BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide made up of fifteen amino acids (a pentadecapeptide). Its sequence is derived from a protein that researchers found in human gastric juice [2]. Almost all research on BPC-157 is preclinical: it has been carried out in cells and laboratory animals, mainly rodents. There are hardly any human data [2][3]. BPC-157 is not approved as a medicine anywhere, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) lists it by name under non-approved substances (S0) [2][5].
Identity: what kind of molecule BPC-157 is
The name BPC stands for ‘Body Protection Compound’. The peptide was first described in 1993 by Sikirić and colleagues. Its sequence is part of a larger peptide isolated from human gastric juice, but it does not resemble the sequences of known gut peptides [2]. According to the literature, BPC-157 is stable in water and in gastric juice, unlike many peptides [2].
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Amino acid sequence | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) |
| Number of amino acids | 15 |
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molar mass | 1419.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 |
| PubChem CID | 9941957 |
| Other codes | PL 14736, PLD-116 |
Source: PubChem [1]. These data also have practical uses: a mass spectrometry analysis of BPC-157 should show a mass consistent with 1419.5 g/mol. If the measured mass differs by roughly the mass of one amino acid, this may indicate a deletion or insertion variant formed during synthesis. How to check this on a certificate is explained in How to read a certificate of analysis (COA).
What has been studied
Research on BPC-157 consists largely of animal and cell culture studies. Reviews describe models involving, among other things, the gastrointestinal tract, tendons, ligaments and skeletal muscle [2][4]. A 2019 review points out that most studies were carried out in small rodent models and that only a handful of research groups have studied this peptide in depth [4]. This matters: results that repeatedly come from the same groups are less robust than independent replications.
As for the mechanism, reviews mention several signalling pathways. A 2025 review describes the involvement of the VEGFR2 receptor (a receptor for the growth factor VEGF), nitric oxide production via the Akt-eNOS pathway and the ERK1/2 signalling pathway [3]. These findings come from laboratory and animal experiments and do not yet tell us anything about what BPC-157 does in humans.
In addition to scientific publications, there are a number of patent applications and granted patents relating to BPC-157 [2]. These mainly reflect commercial interest. A patent describes an invention or application, but it is not evidence that the application works or is safe in humans.
What is unknown
This is the biggest limitation. According to the 2025 review by McGuire and colleagues, only three small pilot studies in humans have been published, and there are no large, well-designed clinical trials. The authors conclude that BPC-157 should be regarded as an experimental substance [3]. Another 2025 review reports that a phase I study of safety and pharmacokinetics in 42 healthy volunteers was started in 2015 (NCT02637284), but that its results were never published [2].
Researchers also point to open questions about safety. In animal studies, BPC-157 affects the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). Józwiak and colleagues note that this process also plays a role in tumour growth, and that the possible adverse effects of BPC-157 have not been sufficiently studied [2]. The effects of long-term exposure and how the peptide behaves in the human body are poorly understood.
A further concern is the quality of the material in circulation. BPC-157 is widely available through unregulated channels [2][3]. For research, this means checking the identity (mass by MS) and purity (HPLC) of every batch, and keeping the freeze-dried powder dry, cool and dark. More on this in Storing peptides.
Regulation and anti-doping status
- Not an approved medicine. BPC-157 has not been approved as a medicine by the US FDA or other major regulators, because there is insufficient clinical research [2]. There is no marketing authorisation in the Netherlands either. What this means for research material is explained in Research use only (RUO): what does it mean.
- WADA, category S0. The 2026 Prohibited List of the World Anti-Doping Agency names BPC-157 as an example of a non-approved substance (S0). These substances are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition [5]. Note that some publications state that BPC-157 is no longer on the list [2]; the current 2026 list does, however, name it.
Products
- BPC-157 5 mg (freeze-dried, in a vial)
- BPC-157 10 mg (freeze-dried, in a vial)
- KLOW 80 mg, a blend of BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu and KPV
Every vial and pen carries a batch number on the label.
Further reading
- What is TB-500, and how does it relate to thymosin beta-4?
- What is GHK-Cu? The copper peptide in research and cosmetics
- What are peptides? Explanation and key terms
- Research use only (RUO): what does it mean?
- Knowledge base: peptides and research materials explained
Sources
- PubChem, National Library of Medicine. BPC-157, CID 9941957. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (accessed 30 September 2026)
- Józwiak M, Bauer M, Kamysz W, Kleczkowska P. Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide: Literature and Patent Review. Pharmaceuticals 2025;18(2):185. doi:10.3390/ph18020185
- McGuire FP, Martinez R, Lenz A, et al. Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine 2025;18(12):611–619. doi:10.1007/s12178-025-09990-7
- Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL. Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell and Tissue Research 2019;377(2):153–159. doi:10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8
- World Anti-Doping Agency. International Standard Prohibited List 2026 (in force since 1 January 2026), section S0. wada-ama.org (accessed 30 September 2026)
For laboratory research use only. Clean Peptides products are not intended for use in humans or animals. This article provides general information and is not medical advice.
