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BPC-157
Research Use
Also known as Body Protection Compound 157
Function
Primary
Gut healing · Tendon/ligament repair
Secondary
Neuroprotection · Anti-inflammatory
Mechanism
Upregulates VEGF and growth-factor expression; activates FAK-paxillin pathway for angiogenesis; modulates NO synthesis; interacts with dopaminergic/serotonergic systems.
Evidence
Pre-clinical / Observational
Research
Extensive animal RCTs; human case reports; no Phase II
Dosing
Range
200–500 mcg/day
Frequency
Once or twice daily
Route
Subcutaneous · Oral · Intraperitoneal
Administration & Technique
Subcutaneous
Systemic injury / recovery cycles. Most common route.
Device29–31G insulin syringe.
TechniqueAny subcutaneous site; some protocols inject SubQ near the injured area for local effect.
Intramuscular
Deeper musculoskeletal injuries.
Device25G × 1" needle.
TechniqueIM near (not into) the injured muscle belly.
Oral
GI-targeted protocols — IBD, gastritis, esophagitis.
DeviceCapsule or liquid.
TechniqueOn empty stomach. Oral BPC survives gastric pH and is thought to act locally on GI mucosa.
Cycling
Typical protocol: 4 weeks on / 2–4 weeks off, repeated 2–3 cycles per year.
Timing & Interactions
When to take
1–2× daily, timing flexible. Many protocols use morning + evening. Can be taken with or without food (SubQ). Oral routes typically pre-meal.
Do not combine with
- ·Active malignancy — angiogenic effects theoretical concern
- ·Concurrent aggressive NSAID use may blunt the GI-protective effect
Complements
- ·TB-500 (Thymosin β4) — foundational recovery stack ('Wolverine')
- ·GHK-Cu topically or SubQ for skin/wound healing
- ·CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin during injury cycles
Notes
4–8 week cycles typical.
Storage & Reconstitution
Powder (Pre-Reconstitution)
Refrigerate 2–8°C up to 24 months; freeze –20°C for long-term.
After Reconstitution
Refrigerated 2–4 weeks with bacteriostatic water. Protect from light.
Benefits
- ·Reported soft-tissue and tendon repair
- ·GI ulcer healing in animals
- ·Anti-inflammatory in models
- ·Possible neuroprotection
Risks
- ·Limited human safety data
- ·Sourcing/purity concerns from research suppliers
- ·Theoretical angiogenesis in malignancy
Contraindications
- ·Active malignancy (theoretical)
- ·Pregnancy/lactation (unknown safety)
- ·Hypersensitivity
Regulatory
Not FDA-approved; compounded / research use
Veterinary Use (Pets)
Widely used off-label in veterinary sports medicine for tendon, ligament, and GI recovery. Best-documented peptide in animal use.
Dogs (Canine)
Dose2.5–10 mcg/kg once daily
RouteSubQ or oral
UsePost-orthopedic surgery, IBD, cruciate rehab, chronic tendon injury.
Use compounded veterinary formulations from a licensed compounding pharmacy.
Cats (Feline)
Dose2–5 mcg/kg once daily
RouteSubQ
UseIBD, chronic gastritis, wound recovery.
Cats metabolize peptides differently — start at low end and monitor.
Horses (Equine)
Dose5–10 mcg/kg once daily (or 500–1500 mcg total)
RouteSubQ; sometimes near-injury IM
UseTendon/ligament rehab, suspensory injuries, gastric ulcers.
USEF/FEI banned substance during competition. Withdrawal times not established.
Small Mammals & Exotics
DoseEmpirical; scale from mcg/kg
RouteSubQ
UseRare use — GI ulceration in rabbits, wound healing.
Very limited data. Exotic vet consult required.
Prohibited in competition under USEF, FEI, and most racing jurisdictions.
Full veterinary reference →Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Sikiric P et al. BPC 157, A Body Protection Compound: Review. Curr Pharm Des. 2018;24:1990-2001.source