BPC-157

BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide that frequently appears as a reference compound in laboratory and research contexts. This page summarises its structure, analytical identification and documentation aspects.

What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic peptide made up of 15 amino acids with the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV). The sequence derives from a partial segment of a protein described in human gastric juice. The average molecular mass is approximately 1,419 Da. In the specialist literature the compound is also listed under the development designation PL 14736.

In commerce BPC-157 is usually present as a lyophilised white powder, mostly as the acetate or trifluoroacetate salt. The salt form is analytically relevant because it influences both the actual weighed portion and the calculation of the peptide content. In addition there are oral dosage forms with arginate salt, which differ chemically from the standard form.

Research context

BPC-157 has been described in preclinical publications since the 1990s, predominantly in animal models. An approved medicinal product does not exist. For analytical questions it is above all relevant that preparations described in the literature can differ in sequence length, salt form, purity and manufacturing route. Comparability between batches or between publications therefore requires a documented analytical characterisation and cannot be derived from the substance designation alone.

Analytical identification

The usual characterisation combines two orthogonal methods:

  • RP-HPLC on a C18 phase with a water/acetonitrile gradient and a small proportion of trifluoroacetic acid. Detection takes place in the low UV range at 214 to 220 nm via the absorption of the peptide bond. The method provides an impurity profile but no proof of identity.
  • LC-MS or ESI-MS to confirm the molecular mass. At an average mass of around 1,419 Da, the singly charged ion at approximately m/z 1,420 and the doubly charged ion at approximately m/z 710 typically appear in positive electrospray mode.

BPC-157 contains neither tryptophan nor tyrosine. Detection at 280 nm is therefore unsuitable; if a purity figure is given without stating the wavelength, it cannot be assessed for this peptide. The four proline residues can also lead to cis/trans isomerism and thereby to peak broadening or double peaks, which must be taken into account when interpreting a chromatogram.

Purity and analytical interpretation

An HPLC purity figure describes the area proportion of the main peak in the total detected signal under defined conditions. It does not describe the peptide content of the sample and does not record constituents that are not detected under the chosen conditions, such as residual salts or residual solvents. With peptides of this length, minor peaks arise above all from deletion sequences, incompletely cleaved protecting groups as well as oxidation and deamidation products. Without a chromatogram, gradient conditions and detection wavelength a percentage value is not analytically verifiable.

Documentation and batch traceability

Analytical documentation is only meaningful if it is assigned to a specific batch and discloses the measurement conditions. A document without a batch reference, without a method description and without raw data cannot be assigned to any sample. General notes on the structure and reading of such documents can be found in the linked resources.

Storage and Stability

Lyophilised peptides are considerably more stable in the dry, light-protected state than in solution. For laboratory stocks, storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius, protection from moisture and light as well as avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles are common practice. These details concern exclusively the handling of laboratory substances.

Further research resources

Associated catalogue products

This page serves exclusively as scientific and analytical information. It contains no dosage, application or treatment instructions. Products are not intended for use in humans or animals.