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Ingredients

BPC-157

Body Protection Compound 157 · PL 14736 · Bepecin · Pentadecapeptide BPC 157

Snapshot

IndicationsContraindications
  • Chronic knee pain1
  • Chronic knee pain1
  • Chronic knee pain2
  • Interstitial cystitis2
  • Use outside regulated trials2
  • Tested competitive athletes3

Body Protection Compound 157 (BPC-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric protein fragment, reported to act through growth factor and angiogenesis pathways. The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously placed it in the compounding category for significant safety risks, the nomination has since been withdrawn, and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibits it at all times3. Use centers on recovery from tendon, ligament, muscle, and bone injury, where the support is preclinical1, and on chronic knee pain and interstitial cystitis. Athletes are the typical users1.

Human research is limited to a few small uncontrolled pilot studies in knee pain, interstitial cystitis, and intravenous safety; the rest of the research is in rodents. A 2026 systematic review rated the certainty of human evidence very low and concluded it should not be used clinically outside regulated trials2. A 2025 pilot study of intravenous infusion in healthy adults reported no measurable change in tested organ biomarkers and no side effects; no controlled trial has replicated it. Injectable and nasal spray products offered by a seller in 2023 were unapproved new drugs.

The FDA cites possible immunogenicity for certain routes and peptide-related impurities3. A 2025 systematic review recommends that clinicians counsel athletes on their organizations' testing rules1.

Last updated October 17, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

20 sources, 4 studies

  • SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
  • Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
  • How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
  • Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
  • Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
  • Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.
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Sources

  1. 1Emerging Use of BPC-157 in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: A Systematic Review.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govVasireddi, Hahamyan, Salata et al. · HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery · 2025 · Pubmed
  2. 2Human evidence for BPC-157 in orthopaedic and regenerative medicine: a systematic review of efficacy and safety.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govPoolton, Minett, Kazmi · Acta orthopaedica Belgica · 2026 · Pubmed
  3. 3US statusfda.govWhat the FDA (its lists of substances nominated for pharmacy compounding, and Drugs@FDA) and the World Anti-Doping Agency's Prohibited List say about this ingredient, in their own words. A legal status, not evidence of benefit or harm