabetic wound models
• Enhanced burn healing in animal research
• Reduced time to wound closure

Cardiovascular Research

Emerging cardiovascular studies include:

• Protection against certain cardiac toxins in models
• Effects on blood pressure regulation
• Potential endothelial protective properties

Research Administration Routes

In published research, BPC-157 has been administered through various routes:

Systemic Administration

• Subcutaneous injection: Most common in research
• Intraperitoneal injection: Common in rodent studies
• Intramuscular injection: Used in some protocols
• Intravenous administration: Less common

Local Administration

• Direct application: To wound sites
• Intragastric: For GI studies

Oral Administration

• Some studies have used oral delivery
• Gastric stability may allow oral bioavailability
• Research on oral forms is ongoing

Note: Dosing in research varies significantly by study design, animal model, and target condition. Human dosing has not been established through clinical trials.

Stability and Storage

Lyophilized (Powder) Form

• Store at -20°C for long-term storage
• Stable at 2-8°C for several months
• Protect from light and moisture
• Keep in airtight container

Reconstituted Solution

• Use bacteriostatic water or sterile saline
• Store at 2-8°C after reconstitution
• Use within 2-4 weeks for optimal stability
• Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles

Handling Recommendations

• Reconstitute with appropriate volume for desired concentration
• Use sterile technique
• Allow powder to dissolve completely before use
• Avoid vigorous shaking (gentle swirling preferred)

Safety Profile in Research

Animal Study Data

Based on published animal research:

• High tolerance: No significant toxicity at typical research doses
• No observed carcinogenic effects in available studies
• Minimal side effects reported in animal models
• Wide therapeutic window in experimental protocols

Limitations

Important caveats regarding safety data:

• No completed human clinical trials
• Long-term effects unknown
• Drug interaction potential not fully characterized
• Individual response variation expected

Regulatory Status

FDA Status (United States)

• Not FDA approved for any human use
• Classified as Category 2 bulk drug substance (2023)
• Cannot be legally compounded by commercial pharmacies
• Available for research purposes only

WADA Status

• Prohibited substance under WADA regulations
• Banned in-competition and out-of-competition
• Listed under S0 (Non-approved substances)
• Athletes should avoid completely

International Status

• Regulations vary by country
• Generally classified as research compound
• Not approved for human therapeutic use in most jurisdictions

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes BPC-157 unique among peptides?

BPC-157's gastric stability is unusual—most peptides break down rapidly in stomach acid. This stability, combined with its diverse mechanisms of action, distinguishes it from other research peptides.

How does BPC-157 compare to TB-500?

Both are studied for healing properties, but they work through different mechanisms. TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) primarily affects actin regulation, while BPC-157 works through the NO system and growth factors. Some researchers study them in combination.

Why isn't BPC-157 FDA approved?

No pharmaceutical company has conducted the required human clinical trials for FDA approval. The extensive testing required (typically hundreds of millions of dollars) hasn't been pursued, leaving BPC-157 in the research compound category.

Is BPC-157 the same as the natural stomach protein?

No. BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino acid fragment derived from a larger naturally occurring protein. The full parent protein has not been as extensively studied.

What is the difference between BPC-157 and BPC-157 stable?

"BPC-157 stable" typically refers to the arginine salt form (also called Pentadeca Arginate), which has enhanced stability compared to the original acetate form.

Key Research References

1. Sikiric, P., et al. (2018). "Brain-gut axis and pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Theoretical and practical implications." Current Neuropharmacology, 16(3), 324-346.

2. Seiwerth, S., et al. (2018). "BPC 157 and standard angiogenic growth factors: Gastrointestinal tract healing, lessons from tendon, ligament, muscle and bone healing." Current Pharmaceutical Design, 24(18), 1972-1989.

3. Krivic, A., et al. (2006). "Achilles detachment in rat and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Promoted tendon-to-bone healing and target of angiogenesis." Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 24(5), 982-989.

4. Staresinic, M., et al. (2003). "Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocyte growth." Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 21(6), 976-983.

5. Sikiric, P., et al. (2014). "Stress in gastrointestinal tract and stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157." Current Pharmaceutical Design, 20(7), 1126-1135.

6. Gwyer, D., Wragg, N.M., & Wilson, S.L. (2019). "Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing." Cell and Tissue Research, 377(2), 153-159.

Summary

BPC-157 represents one of the most studied peptides in regenerative research. Its unique gastric stability, multiple mechanisms of action, and broad range of observed effects in animal studies have generated significant scientific interest.

Key points to remember:

• 15 amino acid synthetic peptide derived from gastric protein
• Multiple mechanisms: NO modulation, growth factors, angiogenesis
• Extensive animal research but no completed human clinical trials
• Not approved for human use; prohibited in sports
• Research compound only - for laboratory use

The body of research on BPC-157 continues to grow, with new studies exploring additional applications and mechanisms. However, translation to human therapeutics would require substantial clinical trial investment that has not yet occurred.