Compounds / BPC-157
BPC-157
Also known as: Body Protection Compound 157; BPC157; PL 14736 (pentadecapeptide); BPC-157 acetate
Primary research focus: Tissue-repair and healing research (musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal)
Last updated July 2026 · Reviewed against FDA labeling and published research.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) whose sequence is derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It has been studied extensively in animal models for tissue repair, tendon and ligament healing, gut protection, and inflammation. It is not FDA-approved, and the human evidence is very limited; the great majority of data are preclinical.
No receptor for BPC-157 has been identified, and the proposed mechanisms come from animal and cell studies. Preclinical work suggests promotion of angiogenesis and healing through the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS (nitric oxide) pathway, effects on FAK-paxillin signaling and cell migration, modulation of growth factors, anti-inflammatory effects (reduced TNF-alpha, IL-6, IFN-gamma with a shift toward reparative M2 macrophages), and interactions with nitric oxide and possibly dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. These pathways are proposed, not confirmed in humans.
How it’s supplied
Not an FDA-approved or commercially manufactured medicine. It is sold as a research-grade lyophilized peptide (free base or acetate) for reconstitution, and has historically been prepared by compounding pharmacies during periods when that was permitted. Research-grade products are not FDA-reviewed for potency or sterility.
Dosage Chart
Units shown are for a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL), calculated from the vial size and BAC water you select. Always confirm against your prescription and your syringe markings.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-2 | 250mcg | 1x Daily | — |
| Weeks 3-8 | 500mcg | 1x Daily | — |
- Rotate injection sites to reduce irritation and lipohypertrophy
- Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Do not exceed the recommended dose to try to speed results
Potential Benefits and Side Effects
Effects reported in published research. Not a promise of results, and not medical advice.
- Reported in preclinical (animal and cell) research; human efficacy is not established.
- Accelerated healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone injuries in animal models.
- Protection and healing of the gastrointestinal mucosa in animal models, including under NSAID exposure.
- Angiogenesis promotion and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical systems.
- Neuroprotective and vascular effects reported in animal studies.
- Human adverse-effect data are very limited.
- Preclinical studies report few side effects and a wide margin of safety in animals.
- Human tolerability, immunogenicity, and long-term safety are not established.
- Practical risks include variable purity and sterility of research-grade material.
Warnings and contraindications
Important safety information. This is not exhaustive — read the full prescribing information and consult your prescriber or pharmacist.
- No FDA-approved labeling exists; the following reflect the compound's status and limited data, not established label warnings.
- Human clinical evidence is very limited (only a few small, uncontrolled pilot studies), so the human safety profile is not established.
- No receptor or definitive human mechanism has been identified, and immunogenicity has been raised as a theoretical concern.
- Research-grade material varies widely in identity, purity, and sterility.
- BPC-157 has been listed on the WADA Prohibited List (S0); its anti-doping status has varied, so athletes should verify the current WADA list.
- Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
- Not established; no FDA-approved labeling. Precautionary considerations include known hypersensitivity to the peptide and use by athletes subject to anti-doping rules.
Reconstitution Steps
How to prepare the lyophilized vial. Confirm specifics with your pharmacist or prescriber.
- Confirm the amount of peptide in the vial and the volume of diluent you intend to use before starting.
- Wash your hands and gather supplies: the lyophilized peptide vial, the diluent (typically bacteriostatic water), an alcohol swab, and a sterile syringe.
- Let the peptide vial and diluent reach room temperature if they were refrigerated or frozen.
- Wipe the rubber stopper of both the peptide vial and the diluent vial with a fresh alcohol swab and let them air dry.
- Draw the intended diluent volume into the syringe.
- Insert the needle into the peptide vial and slowly release the diluent down the inside wall of the vial rather than directly onto the powder, to avoid foaming.
- Do not shake. Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder is fully dissolved.
- Inspect the solution: it should be clear and colorless with no visible particles. Do not use if cloudy or containing particles.
- Note the resulting concentration (peptide amount divided by the diluent volume) so it matches the reconstitution calculator on this page.
- Label the vial with the reconstitution date and store as directed under reconstituted storage.
US regulatory status
Classifications are public record but can change. For reference only, not legal advice.
Development: BPC-157 has an extensive preclinical literature (largely from a small number of research groups) reporting healing effects across tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, nerve, and gastrointestinal injury models. Human clinical evidence is minimal: as of 2025 reviews, only a few small uncontrolled pilot studies (roughly 30 participants combined) had been reported. It has not been approved by the FDA or other major regulators, and no adequately powered human efficacy trials have been completed. A related pentadecapeptide (PL 14736) was explored for inflammatory bowel disease.
Notes: BPC-157 is not FDA-approved. In September 2023 the FDA placed it in Category 2 of the interim bulk drug substances policy, citing significant safety concerns, which barred 503A and 503B compounding. In a February 2026 US Department of Health and Human Services announcement, BPC-157 was among peptides slated to move back to Category 1 (interim compounding permitted while review continues), reportedly effective in April 2026. The FDA Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee is scheduled to review BPC-157-related bulk drug substances for the 503A bulks list on July 23-24, 2026. This area is actively changing and should be verified against the current FDA list. BPC-157 is not a controlled substance. (Status current as of mid-2026.)
International status
Pharmacokinetics
Storage and handling
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- The evidence base for BPC-157 is overwhelmingly preclinical (animal), with only a few small uncontrolled human pilot studies.
- No receptor or definitive human mechanism has been identified.
- Its US compounding status is actively in flux (Category 2 versus Category 1, with an FDA advisory committee review in July 2026); verify the current FDA classification.
- It has appeared on the WADA Prohibited List; anti-doping status has varied.
- Research-grade material varies widely in identity, purity, and sterility.
Lifestyle Factors
- Studied in research contexts by injectable and oral routes (the peptide is reported to resist gastric degradation).
- Human lifestyle interactions are not well characterized.
References
Related compounds
Important disclaimer
This page is an educational reference, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and not a substitute for your prescriber or pharmacist. Approval and regulatory status varies by compound and can change. Always confirm against current prescribing information and consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decision about a medication.