Research Peptide · For laboratory research use only
Also known as Body Protection Compound 157, PL 14736
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) corresponding to a partial sequence of body protection compound, a protein described in human gastric juice. It is also referred to in the literature as PL 14736 and is reported to be stable in human gastric juice1.
Most of the published work comes from rodent models and cell culture. Studies have examined the peptide in gastrointestinal lesion models, transected tendon and ligament models, and endothelial and fibroblast cell systems1,2,6. A 2025 systematic review of the musculoskeletal literature identified 36 eligible studies, 35 of them preclinical, and noted that clinical safety data were lacking7.
As described in the research literature
As described in the research literature, mechanistic work on BPC-157 has centred on angiogenic signalling. In a rat hind limb ischaemia model and in cultured human vascular endothelial cells, BPC-157 was associated with increased expression and internalisation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and with time-dependent activation of the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS pathway; increased vessel density was reported in chick chorioallantoic membrane and endothelial tube formation assays5.
In tendon fibroblasts isolated from rat Achilles tendon, BPC-157 was reported to increase cell migration and spreading and to raise phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, without directly altering proliferation in an MTT assay3. A follow-up microarray study in the same cell type identified the growth hormone receptor as one of the most up-regulated genes, with downstream Janus kinase 2 activation observed when growth hormone was added4.
Reviews from the originating group also describe interactions with the nitric oxide system and compare BPC-157 with standard angiogenic growth factors such as EGF, FGF and VEGF across gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal healing models1,6.
What published studies have examined
Studies in rats examined healing of the transected Achilles tendon using biomechanical, functional, microscopic and macroscopic measures, alongside in vitro work on cultured tendocytes2. Explant and fibroblast studies examined tendon outgrowth, cell survival under oxidative stress and migration3, and growth hormone receptor expression4.
Pro-angiogenic activity was examined in chick chorioallantoic membrane and endothelial tube formation assays, and blood flow recovery was measured by laser Doppler in a rat hind limb ischaemia model5. The work linked these observations to VEGFR2 expression, internalisation and Akt-eNOS signalling in human endothelial cells5.
A large body of rodent work has examined BPC-157 across oesophageal, gastric, duodenal, intestinal, hepatic and pancreatic lesion models, including alcohol and NSAID-induced lesions, fistulas and anastomoses1. These studies are summarised in reviews from the Zagreb group that first characterised the peptide1,6.
A 2025 systematic review screened 544 records on BPC-157 from an orthopaedic perspective and included 36 studies, of which 35 were preclinical. The review noted the absence of clinical safety data and raised concerns about unregulated manufacturing and contamination7.
Sources [7]
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract.
Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2011.
Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth.
Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, et al. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2003.
The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration.
Chang CH, Tsai WC, Lin MS, et al. Journal of Applied Physiology, 2011.
Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 enhances the growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts.
Chang CH, Tsai WC, Hsu YH, et al. Molecules, 2014.
Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation.
Hsieh MJ, Liu HT, Wang CN, et al. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2017.
BPC 157 and Standard Angiogenic Growth Factors. Gastrointestinal Tract Healing, Lessons from Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Bone Healing.
Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Turkovic B, et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2018.
Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.
Vasireddi N, Hahamyan H, Salata MJ, et al. HSS Journal, 2025.
This page is provided for research and educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, dosing guidance, or a recommendation for use. All compounds are strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research purposes.