While experimental peptides, also known as “peppers”, have recently exploded in popularity, athletes should be aware that many of these peptides are prohibited in sport. The experimental peptide BPC-157 is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List in the category of S0 Non-Approved Substances. Furthermore, this substance is not approved for human clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other global health authority, and it may lead to adverse health effects.
Keep reading for more information on a peptide that is making its way into sport, wellness, and anti-aging treatments.
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a peptide containing a partial sequence of the body protection compound (BPC) originally isolated from human gastric juice. The BPC-157 currently being sold online or in compounding pharmacies is all synthetically produced to match the amino acid sequence of the human form of body protection compound.
Early studies proposed that the stomach is an important organ for the initiations of a stress response against various things (e.g., infection, injury) so researchers looked at the contents of gastric (stomach) juices. A peptide that was stable in the acidic environment of the stomach was discovered and named “body protection compound”. Since then, various researchers have searched for specific healing targets for BPC-157. There are several animal studies that suggest BPC-157 may have an impact on soft tissue, bone, GI issues, nerves, or organ injury. However, there are no human clinical trials establishing efficacy for the use of BPC-157 for any diagnosis or treatment.
Are there health risks associated with using BPC-157?
Because BPC-157 has not been extensively studied in humans, it is unknown if there is a safe dose, or if there is any way to use this substance safely to treat any specific medical conditions.
Is BPC-157 prohibited under the WADA Prohibited List?
Yes, BPC-157 is prohibited under the S0 Non-Approved Substances category of the List.
Does BPC-157 have a medical purpose?
BPC-157 is an experimental compound that has been investigated for inflammatory bowel disease and soft tissue healing, mainly in animal models, although there is a concerning lack of published human clinical trial data because studies appear to have been cancelled or stopped without any published conclusions.
Even though there are no studies or clinical trials that show BPC-157 is safe or effective in humans, some websites advertise that it can be injected or taken orally for bone and joint healing, musculoskeletal injury repair, stomach ulcers, organ damage, and a number of other purposes, including physical and athletic performance enhancement. It is important to realize that these are unproven claims, and that the use of BPC-157 for these or any other reasons is not supported by medical literature or by any medical associations.
Recently, the FDA was asked to evaluate BPC-157 for use in compounded medications (produced by compounding pharmacies through a prescription from a physician), and there was a public hearing on the matter. The FDA briefing on BPC-157 highlighted the lack of clinical data to indicate efficacy or safety. Currently, there is no legal basis to include BPC-157 in any compounded medication.
Can I get a TUE for BPC-157?
It is unlikely that a TUE for BPC-157 would be approved because there are permitted alternatives available, but USADA considers each TUE application on a case-by-case basis. Athletes should complete the TUE Pre-Check Form to confirm whether they need a TUE before applying.
More questions?
For questions about specific products, substances, and methods, contact USADA’s Drug Reference Line at drugreference@USADA.org or call (719) 785-2000, option 2.
Further Reading
Sikiric, P., Petek, M., Rucman, R., Seiwerth, S., Grabarevic, Z., Rotkvic, I., Turkovic, B., Jagic, V., Mildner, B., Duvnjak, M., and et al. (1993). A new gastric juice peptide, BPC. An overview of the stomach-stress-organo protection hypothesis and beneficial effects of BPC. J Physiol Paris 87, 313-327. 10.1016/0928-4257(93)90038-u.
“BPC-157 – Related Bulk Drug Substances (BPC- 157 (free base) and BPC-157 acetate)” FDA Briefing Document Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) Meeting.
