HEALTH
BPC-157
The use of peptides is one of the most interesting new advances in the ever-evolving orthopedic world. In the body, these small chains of amino acids function as signaling molecules that may promote bone formation, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
Despite their small size, research is demonstrating that peptides can be effective allies in the management of musculoskeletal injuries by providing a less invasive and possibly more targeted healing method.
One standout in the peptide world is BPC-157 also known as “Body Protection Compound” or less formally the “Wolverine” drug or peptide, in reference to the Marvel character’s ability to heal quickly. This peptide is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring compound in human gastric juice. It has gained attention for its impressive ability to support the healing of skin, muscle, bone, ligaments and tendons in many animal studies. It works by stimulating angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels), improving blood flow to injured areas and supporting the migration and proliferation of healing cells (Gwyer et al., 2019). Animal studies show BPC‑157 accelerates healing in burns, tendon-to-bone injuries, muscle crush injuries, and ligament/tendon tears by reducing inflammation, enhancing collagen synthesis, and restoring function (Pountos et al., 2016).
For orthopedic patients, this could mean faster recovery from tendon or ligament injuries, improved outcomes after orthopedic procedures, and reduced downtime for athletes and active individuals. However, human clinical trials remain scarce.
Peptide Therapies in Sport Injuries: The Literature
A review of regenerative ortho treatments (including peptide injections) reported on a meta-regression analysis by Goulian et al., 2025.
BPC-157 is currently prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency and does not carry FDA approval. It was listed as a prohibited substance by all NCAA and professional anti-doping sporting agencies in 2022. BPC-157 is banned owing to dosing concerns, overall effectiveness, safety profile, and lack of human clinical trials. Despite BPC-157 being unregulated, it is still widely available to consumers over the Internet. As research continues to evolve, the clinical use of peptides may be another tool for providers to reach for.
References:
Goulian, A. J., Goldstein, B., & Saad, M. A. (2025). Advancements in Regenerative Therapies for Orthopedics: A Comprehensive Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Peptide Therapies, and Biomimetic Applications. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(6), 2061. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14062061
Gwyer, D., Wragg, N.M. & Wilson, S.L. Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell Tissue Res 377, 153–159 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8
Pountos, I., Panteli, M., Lampropoulos, A. et al. The role of peptides in bone healing and regeneration: a systematic review. BMC Med 14, 103 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-016-0646-y
