Recovery & Repair · Synthetic pentadecapeptide (research)
BPC-157
- Drug class
- Synthetic pentadecapeptide (research)
- Status
- Compounded (503A)
- Also known as
- BPC157, Body Protective Compound, PL-14736
- Reviewed
- 2026-06-01 · Dr. Ana Lisa Carr, MD
What BPC-157 is studied for
- Tendon and ligament repair (preclinical)
- Gut-lining integrity and IBD models
- Wound and soft-tissue healing
- Musculoskeletal recovery
Mechanism of action
Upregulates growth-hormone receptor expression in fibroblasts and increases VEGF expression, promoting angiogenesis and collagen synthesis at injury sites. Also modulates the nitric oxide system and dopamine signaling.
Frequently asked questions
Is BPC-157 FDA-approved?
No. The FDA placed BPC-157 in Category 2 of its 503A bulk-substances review in November 2023, citing insufficient safety data. It is not commercially available for human use in the U.S.
What does the research show?
Most published evidence is in rodents and shows accelerated healing of tendons, ligaments, muscle, gut lining, and skin. Human clinical-trial data is essentially absent.
How is it typically administered in research?
Subcutaneous injection near the injury site or orally for gut-related research. Doses in animal studies range broadly; no validated human dose exists.
What are the known risks?
Long-term human safety is unknown. Theoretical concerns include effects on angiogenesis (relevant for cancer history) and the GH/IGF-1 axis.
BPC-157 vs. TB-500 — what's the difference?
BPC-157 is studied primarily for gut and connective-tissue repair; TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment) is studied for tissue regeneration via actin sequestration. Researchers sometimes pair them; clinical evidence for either is limited.