Synthetic stable gastric pentadecapeptide (15-amino-acid partial sequence derived from a protein in human gastric juice)
BPC-157
Restricted / Rx-onlyaka Body Protection Compound 157, PL 14736, PL-10, Bepecin, pentadecapeptide BPC 157
BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide based on a fragment of a protein found in gastric juice. The bulk of its evidence is preclinical (rodent and in-vitro), with only very limited, uncontrolled human data; no regulator has approved it for any indication.
Mechanism
In animal and cell models BPC-157 is reported to promote angiogenesis and tissue repair, interact with the nitric oxide (NO) system, exert antioxidant activity, and up-regulate growth-hormone-receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts. Its molecular targets and mechanism in humans remain poorly characterised, as almost all mechanistic work is preclinical.
Regulatory Status by Region
- United States (FDA)Not FDA-approved; barred from pharmacy compounding as a 503A Category 2 bulk drug substance (2023); no approved human indication.
- Australia (TGA)Schedule 4 (Prescription Only Medicine) under the Poisons Standard (rescheduled 2025); no registered product, prescription/compounded supply only.
- European Union (EMA)No EMA marketing authorisation; not an approved medicine.
- WADAProhibited at all times under S0 (non-approved substances) since 2022; no therapeutic use exemption available.
Key Studies
- Multifunctionality and Possible Medical Application of the BPC 157 Peptide—Literature and Patent Review (Jozwiak et al., Pharmaceuticals 2025;18(2):185; PMID 40005999)
- Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 and Wound Healing (Front. Pharmacol. 2021; PMCID PMC8275860)
- From Regeneration to Analgesia: The Role of BPC-157 in Tissue Repair and Pain Management (Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026;27(6):2876)