The amino acid sequence of BPC-157 is Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, or GEPPPGKPADDAGLV in one-letter code. It is a chain of 15 amino acids, which is why papers often call it a “pentadecapeptide”. Its molecular weight is roughly 1419.5 g/mol.
Want to know how a sequence like this is actually built in the lab? See our guide to peptide synthesis explained, from solid-phase chain building to HPLC purification.
Wondering where BPC-157 stands legally? Our plain-English myth-buster answers is BPC-157 legal in the UK, including MHRA licensing and WADA sport rules.
New to the chemistry? Our plain-English guide explains what a peptide bond is and how it forms, which is why a 15-amino-acid chain like BPC-157 has 14 of them.
That is the short answer. The rest of this guide explains what that string of letters actually means, why the sequence matters when you are buying research material, and how a certificate of analysis lets you check it. Everything here is for laboratory research use only.
BPC-157 amino acid sequence at a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Body Protection Compound-157 (BPC 157, BPC157) |
| Sequence (three-letter) | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val |
| Sequence (one-letter) | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Length | 15 amino acids |
| Molecular formula | C62H98N16O22 |
| Molecular weight | ~1419.5 g/mol |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 |
The formula and weight above come from the NIH PubChem record for BPC-157, which is a good neutral reference to keep bookmarked.
How to read the BPC-157 sequence
Peptide sequences are always written from the “N-terminus” (the start of the chain) to the “C-terminus” (the end). So for BPC-157, glycine (G) is first and valine (V) is last.
Each letter is one amino acid. Here is how the 15 positions break down:
- Glycine (G) – 3 times (positions 1, 6 and 13)
- Proline (P) – 4 times (positions 3, 4, 5 and 8)
- Aspartic acid (D) – 2 times (positions 10 and 11)
- Alanine (A) – 2 times (positions 9 and 12)
- Glutamic acid (E), lysine (K), leucine (L) and valine (V) – once each
Add those up and you get 15. If a supplier’s paperwork shows a different count, or a different order, something is wrong.
Why is there so much proline?
Four of the 15 residues are proline, including a run of three in a row (PPP). Proline is an unusual amino acid because its side chain loops back onto the backbone. That makes the chain stiffer and changes how it folds. Proline-rich stretches are also generally harder for some enzymes to cut, which is one reason researchers have been interested in how stable BPC-157 is in different conditions.
Is BPC-157 acidic or basic?
Look at the charged residues. There are three acidic ones (one glutamic acid and two aspartic acids) and one basic one (lysine). At a neutral pH, that tips the overall charge slightly negative. In plain terms: it is a mildly acidic little peptide. This affects things like how it behaves on an HPLC column and which solvents dissolve it best in the lab.
Where does the BPC-157 sequence come from?
BPC-157 was first described by a research group in Zagreb, Croatia, as a partial sequence of a larger protein found in human gastric juice. The peptide researchers use today is fully synthetic: it is built amino acid by amino acid in a peptide synthesiser, then purified.
A 2025 narrative review from the University of Utah summarises this background and the animal-model research that followed. It also points out that good-quality human data are very limited and that regulatory questions remain (McGuire et al., 2025, Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med). A 2026 review in Pharmaceutics looks at the practical chemistry side, such as stability, formulation and why the peptide is hard to develop further (Mateescu et al., 2026).
Why the sequence matters when you buy BPC-157
For a research lab, the sequence is not trivia. It is the identity of the product. Two vials can both say “BPC-157” on the label and contain quite different things if the synthesis went wrong.
Common problems in peptide synthesis include:
- Deletion sequences – one amino acid missing, giving a 14-residue chain
- Truncated chains – synthesis stopped early
- Leftover protecting groups or salts from the manufacturing process
These impurities can look almost identical to the real thing by eye. A white powder is a white powder. That is why testing matters.
Checking BPC-157 identity: HPLC and mass spectrometry
Two tests do most of the work, and both should appear on a proper certificate of analysis (COA):
- HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) separates the main peptide from impurities. The result is given as a purity percentage, based on the size of the main peak compared with everything else.
- Mass spectrometry (MS) weighs the molecule. For BPC-157 you would expect a mass close to 1419.5 Da. A deletion sequence would show up as a lower mass.
HPLC tells you “how clean”. MS tells you “is it the right molecule”. You really want both. We explain how to read these reports in our guide to third-party COA, HPLC and MS testing for UK research peptides.
Quick COA checklist for BPC-157
- The batch number on the COA matches the vial.
- The sequence or name matches GEPPPGKPADDAGLV.
- MS shows a mass consistent with ~1419.5 Da.
- HPLC purity is stated, with the chromatogram included.
- The testing lab is named, and the report is dated.
Every batch of BPC-157 research peptide from Peptides UK comes with its batch COA so you can run through this list yourself.
BPC-157 sequence, handling and storage basics
Knowing the structure also helps explain the handling advice. Like most short peptides, BPC-157 is supplied as a freeze-dried (lyophilised) powder because it is more stable dry. Once dissolved, peptides are more exposed to breakdown, so labs usually keep solutions cold and use them within a set period.
If your lab needs to work out solution concentrations (mg per ml), our peptide reconstitution calculator does the maths for you. For general storage conditions, see how to store research peptides for stability and shelf life. For a wider overview of the published BPC-157 literature, read our BPC-157 mechanism and research handling guide.
Is BPC-157 legal or licensed in the UK?
BPC-157 is not a licensed medicine in the UK, and it has no marketing authorisation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Peptides UK sells it strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research. It is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice.
BPC-157 sequence FAQ
What is the amino acid sequence of BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a 15-residue peptide with the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, written in one-letter code as GEPPPGKPADDAGLV.
What is the molecular weight of BPC-157?
PubChem lists a molecular formula of C62H98N16O22 and a molecular weight of about 1419.5 g/mol.
Is BPC-157 a natural peptide?
It is a synthetic peptide. Its sequence was described as a partial fragment of a larger protein found in gastric juice, but the material used in research is made by peptide synthesis.
How can I check that a vial really contains BPC-157?
Ask for the batch certificate of analysis. HPLC shows purity, and mass spectrometry should show a mass that matches roughly 1419.5 Da. Both should carry the same batch number as the vial.
Is BPC-157 approved for medical use in the UK?
No. BPC-157 is not a licensed medicine in the UK. Peptides UK supplies it for laboratory research use only.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Information is provided for educational purposes and summarises published literature; it is not medical advice.
