Introduction
BPC-157 was first publicized in 1993, derived from protective proteins of human gastric juice. It was introduced in the scientific literature through an overview paper by Sikirić et al. titled "A New Gastric Juice Peptide, BPC”, marking its initial characterization as a stable 15-amino-acid fragment (stable pentadecapeptide) of the larger body protection compound (BPC).
Molecular Pathways and Mechanisms
BPC-157 exhibits pleiotropic (complex genetic interactions) effects through various molecular pathways. The primary effect is to upregulate the expression of growth hormone receptors in tendon fibroblasts and activates pathways like JAK2, promoting collagen synthesis, fibroblast activity, and tissue regeneration in tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.
It activates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), leading to its internalization and stimulation of the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS pathway, which supports angiogenesis and endothelial function.
BPC-157 upregulates Egr1 gene expression, aiding in vascularization and mitigating ischemia/reperfusion injury. It downregulates HIF-2α, reducing hypoxia-driven lipid pathology. It increases Akt1 mRNA levels, contributing to cell survival and anti-apoptotic effects.
The peptide enhances Kras mRNA expression, potentially influencing cell proliferation and signaling cascades. Src mRNA upregulation by BPC-157 supports activation of the Src/caveolin-1/eNOS pathway for nitric oxide (NO) generation.
Nos3 (eNOS) and Nos1 (nNOS) mRNA levels increase, promoting the production of beneficial NO in endothelial and neuronal cells. It boosts Foxo mRNA expression, which may regulate stress resistance and metabolism.
FAK-Paxillin Pathway Activation: It promotes tendon fibroblast migration and spreading by increasing F-actin formation and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin, aiding tendon repair.
Collagen and Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs): BPC-157 may enhance collagen formation and interact with BMPs, supporting bone and cartilage remodelling. Conversely, it downregulates Nos2 (iNOS) and Nfkb mRNA, suppressing inflammatory responses.
It also modulates neurotransmitter systems by influencing dopamine release and receptor sensitivity, as well as promoting serotonin and counteracting glutamate-related deficits.
Overall, these molecular actions underlie BPC-157 ’s primary roles in wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and neuroprotection.
Potential Benefits in Different Research Models
Musculoskeletal Injuries
BPC-157 accelerates healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones by enhancing fibroblast activity, collagen production, and angiogenesis. Used in models of Achilles tendon transection, bone defects, and muscle injuries.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
BPC-157 is known for its strong endothelial protection, which plays a crucial role in its ability to heal gastric and duodenal lesions, collagen remodelling and synthesis.
It effectively counteracts the damage induced by stress, cysteamine, and ethanol in experimental models, outperforming several standard treatments.
BPC-157 has demonstrated significant protective effects against various GI injuries, including those caused by NSAIDs, alcohol, and stress. It stabilizes intestinal permeability and enhances cytoprotection, making it a promising candidate for mitigating NSAID-induced gastroenteropathy and leaky gut syndrome.
The peptide has also shown efficacy in healing fistulas and promoting recovery in conditions like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Ocular Health
BPC-157 has shown significant promise in treating glaucoma, particularly in models where episcleral veins are cauterized, leading to increased intraocular pressure.
The peptide rapidly normalizes intraocular pressure and preserves the integrity of retinal ganglion cells and optic nerves. It achieves this by enhancing collateral pathways, compensating for the occlusion of major vessels, and preventing glaucomatous damage.
In cases of retinal ischemia induced by retrobulbar application of L-NAME, BPC-157 has been effective in counteracting the adverse effects. It restores normal blood vessel diameter and optic disc appearance, and maintains retinal thickness, thus preventing further ischemic damage.
This effect is attributed to BPC-157 ’s interaction with the NO-system, which plays a crucial role in vascular health.
BPC-157 has demonstrated efficacy in promoting corneal healing and maintaining transparency. It accelerates the healing of corneal epithelial defects and prevents neovascularization, crucial for preserving corneal clarity.
This healing effect is observed in various models of corneal injury, including perforating corneal incisions. The peptide also shows potential in treating dry eye syndrome by counteracting the effects of lacrimal gland removal.
BPC-157 ’s ability to heal ocular tissues and its established relationship with the NO-system suggest it could mitigate the symptoms of dry eye, which range from discomfort to severe visual impairment.
Neuronal Damage Research Models
BPC-157 influences serotonergic, dopaminergic, opioid, and GABAergic systems, improves nerve regeneration in TBI, decreases neuroinflammation, may help with depression, ameliorates alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and opposes alcohol intoxication.
Cardiology and Vascular Research Models
It may help regulate blood pressure and has shown beneficial effects in neuroleptic-induced QT prolongation models.
Dose in Research Models
- Half-life: approximately 4 hours
- Musculoskeletal Injury Models (HED): 400–600 mcg/day via SC/IM injection near the injury site, often split into two doses (e.g., 300 mcg morning, 300 mcg evening).
- Gastrointestinal Injury Models (HED): 500 mcg twice daily orally or via SQ injection for systemic effects (300 mcg twice daily).
- Wound Healing Models (HED): 100–200 mcg/day via SQ injection or topical application.
- Pain / Neuroprotection / Neurological Recovery Models (HED): 300 mcg twice daily via SQ injection.
No on-off cycling of therapy appears necessary since there is no proven antibody production against BPC-157 .
Peptide-based muscle and tendon recovery pathways - Read more
For a detailed comparison between oral and injectable administration of BPC-157, read our full analysis → BPC-157 Oral vs Injection
BPC-157 is available in both oral capsule formulations and 10 mg research vial formats, each supporting different experimental workflows depending on study design.