INDICATIONS FOR USE

BPC-157, or Body Protection Compound 157, is a synthetic peptide derived from a fragment of human gastric juice protein BPC. It is primarily used off-label for tissue healing, including musculoskeletal injuries, tendon repair, wound healing, and inflammation reduction. It is also being studied for gastrointestinal conditions such as ulcers and inflammatory bowel disease.

ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION

• Subcutaneous injection near the site of injury is most common.

• Oral capsules or solutions are sometimes used for gastrointestinal conditions.

COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS

• For subcutaneous injections, a typical dose ranges from 200–500 mcg per injection, administered once or twice daily. Treatment duration varies but often lasts for 2–4 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury.

• For oral administration, doses of 500–1,000 mcg daily are common, divided into two doses if necessary.

MECHANISM OF ACTION

• BPC-157 interacts with the nitric oxide system, angiogenesis pathways, and growth factors, promoting cellular regeneration and tissue repair. It enhances collagen synthesis, accelerates wound healing, and improves blood vessel formation at the injury site. It also exerts cytoprotective effects on the gastrointestinal tract by stabilizing mucosal integrity and reducing inflammation.

• Additionally, BPC-157 modulates inflammatory pathways, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress while supporting anti-inflammatory responses.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• Localized Reactions: Redness or irritation at the injection site, though rare.

• Systemic Effects: Fatigue, nausea, or mild dizziness have been reported but are infrequent and dose-dependent.

• Gastrointestinal: For oral forms, bloating or mild stomach discomfort may occur.

• Severe Effects: BPC-157 is generally well-tolerated, with minimal evidence of severe adverse events. Long-term safety data is still limited, requiring caution in prolonged use.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

• Absolute: Hypersensitivity to BPC-157 or excipients.

• Relative: Patients with autoimmune diseases should use BPC-157 cautiously, as immune modulation by peptides could theoretically exacerbate certain conditions. It should also be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding individuals due to insufficient safety data.

COMPARISON WITH TB-500 (THYMOSIN BETA-4)

• BPC-157 and TB-500 are often combined for synergistic tissue healing effects, but their mechanisms of action differ. BPC-157 excels in angiogenesis, blood vessel repair, and tendon healing, whereas TB-500 focuses more on cellular migration and actin regulation for wound closure and flexibility.

• BPC-157 is particularly effective for gastrointestinal issues and localized injuries, while TB-500’s systemic effects make it suitable for widespread soft tissue or inflammatory conditions. Additionally, BPC-157 has a faster onset of action and is better tolerated with fewer systemic effects.

LEARN MORE

• Evidence hound? Review our comprehensive listing of PubMed direct links to original research related to this medication.