BP 157 is a compound that is marketed to improve healing, recovery, reduce pain and improve function. I don’t know about you, but that sounds pretty fantastic to me!
Here is my review of what we do and do not know about BPC 157 and I discuss my recommendation regarding its use for recovery and healing.
What we know:
BPC 157 is a synthetic peptide derived from a protein found in the stomach. It stands for body protection compound 157.
Currently, 54 published research studies appear listed in citation form. The vast majority of research is being generated from one or two individual institutions in Europe. This published research has shown significant promise of BPC 157 promoting wound healing and tissue repair.
BPC 157 seems to possibly enhance fibroblastic activity, improve angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels, and alters growth factors such as fiberblastic growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor which are crucial for cell healing and tissue repair. It interacts with the nitrous oxide system, which plays a role in muscle repair and improved blood flow. All of these factors should help improve overall healing.
It may also help combat muscle atrophy, and have neuroprotective activity.
In summary, there are significant promising attributes to this compound.
What we don’t know:
As of now, however, there are zero randomized clinical trials studying BPC 157 in humans. In fact, as of this writing, there is only one small retrospective study involving intra-articular knee injection into patients experiencing non specific knee pain. 11 of these 12 patients reported improvement in their symptoms after telephone follow up. However, without context, these particular conditions may have improved regardless of using BPC 157.
All other studies have been conducted in animal/rodent models with the vast majority exploring gastrointestinal benefits.
Concern and Recommendations:
Medically, the major concern right now with BPC 157 is a lack of evidence confirming safety in humans. Given what we do understand about the potential action on cellular signaling pathways this could pose serious risk.
Currently, BPC 157 is not approved by the FDA for clinical use. It can only be obtained by online vendors, designated for research or laboratory use only. Confirmation of ingredient quality and quantity of unregulated supplements can be difficult. In fact, a recent study as well as other studies have confirmed a lack of standardization with supplement manufacturers. See insert.
Finally, BPC 157 is listed as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), all NCAA, and all professional anti-doping sporting agencies. See the USADA insert.
The USADA states “there’s no legal basis for selling BPC 157 as a drug, food or dietary supplement primarily due to safety concerns”. Currently there are no studies confirming safe or effective use in humans either taken orally or injected. Particularly concerning, it “appears that some studies were either canceled or stopped without conclusions”.
At this time, I currently do not recommend my patients take BPC 157. Although there seems to be some promise for the future, at this point, I think there’s too much uncertainty and unnecessary risk involved.
References:
“Injectable therapeutic peptides – an adjunct to regenerative medicine and sports performance?” DeFoor, Dekker. Arthroscopy, volume 0, September 9, 2024.
“The effects of collagen peptide, supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: systematic review.“ Khatri, Naughton, Clifford. et al. Amino Acids. 2021; 53:1493–1506.
“ Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing”. Gweyer, Wragg, Wilson. Cell Tissue Res. 2019:377:153-159.
Michael Howard, M.D.
Shoulder & Upper Extremity
Plano Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
Plano, TX