BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide (sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, MW ~1419.5 g/mol) derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It has demonstrated robust regenerative and cytoprotective effects across hundreds of animal studies spanning tendon, ligament, muscle, bone, nerve, GI tract, and blood vessel healing. However, human clinical data is extremely limited — only three pilot studies have examined BPC-157 in humans as of 2025 (knee pain n=16, interstitial cystitis n=12, IV safety n=2). The FDA classifies it as Category 2, prohibiting compounding, and WADA bans its use in sports.
Category: Healing & Recovery. Evidence rating: C (early/mixed human evidence).
Clinical status: Research-only / No approved human indication. Phase I oral safety trial completed; Phase II UC trial underway.
BPC-157 acts through multiple overlapping pathways. It promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression, and activates nitric oxide synthesis via the Src kinase-caveolin-1 pathway and Akt-eNOS axis. It engages ERK1/2 signaling, activating c-Fos, c-Jun, and EGR-1 transcription…
Research base: 2 registered clinical trials and 106 indexed publications reference BPC-157.
Safety considerations: No completed randomized controlled human clinical trials for safety assessment; Preclinical safety studies across multiple species found no toxic or lethal dose thresholds at ranges from 6 mcg/kg to 20 mg/kg; LD1 not achieved; no teratogenic, genotoxic, or anaphylactic effects in necropsy/histopathology; FDA previously classified BPC-157 as Category 2 (significant safety concerns); removed from Category 2 on April 15, 2026. PCAC review pending July 2026 to determine compounding eligibility. FDA noted insufficient human safety data and potential immunogenicity risks.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team. Last reviewed: 2026-08-12.
Related peptides: TB-500, Thymosin Beta-4, Larazotide.
Compare: BPC-157 vs TB-500, BPC-157 vs Thymosin Beta-4, BPC-157 vs Larazotide.
No. BPC-157 has no FDA approval for any indication. It was previously classified as Category 2 (prohibited from compounding), but on April 15, 2026, the FDA removed BPC-157 from Category 2 after HHS Secretary Kennedy directed withdrawal of the nominations. The PCAC is scheduled to review compounding eligibility at its July 23-24, 2026 meeting. Removal from Category 2 does not mean FDA approval —…
No. BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid fragment (sequence: GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) of a larger protein found in gastric juice. It does not occur naturally in this isolated form.
The NCT02637284 trial examined oral BPC-157 (PCO-02/Bepecin) safety and pharmacokinetics in 42 healthy volunteers using single doses of 1-6 mg and repeated dosing of 3 mg TID for two weeks. A Phase II UC trial is underway. Only three pilot studies have tested BPC-157 in humans. No completed, published controlled efficacy trials exist.
Yes. WADA prohibits all growth factors and peptides not approved for human therapeutic use, including BPC-157, both in and out of competition.
In rats and dogs, approximately 15 minutes after IV administration. It undergoes rapid hepatic metabolism into peptide fragments and amino acids (primarily proline). However, it is uniquely resistant to stomach acid and may remain active 24+ hours after oral administration.