BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide whose sequence corresponds to a fragment of “body protection compound,” a protein identified in human gastric juice.1 It has been studied extensively in rodent models for healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, and gut tissue, and for effects on blood-vessel formation. Most of this evidence is preclinical — and, as with several peptides in this space, a large share comes from one research group — so the picture below is presented with those caveats.
Sequence & identity
Mechanisms studied
In rodent studies, researchers reported that BPC-157 accelerated healing of transected Achilles tendon and injured ligament, with improved biomechanical strength and tissue organisation versus controls.13 In tendon-fibroblast cultures it was reported to promote cell outgrowth, survival and migration, and to upregulate the growth-hormone receptor dose- and time-dependently.24 Proposed mechanisms centre on angiogenesis and cytoprotective signalling; these are preclinical findings, not established clinical effects.
Dosing in the research literature
The figures below summarise regimens as reported in published research — they are not recommendations or directions for use.
| Source / model | Regimen reported | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rat Achilles tendon, transection1 | µg/kg–ng/kg, local or systemic | Accelerated healing vs control; animal model |
| Tendon fibroblasts, in vitro2 | Dose- & time-dependent in culture | Cell outgrowth/migration; not a living-subject dose |
| Commonly cited research protocol | ~200–500 mcg/day | Derived from animal work; no human musculoskeletal dose-ranging data |
Effects observed in research
Across rodent models, researchers reported faster, more complete healing of tendon, ligament, muscle and gut tissue, alongside pro-angiogenic effects.13 In humans, the most-developed work is early-phase trial activity around a related preparation (PL 14736) for inflammatory bowel disease; the popular tendon and recovery uses remain unconfirmed in controlled human trials.
Strength of evidence
Reconstitution & storage
Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Store lyophilised material frozen and reconstituted material refrigerated. Use Peptigo’s reconstitution calculator and storage cheat sheet for working figures.
References
- Staresinic M, et al. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth. J Orthop Res. 2003;21(6):976–983.
- Chang CH, et al. The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. J Appl Physiol. 2011;110(3):774–780.
- Cerovecki T, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (PL 14736) improves ligament healing in the rat. J Orthop Res. 2010;28(9):1155–1161.
- Chang CH, et al. Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Molecules. 2014;19(11):19066–19077.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary: BPC-157 (CID 9941957). Chemical identity (formula, MW, InChIKey).