Peptides (BPC-157 and TB-500) for runners: what's being used and what the research says
We report what runners are using and what the research says. We don't recommend taking any supplement. Talk to your GP or a registered sports dietitian before trying one.
Quick answer
Yes. BPC-157 and TB-500 are prohibited at all times under the World Anti-Doping Agency's list[1]. Runners hear about them as injury-recovery aids, but the evidence is almost all from animal and lab studies: a 2025 systematic review of BPC-157 found one small, uncontrolled clinical study and no clinical safety data[2].
- Research
- Banned (proposed)Prohibited in sport at all times. There are no controlled trials in athletes.
- Proposed by our editor; not yet confirmed by an expert reviewer.
- WADA status
- Prohibited
- Distances in the research
- 800 m–5K: not studied10K–half: not studiedMarathon: not studiedUltra: not studied
What are BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 is a synthetic chain of 15 amino acids, based on a protein fragment first found in human gastric juice[3][4]. The initials stand for 'body protection compound'[2].
TB-500 is a fragment of the protein thymosin beta-4[5]. It emerged as a veterinary product whose key ingredient is a lab-made copy of a seven-amino-acid stretch of thymosin beta-4, with a small chemical cap added at one end[6][7]. Thymosin beta-4 itself is a natural peptide that binds actin, one of the proteins that give cells their shape, and is released by platelets, macrophages and other cells after injury[8]. Products sold online claim to contain either the fragment or the whole protein[9].
Neither is an approved medicine. BPC-157 has not been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or other regulators, because comprehensive clinical studies showing benefit in people are lacking[4], and thymosin beta-4 is not authorised as a medicine either[9]. They are not the same as the collagen peptides sold as a food supplement, which have been tested in randomised trials, mostly in recreational athletes[10]. 'Peptide' simply means a short chain of amino acids[5].
What a product contains is uncertain. Any product marketed as BPC-157 is unregulated for quality and safety[2], and an anti-doping laboratory found thymosin beta-4 among black-market products it analysed[11]. In a Belgian analysis of the 10 falsified peptide drugs most often found on that market, the amount of drug per unit varied widely, purity was as low as 5% for some, one sample contained lead and several had arsenic at up to 10 times a toxicity limit[12].
Also called: body protection compound 157, thymosin beta-4 fragment.
Why are BPC-157 and TB-500 getting attention?
They are marketed for faster recovery from injury, through a grey market of unapproved peptides sold directly to the public, largely outside regulatory oversight[5]. Athletes are increasingly using BPC-157 for muscle strains and tendon injuries, according to a 2025 systematic review[2], and another review describes growing reports of its use in sport and fitness communities over the past 10 to 15 years[3]. In the UK, the medicines regulator's criminal enforcement unit raided a suspected illicit facility making unlicensed weight-loss medicines 'as well as peptide products' in 2026[13].
Online interest is easy to see. In June 2024, Google searches for BPC-157 reached an all-time high, videos tagged 'BPC-157' had more than 50 million views on YouTube and TikTok, and peptide-related Reddit communities had over 100,000 members[2].
Social media plays a part: a 2026 review discusses how it amplifies the placebo effect around these peptides[5]. They are often seen as low risk, despite missing evidence on whether they work or are safe[14].
The claims, checked against the research
Faster healing of tendon injuriesNot studied
Rat studies reported better tendon healing with BPC-157, in both structure and strength[2][15]. No human trial has tested it in tendon injuries: the three published human studies covered knee pain, a bladder condition and safety[3].
Quicker recovery from muscle strainsNot studied
BPC-157 improved muscle healing in animal models[2], but there are no human trials in muscle injuries[3]. For thymosin beta-4, the protein TB-500 is based on, a mouse study found it did not improve muscle regeneration[16].
Less knee and joint painNot supported
The only human data are small and uncontrolled. In one retrospective review of patients with knee pain, with no comparison group, 7 of 12 given BPC-157 alone reported relief lasting more than 6 months[2][3]. A 2026 review found at most modest improvements in degenerative knee pain, from studies that mostly lacked robust controls[14].
Back to running sooner after injuryNot studied
No study has measured return to running or sport. A 2025 systematic review found too little clinical outcome and safety data to propose any evidence-based guidance[2].
Better training and race performanceNot studied
We found no study of either peptide on running or endurance performance. A 2026 review of recovery and performance claims found human studies limited to a handful, most without robust controls[14].
