BPC-157

What it is

A lab-made chain of 15 amino acids. It is based on a protein found in stomach juice.

Why people use it

Tendon, ligament and muscle injuries that won't heal. Some use it for gut problems.

What we know

• In animals, mostly rats, injured tendons, ligaments, muscle and bone healed faster and stronger.
• In the best-known human study, 12 people with long-running knee pain got a shot in the knee. 7 said the pain stayed better for more than six months. A 2026 review counts three human studies in all, about 30 people, none with a comparison group.
• With no comparison group, nobody can say the shot was the reason.

What we don't know

• Whether it works in people.
• Whether it is safe in people. The 2025 review found no human safety studies.
• What it does over years.
• What is really in a vial bought online.

The rules right now

• Not FDA-approved for anything.
• Banned in tested sport.
• Pharmacy status is in flux. The FDA's safety-risk page now lists it as "nominated but withdrawn": it used to be in the risky group, and the people who nominated it pulled the request. The page still gives the FDA's safety concerns. An FDA advisory panel reviewed it in July 2026. In late October 2026, the US health department said it will not go after licensed pharmacies and doctors that make it to order. The same goes for epitalon, KPV, MOTS-c, Semax and TB-500. That is a temporary enforcement policy. It is not an FDA approval.