Research guide
BPC-157: a scientific overview
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide derived from a partial sequence of a human gastric juice protein. It is one of the most extensively studied cytoprotective peptides in preclinical literature.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption, diagnostic or therapeutic use.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 has the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val and is stable in gastric juice, which explains its bioavailability in oral animal studies. It is most commonly investigated as an acetate salt.
Mechanism of action
- Angiogenesis — upregulates VEGFR2 and NO-synthase pathways, promoting capillary formation in models of tendon and muscle injury.
- Growth-factor modulation — increases expression of growth-hormone receptors and EGR-1, associated with fibroblast proliferation.
- Gut-brain axis — interacts with dopaminergic, serotoninergic and GABAergic systems in rodent studies, with cytoprotective effects on gastric and intestinal mucosa.
Preclinical evidence
Published rodent studies report accelerated tendon-to-bone healing after transection, protection against NSAID-induced gastric lesions, and improved outcomes in colitis and fistula models (Sikiric et al., Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2010–2018). Human data remain limited to small early-phase and observational reports; BPC-157 is not an approved medicine in the EU or US.
Reconstitution & storage
Lyophilised BPC-157 is typically reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection. A common working concentration is 250 µg per 0.1 mL from a 5 mg vial. Reconstituted material should be stored at 2–8 °C, protected from light, and used within 30 days. Unreconstituted vials remain stable long-term at −20 °C.
Quality & purity
Every batch supplied by XCE Peptide is characterised by reversed-phase HPLC and mass spectrometry, with release at ≥ 99% purity and independent European cross-verification. A batch-specific certificate of analysis accompanies every order.
Frequently asked questions
Is BPC-157 approved as a medicine?
No. BPC-157 has no marketing authorisation from the EMA or FDA and is supplied strictly for laboratory research.
What is the difference between acetate and TFA salt forms?
Acetate is generally preferred in preclinical work because trifluoroacetate residues can confound cellular assays. XCE Peptide's BPC-157 is supplied as the acetate salt.
Why combine BPC-157 with TB-500?
In animal-study designs, the two peptides are often paired to explore complementary angiogenic and myogenic pathways. See our BPC-157 + TB-500 blend.