BPC-157

Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC-157 (also known as Body Protection Compound 157, bepecin, or PL 14736) is a synthetic fifteen amino acid oligopeptide derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. BPC-157 has been studied primarily in laboratory animals. BPC-157 is not approved by any drug regulatory agency for human use, and there is limited data regarding its effectiveness on humans.

The peptide has gained popularity among athletes and the general public for injury recovery, leading the World Anti-Doping Agency to ban it in 2022. Health authorities discourage its use due to insufficient human safety data, and some jurisdictions have restricted it as a prescription-only medicine despite it not being available through legitimate prescriptions.[2][3] Additionally, because the compound promotes blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), there are theoretical concerns about potential cancer promotion that require further investigation.

The peptide was discovered during research on human gastric juice.[4] The amino acid sequence is Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val.[5] BPC-157 is stable at room temperature and bioavailable in rodent models when administered IM or IV.[1] The peptide demonstrates unusual stability in human gastric juice, remaining intact for more than 24 hours.[6]