BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from human gastric juice. It has demonstrated broad tissue-protective and regenerative effects in preclinical models. No human clinical trials have been completed, and no FDA-approved indications exist. All evidence derives from animal studies and in vitro research.
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Sequence | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Amino acids | 15 |
| Molecular weight | 1,419.5 Da |
| Stability | Resistant to gastric acid and pepsin |
| Solubility | Water-soluble |
| Oral bioavailability | Estimated 50–70% |
BPC-157 is remarkably stable in the gastrointestinal tract, surviving acidic pH and enzymatic degradation — a rare property among therapeutic peptides.
BPC-157 upregulates growth factors involved in tissue repair:
| Growth Factor | Effect | Tissue Impact |
|---|
| VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) | Increased angiogenesis | Enhanced blood supply to damaged tissue |
| FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factor) | Increased fibroblast proliferation | Connective tissue regeneration |
| TGF-β (Transforming Growth Factor-beta) | Modulated expression | Collagen synthesis regulation |
| EGF (Epithelial Growth Factor) | Upregulated | Epithelial cell proliferation |
BPC-157 interacts with the NO system:
- Modulates eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) expression
- Protects against NO-mediated tissue damage
- Restores NO homeostasis in injured tissues
- Interacts with the L-arginine/NO pathway
- Stabilizes cell membranes against stress-induced damage
- Modulates inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β)
- Enhances heat shock protein (HSP) expression
- Provides protection against oxidative stress
| Model | Dose | Key Findings |
|---|
| Rat colitis (TNBS) | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Reduced inflammation, restored mucosal architecture |
| Rat gastric ulcer | 10 µg/kg/day oral | Accelerated ulcer healing, reduced ulcer index |
| Rat small bowel anastomosis | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Increased bursting pressure, enhanced healing |
| Porcine IBD model | 10 µg/kg/day oral | Reduced disease activity index |
Clinical relevance: BPC-157 is one of the few peptides that maintains oral bioavailability, making it potentially useful for local GI effects.
| Model | Dose | Key Findings |
|---|
| Rat Achilles tendon transection | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Enhanced healing, increased biomechanical strength |
| Rat medial collateral ligament | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Accelerated collagen maturation |
| Rat bone fracture | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Enhanced callus formation, faster union |
| Rabbit ligament injury | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Improved histological scores |
| Model | Dose | Key Findings |
|---|
| Rat traumatic brain injury | 10 µg/kg/day IP | Improved neurological recovery, reduced lesion size |
| Rat spinal cord injury | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Enhanced locomotor function recovery |
| Rat stroke (MCAO) | 10 µg/kg/day IP | Reduced infarct volume |
| Mouse Parkinson’s model | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Dopaminergic neuron protection |
| Model | Dose | Key Findings |
|---|
| Rat myocardial infarction | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Reduced infarct size, improved cardiac function |
| Rat ischemia-reperfusion | 10 µg/kg/day IP | Cardioprotective effect via NO pathway |
| Porcine heart failure | 10 µg/kg/day SC | Improved ejection fraction |
BPC-157 demonstrates broad anti-inflammatory activity across multiple models:
- Reduced TNF-α levels in colitis and arthritis models
- Decreased IL-6 and IL-1β expression in inflammatory tissues
- Modulated NF-κB pathway activation
- Reduced prostaglandin E2 production in some models
- Attenuated mast cell degranulation in allergic inflammation models
| Observation | Detail |
|---|
| Acute toxicity | No adverse effects up to 500 µg/kg in rats |
| Subchronic toxicity | No organ toxicity in 28-day repeated dose studies |
| Genotoxicity | Negative in Ames test and micronucleus assay |
| Carcinogenicity | No tumorigenic effects observed |
| Reproductive toxicity | No effects on fertility or development |
| Species | Route | Typical Dose | Duration |
|---|
| Rat | SC, IP, Oral | 10 µg/kg/day | 7–28 days |
| Mouse | SC, IP | 10 µg/kg/day | 7–28 days |
| Rabbit | SC | 10 µg/kg/day | 14–28 days |
| Pig | Oral, SC | 10 µg/kg/day | 14–28 days |
- No human clinical trials — all data is preclinical
- Regulatory status: Investigational research chemical
- Not approved for human consumption or medical use
- Extrapolation risk: Animal doses may not translate directly to human dosing
- Publication bias: Most studies are from a limited number of research groups
- Sikiric P, et al. “BPC 157 and its role in wound healing, GI protection, and sports medicine.” Curr Pharm Des 2018;24:26-36.
- Chang CH, et al. “BPC 157: A novel peptide with broad pharmacological activity.” Peptides 2019;117:170075.
- Cesarec T, et al. “BPC 157 and nitric oxide system.” Curr Pharm Des 2018;24:37-43.
