What Is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide consisting of 15 amino acids derived from a protein found in human gastric juice. It is the single most popular peptide in both the research vendor and compounding pharmacy markets.
BPC-157 is often called the "gateway peptide" — it's the first peptide most new buyers research, and the most widely stocked product across vendors and pharmacies alike.
Quick Facts
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Amino Acids | 15 |
| Molecular Weight | ~1,419 Da |
| Origin | Derived from human gastric juice protein |
| Regulatory Status | Expected Category 1 reclassification |
| Prescription Required | Yes (pharmacy); No (research vendor) |
Research Areas of Interest
BPC-157 has been the subject of numerous preclinical studies examining its potential effects on:
- Tissue repair and wound healing — the most-studied application
- Gut health and the GI tract — unique among peptides for oral bioavailability research
- Tendon and ligament recovery — popular among athletes and active individuals
- Musculoskeletal injuries — studied for bone and muscle healing
- Neuroprotection — emerging research on brain and nerve repair pathways
How It's Sold
| Source | Form | Prescription? | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Vendors | Lyophilized powder (5mg vial) | No | $30-80/vial |
| Research Vendors | Pre-mixed solution | No | $40-90/vial |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Injectable (subcutaneous) | Yes | $100-300+/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Oral capsules | Yes | $80-200/month |
| Compounding Pharmacy | Topical cream | Yes | $75-150/month |
What to Look For on the COA
A legitimate Certificate of Analysis for BPC-157 should include:
- HPLC purity — minimum 95% for research grade, 98-99%+ for premium
- Mass spectrometry — confirmed molecular weight of ~1,419 Da
- Endotoxin testing — especially critical for injectable forms
- Amino acid analysis — confirms the correct 15-amino-acid sequence
- Batch/lot number — must match the label on your product
If a vendor cannot provide a batch-specific COA with HPLC and mass spec data, look elsewhere. BPC-157 is too commonly sold for any reputable source to lack this documentation.
Storage Guide
- Lyophilized (powder): White to off-white appearance. Store at 2-8°C for best stability
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate immediately. Use within 30 days
- All forms: Protect from light and avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles
Key Sourcing Tips
- Always request and verify the COA before purchasing — check batch numbers match
- Compare purity results across multiple vendors before committing
- For research use: choose vendors with published third-party testing from named labs
- For personal use: work with a licensed provider and compounding pharmacy
- Avoid any source making specific health claims or providing human dosing instructions