BPC-157

Summary

BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino acid peptide fragment derived from human gastric juice protein BPC. It has demonstrated significant tissue-healing, cytoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties in numerous animal studies covering musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular tissues. No approved human clinical trials have been completed and it is not approved for human therapeutic use in any major jurisdiction. It is widely used as a research compound and is available in gray-market channels.

Mechanism of Action

Partial sequence of body protection compound derived from human gastric juice. Activates VEGFR2 signaling and promotes angiogenesis, upregulates growth hormone receptors, modulates nitric oxide synthesis, interacts with dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, and enhances tendon and ligament fibroblast activity via FAK-paxillin pathway. Exhibits anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects across multiple tissue types.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Muscle repair and recoveryMusculoskeletal RepairLow
• Angiogenesis promotionVascularLow
• Tendon and ligament healingMusculoskeletal RepairModerate
• Neuroprotection and Neural RepairNeurologyLow
• Anti-inflammatory effectsInflammationLow
• Gastrointestinal healing and protectionGI CytoprotectionModerate

Contraindications

• Active malignancyOncologyHighUse caution or avoid depending on agent and context
• History of hormone-sensitive cancersOncologicalModerate
• PregnancyPopulationHighPotential fetal risk or insufficient safety data
• Known hypersensitivity to BPC-157 or excipientsAllergyHigh

Adverse Effects

• Dizziness or lightheadednessNeurologicalUncommon
• Theoretical tumor promotionOncologicalUnknown
• Injection site reactionsLocalCommon
• Hormonal axis perturbationEndocrineUnknown
• NauseaGastrointestinalUncommonFeeling of sickness or urge to vomit

Drug Interactions

• Dopaminergic agents (e.g., L-DOPA, dopamine agonists)Moderate
• VEGF-targeting therapies (e.g., bevacizumab)High
• Anticoagulants / antiplateletsModerate
• NSAIDsLowMay increase renal risk in susceptible patients

Population Constraints

• Pediatric patientsAgeAbsolute
• Patients with active cancerOncologicalRelative
• Pregnant or lactating womenReproductiveAbsolute
• Immunocompromised individualsImmunologicalRelative

Regulatory Status

• European UnionUnapprovedEMA has not approved BPC-157. Classified as a research substance; not available as a licensed medicinal product.
• United StatesUnapprovedFDA has not approved BPC-157 for any indication. As of 2022, FDA clarified it cannot be used in compounded preparations. Import alerts exist for products containing BPC-157.
• United KingdomUnapprovedMHRA has not approved BPC-157. Considered an unlicensed medicine; supply for human use without a license is illegal.

Not approved by FDA, EMA, or MHRA for any indication. The FDA issued import alerts and warning letters related to BPC-157-containing products marketed as dietary supplements or compounded drugs. In 2022, the FDA clarified that BPC-157 is not an approved drug substance and cannot be used in compounding. Classified strictly as a research chemical in the US, EU, and UK.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.