All information below describes the compound's chemical identity, laboratory handling, and the published research literature. It describes molecular targets and results in laboratory and animal models only — not effects in humans — and is not evidence of any human benefit.
What Is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide composed of 15 amino acids (sequence GEPPPGKPADDAGLV), corresponding to a partial sequence of a protein identified in gastric juice and first described by Sikirić and colleagues in the early 1990s. It does not occur freely in nature; it is a synthetic analogue characterized by stability in aqueous and acidic conditions, which has made it a common subject of preclinical laboratory investigation.
It is supplied as a reference compound for in vitro and animal research use only. The sections below summarize its chemical identity, laboratory handling, the molecular targets and model systems examined in the published literature, and the primary references — without describing outcomes, efficacy, or effects in humans.
Research Targets & Pathways
Published preclinical literature has examined BPC-157 in relation to several molecular systems. These are pathway associations reported in laboratory and animal models; refer to the cited studies for methods and findings.
- Nitric oxide (NO) / eNOS pathway — examined in relation to the nitric oxide system, including endothelial nitric oxide synthase signaling.
- VEGFR2 signaling — studied in relation to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 in angiogenesis assay systems.
- Src–FAK signaling — examined in cell-migration and cytoskeletal-reorganization assays.
- Growth-hormone-receptor expression — investigated in tendon-fibroblast model systems.
- egr-1 / NAB2 transcription axis — reported downstream of nitric oxide system activation.
Model Systems Studied
BPC-157 has been used as a test compound across a range of published preclinical model systems, primarily in rodents and in vitro cell assays. Refer to the cited literature for study designs, endpoints, and findings.
- Musculoskeletal — tendon- and ligament-transection models; muscle-crush models.
- Gastrointestinal — gastric-lesion, NSAID-induced mucosal-injury, and colitis models.
- Skeletal — bone-defect and fracture models.
- Nervous system — traumatic-brain-injury, spinal-cord-injury, and peripheral-nerve-crush models.
- In vitro — HUVEC tube-formation/angiogenesis, scratch-wound migration, and fibroblast assay systems.
Note: much of the published in vivo BPC-157 data originates from a single research group; independent replication remains limited.
Stability
BPC-157 is noted in the literature for reported stability in acidic conditions, a physicochemical property attributed to its synthetic design. Studies report that the compound retains structural integrity in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), distinguishing it from many peptides that degrade rapidly under equivalent conditions — a property relevant to formulation and handling in research settings.
Molecular & Technical Profile
C62H98N16O22 | MW 1419.53 g/mol | CAS 137525-51-0 | Sequence: GEPPPGKPADDAGLV
Storage, Reconstitution & Working Concentrations
Storage, reconstitution, and working-concentration values are general laboratory guidance for in vitro and animal research; always confirm against the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis. Note: much of the published in vivo BPC-157 data originates from a single research group, and independent replication remains limited.
Current Research Status
As of the time of this writing, BPC-157 has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for any human therapeutic use. The available evidence base is primarily preclinical, derived from rodent and in vitro models. While the breadth of studied effects is notable, translation to human clinical contexts has not been established through controlled clinical trials. Ongoing research continues to characterize the compound's mechanistic profile and identify which experimental findings may have translational relevance.
Research FAQ
Is BPC-157 approved for human use?
No. BPC-157 has not been approved by the FDA for any human therapeutic use. The evidence base is preclinical (rodent and in vitro models), and the compound is supplied for laboratory research use only — not for human consumption.
What is BPC-157's molecular formula and sequence?
A synthetic pentadecapeptide, sequence GEPPPGKPADDAGLV — molecular formula C62H98N16O22, MW 1419.53 g/mol, CAS 137525-51-0.
How is BPC-157 stored and reconstituted?
Store lyophilized at −20°C, desiccated and protected from light. Reconstitute in sterile or bacteriostatic water; store the reconstituted solution at 2–8°C for up to ~28 days and avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
What mechanisms has BPC-157 been studied for?
Preclinical work has characterized angiogenic signaling (VEGFR2), nitric oxide system modulation, and Src-FAK pathway activity across tendon, gastrointestinal, bone, and nerve injury models. Note the single-laboratory caveat noted above.
Selected References
- Sikirić P, et al. (1997). Pentadecapeptide BPC 157, cimetidine, ranitidine, bromocriptine, and atropine effect in cysteamine lesions in totally gastrectomized rats. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, 42(5):1029–37.
- Sikirić P, et al. (2011). Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel Therapy in Gastrointestinal Tract. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 17(16):1612–32.
- Chang C-H, et al. (2011). The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. Journal of Applied Physiology, 110(3):774–80.
- Seiwerth S, et al. (2018). BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 24(18):1972–1989.
- Cox HD, et al. (2017). Detection and in vitro metabolism of the confirmed peptide BPC 157 (independent laboratory). Drug Testing and Analysis, 9(11-12):1738–1745.
- Hsieh M-J, et al. (2017). Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 95(3):323–333.
- Huang T, et al. (2015). Body protective compound-157 enhances the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells (HUVEC angiogenesis; ERK1/2–Egr-1 cascade). Drug Design, Development and Therapy, 9:2485–2499.
- Sikirić P, et al. (2014). Brain-gut axis and pentadecapeptide BPC 157: theoretical and practical implications (NO-system relation). Current Neuropharmacology, 12(6):563–571.