Abstract

Therapeutic peptides have emerged as potential adjuncts in regenerative sports medicine, with Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC-157) receiving particular attention due to its reported effects on tissue repair. This narrative review summarizes current evidence regarding the biological mechanisms, therapeutic potential, clinical limitations, and anti-doping implications of BPC-157. Preclinical studies suggest that BPC-157 may promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration through modulation of VEGFR2 signaling, FAK-paxillin pathways, and stabilization of BACH1 via FBXO22. However, human evidence remains limited and insufficient to establish clinical efficacy or safety. Furthermore, the WADA still prohibits BPC-157, and it is not currently undergoing any regulatory testing for therapeutic use.

Keywords

sports medicine, athletes, tendons, ligaments, biological products, therapeutics, doping in sports, peptides, process optimization