What is Peptide BPC-157?

What it is:

Body Protective Compound (BPC) is a naturally occurring peptide found in the stomach lining. Its primary role in the body involves protective and healing functions, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. BPC-157 is a synthetic experimental peptide, based on BPC’s abilities. 

BPC-157 claims to accelerate the healing of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and the gastrointestinal lining and, therefore, useful for both physical injuries and gut-related conditions (such as IBS). These claims are based on studies in rats.

• Tendon Healing: In a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, BPC-157 was found to accelerate the healing of transected Achilles tendons in rats. The treatment led to improved biomechanical properties, enhanced functional recovery, and superior microscopic and macroscopic healing characteristics. 

• MCL Ligament Healing: A study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research demonstrated that BPC-157 improved the healing of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in rats. The peptide was administered through various methods, including intraperitoneal injection, oral intake, and topical application, all of which contributed to enhanced ligament healing over a 90-day period.

Peptide therapy is the concept of taking synthetic peptides and injecting them, in the theory that they’ll heal, grow, or help the body in some way. However, this therapy is extremely new, and most of it lacks research in humans. 

BPC-157 is not approved by the FDA for medical use and is also the first substance ever included by name as an example in section S0 (Non-approved Substances) on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list. So, athletes need to be especially careful if they choose to use synthetic peptides. 

The FDA released this statement on BPC-157:

“Compounded drugs containing BPC-157 may pose risk for immunogenicity for certain routes of administration and may have complexities with regard to peptide-related impurities and  API characterization. FDA has identified no, or only limited, safety-related information for proposed routes of administration; thus we lack sufficient information to know whether the drug would cause harm when administered to humans.”

In essence, the FDA states that we don’t know the adverse reactions that can occur, including but not limited to the risk of immune reactions.

While studies on BPC-157 in rats show promising benefits for tendon, ligament, and spinal cord healing, they have several limitations. Many come from a small group of researchers, lack independent replication, and provide limited insight into the exact mechanisms of action. Potential biases, insufficient dose-response and safety data, and differences between rodent and human physiology further complicate conclusions.

Promisingly, few studies show harmful effects of BPC-157, but just because it may not be detrimental to the body, doesn’t mean it’s doing any good. There are no guidelines on whether injecting it at the site matters or if anywhere on the body will do. For more information, Dr. Jeffrey Peng explains further here.

If you're considering trying BPC-157, it’s essential to work with a specialist in peptide therapy, alongside your personal doctor, who knows your medical history and when these injections may harm you.

To explore more, we have a post on the different Peptide medications there and the research so far.