BPC-157

Body Protection Compound 157 · PL 14736 · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157

Last reviewed: 2026-05-16

CAS: 137525-51-0
MW: 1419.5 Da
Sequence: GEPPPGKPADDAGLV
Research focus: tendon ligament gut healing anti inflammatory regeneration

A 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. The most-studied healing research peptide, with extensive pre-clinical work on tendon, ligament, gut, and vascular repair.

Mechanism of action

BPC-157 is a synthetic fragment derived from a larger protective protein isolated from gastric juice. Pre-clinical literature attributes its activity to upregulation of growth-hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts, modulation of the nitric-oxide (NO) system, and promotion of angiogenesis through VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signalling. Animal models also report rapid restoration of injured vascular networks via a phenomenon described by Sikiric and colleagues as the 'vessel-rescuing' effect.

Research history

First characterised in the early 1990s by Predrag Sikiric's group at the University of Zagreb, BPC-157 entered formal pre-clinical study under the development code PL 14736 as a candidate for inflammatory bowel disease. Although clinical development stalled, the compound has accumulated more than 100 indexed animal studies and remains one of the most-cited research peptides in the regenerative literature.

Summarised studies

Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in the treatment of colitis and ischemia/reperfusion in rats

Sikiric P. et al., Curr Pharm Des · 2018

Rats with experimentally induced colitis treated with BPC-157 showed accelerated mucosal recovery, reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6), and restored microvascular flow compared with controls.

BPC 157 and Achilles tendon healing in rats

Krivic A. et al., J Orthop Res · 2010

Transected Achilles tendons in rats demonstrated improved biomechanical recovery, faster collagen organisation, and greater tenocyte outgrowth in BPC-157 groups dosed intraperitoneally or topically.

Modulation of VEGFR2 by BPC 157 in vascular healing

Hsieh M.J. et al., Vascul Pharmacol · 2018

Cultured endothelial cells exposed to BPC-157 displayed increased VEGFR2 internalisation and enhanced tubular formation, suggesting a direct angiogenic mechanism independent of VEGF supply.

Counteraction of NSAID-induced gut lesions

Sikiric P. et al., Curr Pharm Des · 2014

BPC-157 reduced gastric and small-bowel ulceration in rodents pre-treated with high-dose indomethacin and diclofenac, with parallel preservation of liver function markers.

Safety profile

Across rodent toxicology studies BPC-157 has consistently shown a wide therapeutic window with no observed acute toxicity at doses orders of magnitude above the typical research range. Long-term human safety data do not exist; chronic immunogenicity, oncogenicity, and reproductive effects remain unstudied. As with all research peptides, sterility, endotoxin load, and accurate concentration of laboratory preparations are the dominant practical safety variables.

UK regulatory status

BPC-157 is not authorised as a medicine by the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). It is also listed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) on the 2025 Prohibited List under S0 (Non-Approved Substances). Possession for in-vitro research is unrestricted; supply or administration to humans is not.

Frequently asked questions

Is BPC-157 approved in the UK?

No. BPC-157 has not received marketing authorisation from the MHRA and is therefore not a licensed medicine in the United Kingdom. It is available only as a research chemical for laboratory use.

What is the typical research half-life of BPC-157?

Pharmacokinetic data are limited, but rodent studies suggest a plasma half-life under one hour following parenteral administration, with rapid distribution into vascular endothelium and gastric mucosa.

How is BPC-157 stored in a laboratory setting?

Lyophilised BPC-157 is generally stored at −20 °C in its original sealed vial. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerated stability is typically reported as 1–3 weeks; long-term reconstituted storage should be at −80 °C.

Is BPC-157 banned in sport?

Yes. The World Anti-Doping Agency lists BPC-157 as a non-approved substance under category S0 of its annual Prohibited List, applying both in and out of competition.

Does BPC-157 work orally in research models?

Several rodent studies have reported activity following oral gavage, with hypothesised local action on gastric and intestinal tissues. Systemic bioavailability of oral peptide preparations remains an open research question.

What controls are typical in BPC-157 tendon studies?

Sham-surgery and saline-vehicle groups are standard. Biomechanical testing (load-to-failure, stiffness) and histological grading of collagen organisation are the usual endpoints.

Where to source BPC-157 for laboratory research

The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.

PeptideAuthority.co.uk
UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.
PeptideBarn.co.uk
Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.