BPC-157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protein sequence found in human gastric juice. The full name is Body Protection Compound, reflecting its discovery in a broader search for cytoprotective agents from the gut. It was first isolated and characterized by researchers at the University of Zagreb in the 1990s and has since been studied extensively in animal models.
- half-life
- ~4 hours
- route
- subcutaneous or oral
- cadence
- once or twice daily
- storage
- refrigerated · 28-day max
- typical dose
- 250–500 mcg / day
- cycle
- 4–12 weeks
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protein sequence found in human gastric juice. The full name is Body Protection Compound, reflecting its discovery in a broader search for cytoprotective agents from the gut. It was first isolated and characterized by researchers at the University of Zagreb in the 1990s and has since been studied extensively in animal models.
In animal research, BPC-157 has demonstrated consistent regenerative effects across multiple tissue types. Studies in rodents show accelerated healing of tendons (including the Achilles and patellar tendons), ligaments, muscle tissue, bone, and gut mucosa. The proposed mechanisms include upregulation of growth hormone receptors in fibroblasts, modulation of the nitric oxide (NO) system for enhanced angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth), and reduction of inflammatory cytokines. BPC-157 appears to work systemically even when injected subcutaneously at a distant site, not just near the injury.
For gut-related applications, BPC-157 has shown particularly strong results in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease, stomach ulcers, and intestinal fistulas. Unlike many peptides, BPC-157 survives gastric acid reasonably well due to its stability, making oral administration a viable route for GI-specific conditions. For systemic or musculoskeletal use, subcutaneous injection is the standard route.
Reconstituting BPC-157 follows the same procedure as other research peptides: add bacteriostatic water slowly along the vial wall, gently roll to mix (never shake), and refrigerate. A common preparation is 5 mg vial with 2 mL BAC water, giving 2,500 mcg/mL. At a 250 mcg dose, that is 0.1 mL or 10 units on a U-100 syringe, precise and measurable. Reconstituted BPC-157 is stable for approximately 28 days at 2–8°C.
Important context: there are no completed human clinical trials of BPC-157. All efficacy data comes from animal studies (primarily rats). BPC-157 is not FDA-approved for any indication and is sold strictly for research purposes. The animal study results are promising enough that it has become one of the most widely self-administered research peptides, but the absence of human trial data means all dosing is extrapolated from animal models adjusted for body weight.