BPC-157: Sequence, Research Overview and Specifications
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide, a pentadecapeptide, whose sequence comes from a protein found in human gastric juice. It has been studied extensively in animal models of gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal and vascular injury. Human data remain very limited. This page covers its structure, the published research, the gaps in the evidence and the specifications of the material we supply.
For in vitro research use only. Not for human or animal use. Nothing on this page is medical advice.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a partial sequence of a larger “body protection compound” first described in human gastric juice. The synthetic peptide is notably stable in gastric juice, which set it apart from many other peptides and prompted research into its effects on the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. In the literature it also appears as bepecin, PL 14736 and pentadecapeptide BPC 157.
Chemical data
| Name | BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) |
| Length | 15 amino acids (pentadecapeptide) |
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 1419.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 |
| Appearance | White lyophilised powder |
| Available sizes | BPC-157 10mg |
Origin and development
Most BPC-157 research comes from the group of Professor Predrag Sikirić at the University of Zagreb, Croatia, which has published on the peptide since the early 1990s. The compound was developed under the code PL 14736 and entered early clinical development for inflammatory bowel disease, but it has not progressed to an approved medicine anywhere in the world.
Proposed mechanisms studied
Preclinical papers have proposed several mechanisms. None has been fully established:
- Angiogenesis. Studies report increased expression and activation of VEGFR2 (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) and formation of new blood vessels in injury models.
- Nitric oxide system. Many papers describe interactions with the NO system, with effects that differ depending on the experimental model.
- Cell migration and growth-factor signalling. In vitro work in tendon fibroblasts describes increased cell migration and spreading, and changes in growth-hormone receptor expression.
- Cytoprotection. Its original description came from research on protecting the gastric lining.
What the published research shows
Gastrointestinal models
The largest body of work covers gastrointestinal injury in rodents, including ulcer, fistula and anastomosis models. Sikirić and colleagues have summarised this work in several reviews (see references).
Musculoskeletal models
Animal studies have looked at tendon, ligament, muscle and bone injury. A 2025 narrative review of BPC-157 for musculoskeletal healing concluded that the preclinical findings are consistent but human evidence is scarce.
Central nervous system
A separate line of rodent research has explored effects in models of brain and spinal-cord injury and on neurotransmitter systems.
Human data
Published human data are minimal. Recent reviews describe only a small retrospective case series and an early-phase trial whose results were not fully reported.
Limitations of the evidence
- Almost all published data come from rodent models, and most from a single research group.
- There are no large, randomised, controlled human trials.
- Reviewers have raised theoretical safety questions, for example because of its pro-angiogenic activity, and human safety data are insufficient.
- Pharmacokinetic and formulation data remain limited. A recent review highlights biopharmaceutical and translational barriers.
Regulatory status
BPC-157 is not approved as a medicine by the MHRA, FDA, EMA or any other drug regulator. It is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List under category S0 (non-approved substances). Sterling Research supplies it only as a research reagent for in vitro laboratory use.
Storage and handling in the lab
- Store lyophilised powder at −20 °C, sealed and protected from light and moisture.
- Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to limit condensation.
- Prepare solutions to your laboratory’s validated protocols, with appropriate PPE and aseptic technique.
- Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles of solutions. Aliquot where your protocol allows.
Frequently asked questions
What does BPC stand for?
BPC stands for “Body Protection Compound”. The number 157 identifies this particular peptide sequence.
How many amino acids are in BPC-157?
Fifteen: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val.
Is BPC-157 approved as a medicine?
No. It is not approved by any drug regulator, including the MHRA and FDA, and human clinical data are very limited.
Is BPC-157 banned in sport?
Yes. WADA lists BPC-157 under S0 (non-approved substances) on its Prohibited List.
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
They are unrelated peptides. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid sequence derived from a gastric-juice protein. TB-500 is related to thymosin beta-4, an actin-binding protein. Both are studied in tissue-repair models. See our TB-500 overview.
References
- Sikiric P, et al. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract. Curr Pharm Des. 2011. PubMed 21548867
- Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing. 2025. PMC12446177
- Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide: Literature and Patent Review. Pharmaceuticals. 2025;18(2):185. PubMed 40005999
- Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and the central nervous system. PMC8504390
- BPC-157 as an Investigational Peptide Therapeutic: Biopharmaceutical Challenges, Formulation Strategies, and Translational Development Barriers. PubMed 42198317
This page is for scientific information only. Sterling Research Group Ltd supplies BPC-157 strictly for in vitro laboratory research. Not for human or animal use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.