Safe, with no side effectsNot studied
A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data[2]. The three small, uncontrolled human pilot studies reported no side effects, but large, rigorous trials are lacking[3].
How do BPC-157 and TB-500 work?
In animal and lab studies, BPC-157 affected pathways involved in blood-vessel growth, cell growth and inflammation[2][3]. Reviews describe it acting on the VEGFR2 receptor and on nitric oxide production, both involved in new blood-vessel growth, and on fibroblasts, the cells that build connective tissue[3].
That is why it is linked with tendons and ligaments, which have a poor blood supply and few cells[15][3]. The limited data suggest it is broken down in the liver and cleared by the kidneys[2].
TB-500 copies the part of thymosin beta-4 that binds actin and is linked with cell movement and wound healing[6]. Thymosin beta-4 encourages cells to migrate, including cells that form new blood vessels[8]. The body makes it anyway: in one study, blood levels rose during exercise[16].
Whether any of this happens in people, and whether these peptides are safe, is unknown: human studies are few and mostly lack proper controls[3][14].
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 banned for runners?
There is no controlled research in runners or other athletes. The evidence for both is almost entirely from animal and lab studies[2][14]. A 2025 review found only three small, uncontrolled pilot studies of BPC-157 in people, and none was in athletes[3].
800 m to 5K (Not studied)
We found no studies of BPC-157 or TB-500 in runners at these distances. Reviews of BPC-157[2] and of popular peptides including TB-500[14] found almost no human research.
10K to half marathon (Not studied)
There are no studies at these distances either. Human research of any kind is limited to a handful of studies, mostly without proper controls[14].
Marathon (Not studied)
We found no studies in marathon runners; the human research on these peptides is almost non-existent[2][14].
Ultra (Not studied)
Study by study
| Study | Who took part | What they took | What was measured | What they found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vasireddi 2025 [2]Systematic review | 36 studies: 35 in animals or cells, and 1 small retrospective study of patients with knee pain | Systematic review of published BPC-157 research | Healing, function and safety in muscle, tendon, ligament and bone | Animal studies reported better healing. In the one clinical study, a small retrospective review with no control group, 7 of 12 patients given BPC-157 alone reported knee-pain relief lasting over 6 months. No clinical safety data were found. |
| McGuire 2025 [3]Expert review | Animal studies and 3 small, uncontrolled human pilot studies (knee pain, a bladder condition, and safety in 2 healthy adults) | Review of published human and animal data | How BPC-157 acts, healing outcomes and reported side effects | Broad animal evidence but extremely limited human data. The uncontrolled pilots reported no side effects, but rigorous, large-scale trials are lacking; the authors call BPC-157 investigational. |
| Tewari 2026 [14]Expert review | Published studies of 6 peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500; 67% used animal models, most often rats | Scoping review of animal and human studies | Tendon, muscle, bone and ligament healing, and performance | Promising but variable animal results. Human studies were few and mostly lacked robust controls; the claimed benefits remain unsubstantiated. |
| Wang 2021 [17]Randomised controlled trial | 84 healthy Chinese adults, men and women | Recombinant human thymosin beta-4 v placebo (randomised, double-blind phase 1 trial) | Safety, tolerability and blood levels | Adverse events were mild to moderate, with no serious adverse events. This tested the whole natural protein as a medicine candidate, not TB-500, and not in athletes.Funding: Funded by Beijing Northland Biotechnology, which made the test product and employed 3 of the authors |
| Gonzalez-Franquesa 2021 [16]Non-randomised trial | Mouse muscle cells, mice, and blood from exercising adults with and without insulin resistance | Thymosin beta-4 v control (cell and mouse experiments) | Muscle regeneration in mice; blood levels during exercise in people | Blood levels rose during exercise. In mice, thymosin beta-4 did not improve muscle regeneration. |
| Krug 2014 [11]Observational study | 337 black-market products analysed by the Cologne anti-doping laboratory, 2010–2013 | Laboratory analysis of black-market products (no participants) | Active ingredients present | 67 active ingredients were found, 49 of them classed as doping agents by WADA. Thymosin beta-4 was among the notable finds. |
