🩹BPC-157
A 15-amino-acid peptide derived from human gastric juice with extraordinary multi-tissue healing properties. One of the most cited research peptides, with 200+ preclinical studies.
Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-ValWhat Is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protective Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a cytoprotective protein isolated from human gastric juice. Its full sequence is Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val. First characterised by Professor Sikiric at the University of Zagreb, it has accumulated over 200 peer-reviewed preclinical publications spanning tendon, muscle, gut, bone, CNS, and vascular biology.
Key Mechanisms
- FAK-Paxillin pathway activation — drives fibroblast migration and proliferation at injury sites
- VEGF upregulation — stimulates angiogenesis to restore blood supply to damaged tissue
- NO-system modulation — maintains nitric oxide synthase balance, protecting vascular integrity
- EGR-1 transcription factor — upregulates collagen gene expression in fibroblasts
- NF-κB inhibition — reduces TNF-α, IL-6 and inflammatory cascade activation
Research Applications
- Tendon and ligament healing (Achilles, rotator cuff models)
- Muscle crush-injury recovery
- Gastrointestinal ulcer and colitis healing
- Bone fracture repair (via BMP-2, OPG upregulation)
- CNS neuroprotection and peripheral nerve regeneration
- Systemic organ protection (cardiac, liver, kidney)
Stacking
Commonly stacked with TB500 for synergistic multi-tissue repair (BPC-157 handles cellular signalling; TB500 drives angiogenesis and cell migration). Some researchers combine with GHK-Cu for ECM remodelling support.
Key References
- Sikiric P et al. "Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157." Curr Pharm Des, 2018;24(18):1906–1922.
- Chang CH et al. "BPC 157 on tendon healing." J Appl Physiol, 2011;110(3):774–780.
- Pevec D et al. "Impact of BPC 157 on muscle healing." Med Sci Monit, 2010;16(3):BR81–88.
Frequently Asked Questions
BPC-157 is a 15-aa gastric-derived peptide studied for cellular signalling (FAK-paxillin, VEGF) across many tissue types, while TB-500 is a synthetic Thymosin Beta-4 fragment focused on actin regulation and cell migration. They're frequently studied together because the mechanisms are complementary rather than overlapping.
The lyophilized powder is comparatively stable and can tolerate brief ambient shipping, but for storage it should be kept refrigerated at 2–8°C. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated and use within 28 days.
Its core mechanisms — FAK-paxillin activation, VEGF-driven angiogenesis, and NF-κB inhibition — are common to wound-healing biology generally, which is why researchers have applied it across tendon, gut, bone, and neural injury models rather than one specific tissue.