Evidence Grade C — Moderate human evidence. 207 published studies, 45 human. 2 registered clinical trials.
Medically reviewed by a licensed medical professional
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a protein found in human stomach juice. It is one of the most widely discussed research peptides, particularly among people interested in joint, tendon, and gut recovery. It has no approval from any major regulatory agency and has not completed any human Phase III clinical trial. Most of what is known comes from animal studies — predominantly rats — conducted largely by a single research group in Croatia.
BPC-157 is also known by these brand and alternate names:
207 published studies: 45 human, 99 animal, 20 in-vitro, 44 reviews
BPC-157 has no marketing authorisation from any major regulatory agency. No human Phase III clinical trials have been completed. The preclinical evidence base consists of over 100 animal studies, predominantly conducted at the University of Zagreb. A small pilot study in ulcerative colitis (4 patients) has been reported but was uncontrolled.
No established human dosing, safety profile, or efficacy data from rigorous clinical trials exist. Products available through unregulated channels are not subject to pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, and their composition, purity, and sterility cannot be assured. The gap between the extensive animal literature and the near-complete absence of human clinical data is the defining feature of this compound's evidence base.
Research in animal models suggests BPC-157 may interact with multiple biological pathways including growth factor signalling, nitric oxide systems, and collagen organisation. These proposed mechanisms are derived from preclinical studies, predominantly from a single research group. No mechanisms have been validated in controlled human trials, and the compound's pharmacological activity in humans is not established.
Research in animal models suggests positive effects on tendon healing, gut repair, and nerve regeneration, with results that have been consistently positive across over 100 animal studies. However, the vast majority of this research comes from one group at the University of Zagreb. A small pilot study in ulcerative colitis (4 patients) has been reported but was uncontrolled. The gap between the extensive animal literature and the near-complete absence of human clinical data is the defining feature of BPC-157's evidence base. No established human dosing, safety profile, or pharmacokinetic data exist from rigorous trials. Animal studies have shown no significant toxicity, but this does not guarantee human safety. Products from unregulated sources are not subject to pharmaceutical manufacturing standards, and their composition, purity, and sterility cannot be assured.
PeptideTrace tracks 2 registered clinical trials for BPC-157 sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
BPC 157 for Acute Hamstring Muscle Strain Repair
PCO-02 - Safety and Pharmacokinetics Trial
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 AA: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val), MW 1,419.53 Da. Derived from human gastric juice protein. Stable in gastric juice due to 20% proline content. Not approved by any major regulatory agency. No completed human Phase III trials. All efficacy data from animal studies. Available through grey-market suppliers.
Research suggests multiple mechanisms in animal models: upregulation of growth factors (EGF, VEGF, HGF, FGF2), NO system modulation, FAK-paxillin pathway activation in tendon fibroblasts, collagen organization enhancement, dopaminergic/serotonergic system modulation, gastric mucosal cytoprotection via prostaglandin/NO pathways, and anti-inflammatory effects. All mechanisms unvalidated in human trials.
No marketing authorization. No human Phase III trials. Small pilot (N=4) in UC showed potential but uncontrolled. >100 animal studies (primarily University of Zagreb). Animal data: Achilles tendon tensile strength +84% at 14 days, healed NSAID gastric ulcers, improved spinal cord injury outcomes at 10 mcg/kg. No established human dosing.
The information on this page is provided for educational and research reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.
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This entry reflects historical nomenclature for the compound more commonly known as BPC-157. The evidence base, regulatory status, and limitations described for BPC-157 (#81) apply identically to this compound. See compound #81 for the full assessment. No marketing authorisation. No human Phase III trials. No established human dosing or safety profile.
Palovarotene (Sohonos) is approved for FOP. The Phase III MOVE trial (107 patients — representing approximately 12% of the global FOP population) initially did not meet statistical significance on its pre-specified primary analysis. However, a post-hoc re-analysis with corrected placebo data showed a 54% reduction in new heterotopic ossification volume. The approval pathway was complex given the ultra-rare nature of FOP. Palovarotene is not a peptide. Important safety considerations include premature growth plate closure in growing children, requiring monitoring. FOP has no other approved treatment.
Thymosin beta-4 has no current marketing authorisation. RegeneRx Biopharmaceuticals has conducted Phase II and Phase III trials of RGN-259 for dry eye disease and neurotrophic keratopathy, with mixed results. A Phase I cardiac study (RGN-352) demonstrated acceptable safety but did not advance to Phase II. Animal studies have consistently shown effects on wound healing and tissue repair. The clinical development programme has focused on ophthalmic applications. Thymosin beta-4 should be distinguished from the 7-amino-acid fragment TB-500 (#82), which is a different molecule with no independent clinical trial data.
Evidence Reviews
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.