| Janvier 2018 [12]Observational study | The 10 falsified peptide drugs most often found in Belgium, from 3 suspected illegal online pharmacies | Laboratory impurity screening (no participants) | Drug content, purity, and metal and solvent contaminants | Content per unit varied widely and purity was 5–75% for some peptides. One sample contained lead; several had arsenic at up to 10 times a toxicity limit. |
The key studies, in order
- 2012Observational studyIdentified the acetylated 17–23 fragment of thymosin beta-4 in TB-500, a product suspected of use in doping, and proposed a way to detect it in plasma and urine. [7]
- 2012Expert reviewThymosin beta-4 is a natural peptide released by platelets, macrophages and other cells after injury. It binds actin and promotes cell migration, including of cells that form new blood vessels. [8]
- 2012Non-randomised trialTB-500 emerged as a veterinary product whose key ingredient is a synthetic, acetylated copy of a seven-amino-acid region of thymosin beta-4. Describes a method to detect it in horses. [6]
- 2014Observational studyThe Cologne anti-doping laboratory analysed 337 black-market products: 67 active ingredients, 49 classed as doping agents by WADA. Thymosin beta-4 was among the notable finds. [11]
- 2018Observational studyFalsified peptide drugs from suspected illegal online pharmacies varied widely in content, had purity as low as 5% for some, and contained arsenic and lead. [12]
- 2018ConsensusInadvertent use of substances prohibited under anti-doping codes is a known risk of some supplements; the rules of strict liability apply. [18]
- 2019Expert reviewAnimal studies of tendon, ligament and muscle healing all reported positive effects, but mostly in small rodents, from a handful of research groups, and unconfirmed in humans. [15]
- 2021Non-randomised trialThymosin beta-4 rose in the blood of exercising people. In mice it did not improve muscle regeneration or ease the metabolic disruption of diet-induced obesity. [16]
- 2021Systematic review15 randomised trials of collagen peptides, a food supplement, mostly in recreational athletes. [10]
- 2021TrialIn a placebo-controlled trial in 84 healthy adults, adverse events with recombinant human thymosin beta-4 (the whole protein, not TB-500) were mild to moderate, with none serious. [17]
- 2023Observational studyMapped how BPC-157 breaks down in lab models and validated a method to detect it and five of its main breakdown products in human urine for doping control. [19]
- 2025Observational studyThymosin beta-4 is not authorised as a medicine and is banned by WADA and in horse sport. Products sold online claim to contain it or a synthetic fragment; a synthesis impurity can be detected. [9]
- 2025Expert reviewMost BPC-157 studies used rats and mice; no completed clinical study shows efficacy in humans and no regulator has approved it. Raises theoretical risks; interactions undefined. Its claim that WADA no longer lists BPC-157 is contradicted by the 2026 list. [4]
- 2025Expert reviewBroad animal evidence, but only three small pilot studies in humans. BPC-157 should be treated as investigational until proper trials exist. [3]
- 2025Systematic review36 studies: 35 in animals or cells and one small retrospective clinical study. No clinical safety data. Not approved by the US FDA. [2]
- 2026Expert reviewA grey market of unapproved peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, sells directly to the public, largely outside regulation. Human safety data are scarce and serious harm is possible. [5]
- 2026Expert review67% of publications on six popular peptides were animal studies. Human studies were few and mostly poorly controlled; claimed benefits are unsubstantiated. [14]
Who has the research been done in?
Most of the research is in animals, most often rats: in a 2026 review of six popular peptides, two-thirds of publications used animal models[14]. For BPC-157, most if not all studies used small animals such as rats and mice, and rodent physiology differs from ours, so the results can't be assumed to apply to people[4].
None of the three published human studies of BPC-157 was in athletes. All were small and uncontrolled, and they covered people with knee pain, people with a bladder condition, and 2 healthy adults in a safety check[3]. There are no data in runners, adolescents or masters athletes, and no controlled trials in athletes[2][14].
What we know about women
There are no data on BPC-157 or TB-500 in women athletes: we found no study of either peptide in athletes of either sex. A 2025 review found only three small, uncontrolled human pilot studies of BPC-157, all in patients or healthy volunteers rather than athletes[3], and there are no controlled trials in athletes[2][14]. We found no study reporting results separately for women and men.
There are no data on pregnancy or breastfeeding. A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data for BPC-157[2], a 2025 review found just one human safety study, in 2 healthy adults[3], and rigorous human safety data for unapproved peptides such as TB-500 are scarce[5].
