BPC-157

evidence score

peptide

Gray Market

216 studies

body protection compound 157pentadecapeptide BPC 157PL 14736+1 more

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) derived from a portion of body protection compound found in human gastric juice. It has extensive animal evidence for accelerating healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, gut mucosa, and neurological tissue. Human clinical data is limited to GI indications. Widely used by athletes off-label for injury recovery and gut healing. Currently research-use only with no approved human indications outside gastric ulcer studies.

Evidence

Moderate evidence

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

No formal phase listed

Last Sync

Feb 19, 2026

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Physician Notes

Currently banned from 503A compounding. Use PDA (Pentadecapeptide Arginate) as the structural replacement until BPC-157 is formally restored. Clinical response is similar. PDA 250-500mcg daily, 5 on/2 off.

FDA Status:Category 2 banned Oct 2023. RFK Jr. announced reclassification to Category 1 on Feb 27, 2026. Formal FDA list NOT yet published as of March 2026.

Monitoring

No specific labs required
Clinical assessment of healing response

Contraindications

Active cancer (theoretical concern with angiogenesis)

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Dosing

Typical

400 mcg

200 mcgRange600 mcg

Frequency1-2x/day

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Pharmacology

Half-life~4 hours (subcutaneous)

OnsetDays to weeks depending on injury type and route

DurationEffects accumulate over course of use; may persist post-cycle

Routes

subcutaneous_injection

intramuscular_injection

oral

Evidence Score

Level B — Moderate

216 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(24%)~47/100

Quality(24%)~40/100

Sample Size(12%)~83/100

Consistency(14%)~83/100

Replication(8%)~83/100

Recency(18%)~83/100

Scores estimated from study counts. Exact breakdown computed after research sync.

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

BPC-157 is currently categorized as a peptide compound.

Evidence is moderate (64/100): promising signal from 216 indexed studies, but context and population still matter.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Upregulates VEGF and GH receptors; activates FAK-paxillin tendon repair pathway; modulates NO-cGMP system

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

Level C: While peptide therapy may possess significant therapeutic and regenerative potential, it is critical that orthopaedic and sports medicine providers understand the current lack of evidence to support the clinical use of these peptides.
Level C: Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.
Level C: Regeneration or Risk? A Narrative Review of BPC-157 for Musculoskeletal Healing.