What Is BPC-157? Structure, Research History and Lab Handling
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide that has become one of the most frequently cited compounds in preclinical peptide research. This guide covers what BPC-157 is, how it is characterized, where it comes from, how laboratories store it, and how to judge the quality of a research supply.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 (often written BPC 157 or PL 14736) is a pentadecapeptide. Its sequence is derived from a partial sequence of a larger protein, “body protection compound,” originally isolated from gastric juice. The synthetic peptide is water-soluble and is supplied for research as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) solid.
BPC-157 chemical profile
| Sequence | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV) |
|---|---|
| Length | 15 amino acids |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 |
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molecular weight | ≈1419.5 g/mol |
| Typical research form | Lyophilized solid in a sealed vial |
A short research history
BPC-157 was described in the early 1990s by a research group at the University of Zagreb, which went on to publish a large body of preclinical work on the peptide. Most of the published literature consists of in-vitro studies and animal models. Researchers have used BPC-157 to study tissue, vascular and gastrointestinal biology, and it is frequently examined alongside other peptides such as TB-500 (thymosin beta-4).
Despite the volume of preclinical publications, BPC-157 has not completed the controlled clinical development that would be needed for regulatory approval. That gap is why it is sold only as a research material.
Regulatory status
BPC-157 is not an FDA-approved drug, and it is not a lawful dietary supplement ingredient. In the United States it may be sold only as a research chemical for laboratory use, with no claims about effects in humans or animals. Reputable suppliers label it “for research use only,” refuse to give dosing or administration information, and restrict sales to qualified researchers.
How laboratories store BPC-157
- Keep sealed, lyophilized vials at −20 °C, dry and protected from light.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Record the lot number and date of receipt for every vial so results can be traced back to a specific batch.
How to judge BPC-157 quality
Research results are only as reliable as the material behind them. When sourcing BPC-157, look for:
- Independent third-party testing of every lot, typically HPLC for purity and mass spectrometry for identity.
- Lot traceability: a lot number and expiration date on every vial.
- Sealed, lyophilized packaging rather than pre-mixed liquids.
- Clear research-use-only labeling and no human-use marketing.
BPC-157 vial sizes at Attestryn
Attestryn supplies BPC-157 5 mg for pilot studies, BPC-157 10 mg as the standard research size, and a BPC-157 / TB-500 blend for combination study arms. Every lot is third-party tested before release and ships from within the United States.
BPC-157 FAQ
What does BPC stand for?
BPC stands for “body protection compound,” the name of the gastric-juice protein from which the BPC-157 sequence was derived.
Is BPC-157 the same as PL 14736?
Yes. PL 14736 is a development code that has been used for the same 15-amino-acid sequence.
Is BPC-157 approved for human use?
No. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved and is sold only for laboratory research use.
How is BPC-157 shipped?
Research suppliers ship it as a lyophilized solid in a sealed vial. Attestryn ships from within the United States.
This article is for educational and informational purposes about laboratory research materials. Attestryn products are sold for laboratory research use only. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or dietary supplements, are not for human or veterinary use, and have not been evaluated by the FDA. Attestryn does not provide dosing, reconstitution or administration information.