BPC-157
Body Protection Compound 157
Also known as: Pentadecapeptide BPC 157
A pentadecapeptide studied extensively in animal models for tendon, ligament, muscle, and gut healing. Human evidence remains limited.
Overview
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in gastric juice. It has been studied heavily in rodent models for regenerative effects on connective tissue and the gastrointestinal tract. Despite widespread interest, robust human clinical trials are lacking, so its evidence base is best described as preliminary and largely preclinical. Regulatory update, September 2026: the FDA removed this peptide from Category 2 of the 503A bulk-drug list in April 2026, and on July 23 to 24, 2026 the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee voted to recommend it for compounding against the advice of FDA scientists, who found no adequate human data. The vote is advisory; nothing changes until FDA rulemaking, and vials sold 'for research' remain unapproved drugs.
Mechanism of action
In animal studies it appears to promote angiogenesis, modulate the nitric oxide system, and upregulate growth factor signaling involved in tissue repair. Human mechanistic data are limited.
Key studies & citations
- Review2025
Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide: Literature and Patent Review
Pleiotropic effects across preclinical injury, IBD and CNS models; not approved by FDA or other regulators because sufficient human clinical studies are absent.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel) - Animal2003
Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth
In rats with transected Achilles tendon, daily BPC 157 improved biomechanical load to failure, functional index scores and collagen formation versus saline.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research - In vitro2011
The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration
Mechanistic work in tendon explants and fibroblasts linking BPC 157 to outgrowth, survival and migration of tendon cells.
Journal of Applied Physiology - Review2025
Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review
Systematic review of 544 records (1993 to 2024): musculoskeletal benefit is shown almost entirely in preclinical models; no FDA approval and banned in professional sport.
HSS Journal - Review2026
July 23-24, 2026: Meeting of the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee
Official FDA meeting record: BPC-157, KPV, TB-500 and MOTS-c were discussed on July 23, 2026 for possible inclusion on the 503A bulk drug substances list.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Frequently asked questions
Is BPC-157 approved or proven in humans?
No. The evidence is largely from animal studies. There are no large human clinical trials, and it is not an approved drug or supplement.