What the research can't tell us yet
Of 36 studies in a 2025 systematic review, 35 were in animals or cells, and the one clinical study was a small retrospective review of patients with knee pain, with no comparison group[2][3].
No clinical safety data were found[2]. A 2025 review counted only three small, uncontrolled pilot studies in humans and called for proper trials[3]. A phase 1 safety trial of BPC-157 in 42 healthy volunteers began in 2015, but in 2016 the researchers withdrew the submission of its results[4].
Promising animal results have not been shown in human trials, which is why a 2026 review describes the claimed benefits as unsubstantiated[14]. Only a handful of research groups have studied BPC-157 in depth, and all the studies one review examined reported positive healing effects[15].
Longer-term safety is unknown even in animals: no study looked for adverse effects beyond 6 weeks[2].
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Research alerts
How are BPC-157 and TB-500 used in studies?
We don't describe amounts, timing or how these products are taken. There are no controlled human trials that would give those details any meaning, and both are prohibited in sport[2][1].
A 2025 systematic review said the lack of clinical outcome and safety data meant it could not propose evidence-based guidance for use[2]. A 2026 review concluded that peptide supplements like these should not currently be offered as a replacement for, or an add-on to, standard orthopaedic care[14].
What are the side effects, and who should be careful?
A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data[2], and a second review found only one tiny safety study, in two healthy adults[3]. One review warns that harm is possible from unregulated manufacturing, contamination and unknown clinical safety[2], and another that unapproved peptides carry a potential for serious harm[5].
Anonymous online users have reported problems including joint pain, anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite and depression[2]. These are unverified reports, so how common any of them is, and whether BPC-157 caused them, is unknown.
Reviewers also raise theoretical concerns. BPC-157 promotes new blood-vessel growth in animal studies, and blood-vessel growth also feeds tumours; VEGF receptors, which BPC-157 affects, are found in about half of the human cancers studied[4]. Another review lists unwanted blood-vessel growth, toxic breakdown products and too much nitric oxide as possible harms, while noting studies in which BPC-157 limited uncontrolled cell growth[3]. None of this has been tested in people.
A 2026 review of six popular 'peptide' products found some, such as MK-677, were linked to serious risks including heart failure[14]. When the whole thymosin beta-4 protein was tested as a medicine candidate in a phase 1 trial in 84 healthy adults, adverse events were mild to moderate, with none serious[17]; for TB-500 and other unapproved peptides, rigorous human safety data are scarce[5].
Medicines and health conditions
No study has tested how BPC-157 or TB-500 interacts with medicines. Reviewers note that how the body handles BPC-157 is still undefined, including which enzymes break it down and what interactions arise from its binding to blood proteins[4].
Because neither is an approved medicine, there is no official product information listing interactions or health conditions that call for caution[4][9]. Because of the theoretical concern about blood-vessel growth and tumours, one review says BPC-157 may not be the right choice where undetected cancer cells could be present[4], and a 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data[2].
Be careful if
- You compete in any tested sport: both are prohibited at all times[1].
- You're recovering from an injury: a 2026 review describes these peptides as unproven in humans and says they should not replace, or be added to, standard orthopaedic care[14].
- Someone recommends them for injury recovery: they come from a grey market largely outside regulatory oversight[5].
- You've had cancer: reviewers raise a theoretical concern that the blood-vessel growth BPC-157 promotes in animals could also feed tumours[4].
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding or under 18: a 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data for BPC-157[2], and the only human safety study was a pilot in 2 healthy adults[3].
- You take regular medicines: how BPC-157 might interact with them hasn't been worked out[4].
Are BPC-157 and TB-500 allowed in competition?
BPC-157 is named in the list's S0 section, non-approved substances, and TB-500 is named in section S2.3, growth factors and growth factor modulators, as a derivative of thymosin beta-4. Both are prohibited at all times, in and out of competition[1]. BPC-157 was added by name in 2022[3][2], and the 2026 list still names it[1]. The list's examples aren't exhaustive, so a substance that isn't named can still be prohibited[1].
Under the World Anti-Doping Code, an athlete is responsible for any prohibited substance found in their sample, whatever the reason it is there[18]. Laboratories have published a validated method to detect BPC-157 and five of its breakdown products in human urine[19], and methods for TB-500's key ingredient in urine and plasma, including in horses[7][6].
