Healing, hormones & brain
BPC-157
Body Protection Compound-157
A popular 'healing' peptide supported mostly by animal studies.
What it is
A synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide based on a sequence from a protein found in human gastric juice.
How it's thought to work
Animal research suggests it may promote blood-vessel growth and interact with nitric oxide and growth-factor signaling, which could support tissue repair.
What the evidence shows
Many rodent studies report faster healing of tendons, muscles and the gut, largely from one research group. Human data are limited to very small reports. No large controlled trials have been published.
Regulatory status
Not approved anywhere. In 2023 the US FDA listed it among compounding substances that may pose significant safety risks; in 2026 it moved to the FDA's "nomination withdrawn" list, which is not an approval. Prohibited by WADA.
Safety notes
Long-term safety in humans is unknown. Because it may encourage blood-vessel growth, there is a theoretical concern about effects on existing tumors.
Key sources
- Seiwerth S, et al. BPC 157 and standard angiogenic growth factors. Curr Pharm Des. 2018. Find on PubMed
- US FDA. Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks. 2023.
Educational summary only, not medical advice. Gtides does not sell or link to sellers of BPC-157 or any other product. Products sold as “research peptides” are not approved medicines, and their contents, purity and sterility are not verified.