BPC-157 dosage and protocol
Last reviewed Oct 7, 2026. Editorial policy
US regulatory status: Advisory panel backed, FDA decision pending
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. It is one of the most researched healing peptides, promoting tissue repair, tendon/ligament healing, gut healing, and anti-inflammatory effects. Works systemically or locally near injury site. Studied for neurological healing and may also provide antidepressant-like effects.
- Vial size: 5 mg
- Reconstitution: 3 mL bacteriostatic water
- Concentration: 1.67 mg/mL
- Administration: subcutaneous
Research areas
- Tissue Repair
- Gut Healing
- Tendon & Ligament Recovery
- Anti-Inflammatory
- Wound Healing
- Neuroprotection
Quick start
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0mL bacteriostatic water → 1.67mg/mL concentration
- Typical daily range: 200–600mcg once daily (gradual titration)
- Easy measuring: At 1.67mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01mL ≈ 16.7mcg on a U-100 syringe
- Storage: Lyophilized at −20°C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C; avoid freeze–thaw cycles
Dosing protocol
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 200 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.12 mL (12 units) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 400 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.24 mL (24 units) |
| Weeks 5–8+ | 600 mcg | Once daily (SC) | 0.36 mL (36 units) |
How it works
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide based on a sequence found within a protein isolated from human gastric juice. It is notably stable in gastric acid, which is why it has been studied both by injection and orally. Its precise receptor target has not been identified; instead, research points to effects on several repair-related pathways. In cell and animal studies, BPC-157 upregulates VEGF receptor 2 signaling and promotes angiogenesis, activates the FAK-paxillin pathway that drives fibroblast migration, increases growth hormone receptor expression in tendon fibroblasts, and modulates nitric oxide signaling. It also appears to interact with dopaminergic and serotonergic systems, which may explain behavioral effects seen in rodents. In rats, it accelerated healing of transected tendons and ligaments, muscle injuries, bone defects, gastric ulcers and intestinal anastomoses, and showed protective effects in models of inflammatory bowel injury and NSAID-induced damage. Almost all evidence comes from rodent studies, much of it from a single research group. Human data are limited to small pilot studies and case series, with no large randomized controlled trials. BPC-157 is not an approved drug, and its theoretical pro-angiogenic activity raises unanswered questions about use in people with cancer. It is also prohibited in competitive sport.
Units chart for a 5 mg vial
| Water added | Strength | 1 unit = | 200 mcg | 400 mcg | 600 mcg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 50 mcg | 4 units | 8 units | 12 units |
| 2 mL | 2.5 mg/mL | 25 mcg | 8 units | 16 units | 24 units |
| 3 mL | 1.67 mg/mL | 16.7 mcg | 12 units | 24 units | 36 units |
Units on a U-100 insulin syringe (100 units = 1 mL).
Pages for each vial size and water volume
Reconstitution steps
- Draw 3.0mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake)
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8°C (35.6–46.4°F), protected from light
Storage
Evidence: Common practice. What vendors and users usually do. No published stability testing supports a specific number.
- Powder or unopened: Sealed powder: freezer (about −20 °C) for long-term storage, refrigerator for weeks. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening.
- Mixed or in use: Refrigerator, 2–8 °C. Do not freeze and thaw repeatedly.
- Use within: no tested number
- Light: Keep it in the box or another dark container.
Most reconstituted peptides are kept in the refrigerator (2–8 °C) and used within about 28 days. That is a convention, not tested data: the 28 days comes from the USP <797> limit for opened multiple-dose containers, which is about sterility, not about whether the peptide stays intact.
Sources: Crestigen: Peptide storage and handling guide; USP General Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding: Sterile Preparations
Store lyophilized at −20°C. After reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8°C; avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Important notes
- Research use only — not approved for human use
- Promotes healing and tissue regeneration, beneficial for gut lining integrity
- Works systemically but can be injected locally near injury site for enhanced effect
- Well tolerated in most cases with rare side effects
- Often stacked with TB-500 for comprehensive recovery protocols
- Oral administration specifically targets gut healing
Supplies
- Bacteriostatic water
- Insulin syringes
- Alcohol swabs