Retatrutide
Triple incretin receptor agonist
An experimental peptide that acts on three hormone receptors. Researchers studied it in phase 2 trials involving weight and blood sugar.
BPC-157
Also cited in the literature as Body protection compound 157
A laboratory-made peptide made of 15 amino acids. Almost all published research involved cells or rodents rather than people.
Regulatory status: Not licensed as a medicine in the United Kingdom. It holds no MHRA marketing authorisation, has no approved indication, and is not approved for human or animal use.
Cell & tissue research
Research stage: Early research in cells and animals
Cells
Animal studies
Human trials
The research pathway — not every compound has reached human trials. Illustrations are simplified, not study results.
What it is
BPC-157 is a laboratory-made chain of 15 amino acids. Researchers described it as part of a protein found in human stomach fluid.
Many early-stage papers have examined it, but very little human research has been published.
How researchers think it works
Cell studies suggested that BPC-157 affected how fibroblasts moved and multiplied. Fibroblasts are cells involved in repairing tissue.
Several research groups reported effects on signals involved in forming new blood vessels, including a pathway called VEGFR2.
Researchers also suggested a link with nitric oxide signalling. These ideas remained unproven and did not show how the peptide would act in people.
What has research seen in people?
There is no reliable human evidence. Almost everything published used cells in dishes or injured rodents.
Those animal studies reported faster-looking repair in tendon, muscle, gut and nerve tissue, which is why the peptide is discussed in connection with recovery — but that is animal data, not a human result.
No large, completed, well-controlled human trial had been published, so nothing is established about whether it works or is safe in people.
Where this material is listed
For laboratory research use only. Not a medicine and not for human or animal use.
Research materialBPC-157£29.99View listing ›
Research materialBPC-157 x TB-500 (Blend)£44.99View listing ›Veritide does not sell or supply anything. This links to a third-party UK laboratory supplier; we may earn a commission if you buy through it, at no extra cost to you. Materials are sold for laboratory research use only and are not licensed medicines.
What studies have found
- Most published studies used cells or rodent injury models. They examined tendon, muscle, digestive and nerve tissue using laboratory measurements.
- Some of the earliest studies focused on the digestive system because the related protein was found in stomach fluid.
- The World Anti-Doping Agency added BPC-157 to its Prohibited List in January 2022. This was a sporting rule, not evidence of a health effect.
What we still do not know
- No large, completed, well-controlled human trials had been published.
- A small number of research groups produced much of the rodent evidence. Reviewers said this made independent confirmation more important.
- Results from animal studies did not show that BPC-157 was effective or safe in people or other animals.
Sources
Related profiles
Mazdutide
Dual GLP-1 / glucagon receptor agonist
An experimental peptide based on a natural gut hormone. Researchers studied it mainly in phase 2 and phase 3 trials in China.
TB-500
Peptide fragment of thymosin beta-4
A laboratory-made piece of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein. Researchers mainly examined it in early cell and animal studies.