First Human Trial of BPC-157 in Patellar Tendinopathy Reports Results
A small randomized human trial of injectable BPC-157 in patellar tendinopathy reports faster recovery and reduced pain vs placebo at 12 weeks. The findings are preliminary but the first of their kind.
A small randomized, placebo-controlled trial of injectable BPC-157 in patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy has reported its 12-week results.
What the trial measured
42 adults with imaging-confirmed patellar tendinopathy were randomized to receive either BPC-157 (250 mcg subcutaneously twice daily) or placebo for 8 weeks, with assessments at 4, 8, and 12 weeks.
Primary endpoints:
- VISA-P (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Patellar) score
- Pain on activity (VAS scale)
- Tendon thickness on ultrasound
Reported results
- BPC-157 group: mean VISA-P improvement of 28 points vs 11 in placebo (p < 0.01).
- Pain on activity: 56% reduction vs 24% in placebo.
- No significant differences in tendon thickness on ultrasound — possibly reflecting the time course of structural vs functional recovery.
Why this matters
BPC-157 has been studied for over two decades, but almost entirely in rodent models. This trial is one of the first randomized human studies with imaging endpoints. The functional improvement signal is consistent with the rodent literature.
Limitations: small sample (n=42), single site, short follow-up. Replication in larger trials is needed before this changes clinical practice.
Practical implications
For researchers, this provides the first human dose-response anchor: 250 mcg twice daily, subcutaneous, 8 weeks. That matches the most-used research-grade protocol and is consistent with the dosing the PeptideHub calculator pre-loads.
For sourcing, expect tighter supply on BPC-157 in the next 6 months as research demand follows publication.