BPC-157: Scientific Profile
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BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157; synonyms PL 14736, Bepecin, PL-10): stable synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 aa) for research. It modulates angiogenesis via VEGF/eNOS and the dopaminergic/serotonergic/GABAergic systems (preclinical). CAS 137525-51-0.
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a stable synthetic pentadecapeptide, a partial sequence of Body Protection Compound (BPC), 15 amino acids (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV). Synonyms: PL 14736, Bepecin, PL-10. Formula C62H98N16O22; molecular weight ~1419.53 Da; CAS 137525-51-0. It is a cytoprotective research peptide without regulatory approval (investigational, RUO). It resists degradation by gastric juice and retains oral activity in preclinical models. Mechanism: it promotes angiogenesis through upregulation of VEGF/VEGFR2 and the eNOS/nitric oxide pathway, participates in FGF-type signaling, and upregulates the growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts; it modulates dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic systems (preclinical). In vitro and preclinical applications: tendon and ligament healing, protection of the gastrointestinal mucosa, connective tissue and bone, and angiogenesis/vasculogenesis studies. Handling: reconstitute the lyophilizate with bacteriostatic water; store the lyophilizate at -20 °C and, once reconstituted, at 2-8 °C for up to 30 days. Product for research.
Mechanism of action
BPC-157 exerts its effects through multimodal mechanisms that include: (1) Modulation of the endothelial nitrergic system: it increases the expression and activity of eNOS, generating NO with a vasodilatory and angiogenic effect; it antagonizes the effects of NOS inhibitors such as L-NAME; (2) Stimulation of angiogenesis: it increases the expression of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and capillary formation in injured beds, demonstrated in burn tendinopathy models by Sikiric et al.; (3) Activation of the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS pathway in endothelial cells and fibroblasts; (4) Modulation of the brain-gut axis: interaction with the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and GABAergic systems, with antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in murine models; (5) Stimulation of fibroblast migration and type I collagen formation; (6) Gastrointestinal cytoprotection: it protects against lesions induced by ethanol, NSAIDs, stress, and radiation; (7) Modulation of FAK-paxillin in injured myocytes. Plasma half-life in rats: ~30 minutes (intraperitoneal). Oral bioavailability: ~12% but sufficient for systemic effects through activation of enteric receptors. No tissue accumulation. Elimination via peptide catabolism.
Mechanism summary
Stable synthetic pentadecapeptide that promotes angiogenesis via VEGF/VEGFR2 and the eNOS/nitric oxide pathway, participates in FGF-type signaling and upregulates the growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts; it modulates dopaminergic, serotonergic and GABAergic systems (preclinical).
Clinical Studies (7)
- Gut-brain axis and pentadecapeptide BPC-157 (Sikiric P, Seiwerth S, Rucman R, et al. · Current Neuropharmacology · 2016) — Review of neuroprotective effects and modulation of the brain-gut axis by BPC-157. PMID 27138887.
- BPC-157 increases growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts (Chang CH, Tsai WC, Hsu YH, Pang JH. · Molecules · 2014) — In vitro study in human tendon fibroblasts evaluating signaling pathways activated by BPC-157. PMID 25415472.
- Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157: Novel therapy in gastrointestinal tract (Sikiric P, et al. · Current Pharmaceutical Design · 2011) — Comprehensive review of the effects of BPC-157 on the gastrointestinal tract and its therapeutic potential. PMID 21548867.
- BPC 157 enhances healing of transected rat Achilles tendon (Sikiric P, et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Research · 2003) — Preclinical study showing acceleration of tendon healing with BPC-157. PMID 14554208.
- Protective effects of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on gastric ulcer in rats (Xue, et al. · World Journal of Gastroenterology · 2004) PMID 15052688.
- Focus on ulcerative colitis: stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (Sikiric, et al. · Current Medicinal Chemistry · 2012) PMID 22300085.
- The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration (Chang, et al. · Journal of Applied Physiology · 2011) PMID 21030672.
Warnings
BPC-157 is a compound exclusively for research use (RUO); the following warnings and handling considerations apply to its use in the laboratory:
- Experimental compound without regulatory approval as a medication
- Human clinical data limited to small observational studies
- Theoretical risk of tumor promotion via VEGF/angiogenesis
- No complete pharmacokinetic studies in humans
- Uncharacterized drug interactions
- For exclusive use in research protocols
- Does not replace conventional medical interventions
- Known hypersensitivity to the peptide
- Pregnancy and lactation (no data)
- Patients with active neoplasms (theoretical risk via VEGF)
- No established clinical safety profile
Technical data
- CAS
- 137525-51-0
- Molecular formula
- C62H98N16O22
- Molecular weight
- 1419.53 Da
- Compound type
- peptide
- Storage
- -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido
- Shelf life (lyophilized)
- 36 months at 2-8°C
- Shelf life (reconstituted)
- 21-30 days at 2-8°C with bacteriostatic preservative
- Light-sensitive
- No
Available for research
BPC-157 is available as a research reagent (RUO):
Frequently asked questions about BPC-157
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157; synonyms PL 14736, Bepecin, PL-10): a stable synthetic pentadecapeptide (15 aa) for research. It modulates angiogenesis via VEGF/eNOS and the dopaminergic/serotonergic/GABAergic systems (preclinical).
What is the mechanism of action of BPC-157?
Stable synthetic pentadecapeptide that promotes angiogenesis via VEGF/VEGFR2 and the eNOS/nitric oxide pathway, participates in FGF-type signaling and upregulates the growth hormone receptor in tendon fibroblasts; it modulates dopaminergic, serotonergic and GABAergic systems (preclinical).
What is BPC-157 investigated for?
In preclinical research, BPC-157 is studied mainly in: Research on tendon healing; Models of gastrointestinal protection; Studies of angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. Material exclusively for scientific research.
What are the chemical properties of BPC-157?
Molecular formula C62H98N16O22; molecular weight 1419.53 Da; CAS number 137525-51-0.
How is BPC-157 stored?
Condiciones de conservación: -20 °C liofilizado; 2-8 °C reconstituido; estabilidad liofilizado: 36 meses a 2-8°C; una vez reconstituido: 21-30 días a 2-8°C con conservante bacteriostático.
What routes of administration are studied for BPC-157?
In research models the following are described: Subcutaneous, Intramuscular, Oral. Use is exclusively for scientific research.