What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide of 15 amino acids that has been studied in laboratory and animal models since the 1990s. The name stands for Body Protection Compound. This page covers where BPC-157 comes from, how it is built, what researchers use it for and how to handle it in the lab.

BPC-157 at a glance

BPC-157 is a pentadecapeptide: a chain of fifteen amino acids. Its sequence is derived from part of a protein found in gastric juice, but BPC-157 itself is fully synthetic and made by solid-phase peptide synthesis.

In the lab, BPC-157 is a widely used model compound, partly because it is relatively stable in aqueous solution for a peptide of its length.

  • Full name: Body Protection Compound 157
  • Type: pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids)
  • Sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
  • Molecular weight: about 1419 g/mol
  • Form: white lyophilized powder

Origin and research history

BPC-157 was described in the early 1990s by a research group at the University of Zagreb (Croatia). Most published studies still come from that group and involve cell and animal models.

Controlled clinical trials in humans are scarce. BPC-157 is not approved as a medicine in the EU or the US, and it has been on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited list since 2022.

Research areas

In the scientific literature, BPC-157 is mainly studied in these preclinical models:

  • Models of the gastrointestinal mucosa
  • Tendon and ligament models in animals
  • Angiogenesis: the formation of new blood vessels in tissue models
  • The nitric oxide (NO) system in vascular models
  • Cell migration and survival in in-vitro experiments

BPC-157 and TB-500

BPC-157 is often mentioned together with TB-500 because both are studied in repair models. They are completely different molecules, though: BPC-157 is a short 15-amino-acid peptide, while TB-500 is derived from thymosin beta-4. Our BPC-157 vs TB-500 comparison covers the differences point by point.

For setups using both peptides, Virexa Labs offers the Wolverine Blend (BPC-157 + TB-500). BPC-157 is also part of the Glow 70 and Glow 80 blends.

Storage, reconstitution and quality

Store lyophilized BPC-157 at −20 °C, dry and protected from light; 2–8 °C is fine for short periods. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water: add it slowly down the side of the vial and swirl gently, do not shake. Keep the solution at 2–8 °C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

At Virexa Labs, every batch of BPC-157 is tested by HPLC for ≥99% purity and by mass spectrometry for identity. The certificate of analysis (COA) is on the product page.

Results from cell and animal models are not evidence of effects in humans. BPC-157 from Virexa Labs is a research reagent intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary use.

Products

Frequently asked questions

What does BPC stand for?

BPC stands for Body Protection Compound. The number 157 refers to this specific fragment in the original research.

How many amino acids does BPC-157 have?

Fifteen, which is why BPC-157 is also called a pentadecapeptide.

What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?

BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide. TB-500 is derived from thymosin beta-4, a much larger 43-amino-acid protein. They are studied in different models and through different mechanisms.

Is BPC-157 approved as a medicine?

No. BPC-157 is not approved as a medicine and is on the WADA prohibited list. Virexa Labs sells it only as a research reagent.

Is BPC-157 intended for human use?

No. BPC-157 from Virexa Labs is intended solely for laboratory research and not for human or veterinary consumption.

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