Batch-testing schemes, which check supplement products for prohibited substances[18], don't change this: BPC-157 and TB-500 are themselves prohibited[1].
Myth or evidence?
5 things runners hear about BPC-157 and TB-500. Pick an answer to see what the research says.
1.BPC-157 is only banned during competition.
Show the answer
Myth. It is prohibited at all times, in and out of competition[1].
2.Controlled trials show BPC-157 helps athletes recover.
Show the answer
Myth. A 2025 systematic review found no such trials: 35 of 36 studies were in animals or cells[2].
3.Collagen peptides and BPC-157 are the same thing.
4.Nobody knows how safe these peptides are in people.
Show the answer
Evidence. A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data[2].
5.BPC-157 has been taken off the banned list.
Show the answer
Myth. The 2026 WADA list still names BPC-157 under S0, non-approved substances, prohibited at all times[1].
Have you tried BPC-157 and TB-500?
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Frequently asked questions
- Are BPC-157 and TB-500 banned in athletics?
- Yes. Both are prohibited at all times under the WADA Prohibited List[1].
- Is there any evidence BPC-157 helps injuries heal?
- In animals, there is a lot; in people, almost none. A 2025 systematic review found 35 animal or lab studies and one small, uncontrolled clinical study[2].
- Is BPC-157 safe?
- Nobody knows. A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data and warns of risks from unregulated manufacturing and contamination[2]. Another review warns that unapproved peptides carry a potential for serious harm[5].
- Are these the same as collagen peptides?
- No. Collagen peptides are a food supplement tested in randomised trials[10]; BPC-157 and TB-500 are unapproved substances prohibited in sport[1].
- Why are they talked about so much?
- They are marketed for faster injury recovery through a grey market largely outside regulation, and a 2026 review describes how social media amplifies the placebo effect around them[5].
- Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
- Not quite: TB-500 is a fragment of thymosin beta-4[5]. Its key ingredient is a synthetic copy of a seven-amino-acid region of the protein[6]. The anti-doping list prohibits thymosin beta-4 and its derivatives[1].
- Is BPC-157 still banned in 2026?
- Yes. The 2026 WADA Prohibited List names BPC-157 in section S0, non-approved substances, prohibited at all times[1]. One 2025 review stated that it was no longer listed[4]; that statement is wrong, and the current list contradicts it[1].
- Can a drug test detect BPC-157 or TB-500?
- Yes, detection methods exist. Researchers have published a validated method that detects BPC-157 and five of its breakdown products in human urine[19], and methods for TB-500's key ingredient[7][6].
- Is BPC-157 an approved medicine anywhere?
- No. BPC-157 has not been approved by the US FDA or other regulators[4], and WADA places it among substances with no current approval by any government health regulator for human use[1].
- Are other peptides like CJC-1295, ipamorelin or MK-677 allowed in sport?
- No. The WADA list names CJC-1295, ipamorelin and ibutamoren (MK-677) as growth hormone releasing factors, and AOD-9604 as a growth hormone fragment, all in section S2 and prohibited at all times[1]. MOTS-c is listed in section S4 under metabolic modulators, also prohibited at all times[1].
- Does thymosin beta-4 help muscles recover after hard running?
- There's no evidence that it does. Blood levels rise naturally during exercise, but in mice extra thymosin beta-4 did not improve muscle regeneration[16]. Human studies of TB-500 and similar peptides are few and mostly poorly controlled[14].
- Why do people say BPC-157 has no side effects?
- Because the few small human reports described none, which is not the same as showing it is safe. A 2025 systematic review found no clinical safety data[2], and the three small, uncontrolled pilot studies that reported no side effects were far from the large, rigorous trials needed[3].
- Has BPC-157 been tested in women?
- Not in any published controlled trial, and not at all in women athletes. A 2025 review found only three human studies of BPC-157, all small, uncontrolled pilots in patients or healthy volunteers, none of them athletes[3].
References
- [1]
World Anti-Doping Agency The Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency, 2026.
RegulatorBPC-157 is named under S0, non-approved substances; thymosin beta-4 and its derivatives, e.g. TB-500, under S2.3, growth factors. CJC-1295, ipamorelin, ibutamoren and AOD-9604 are under S2.2, MOTS-c under S4.4. All are prohibited at all times.
www.wada-ama.org/en/prohibited-list - [2]
Vasireddi N, Hahamyan H, Salata MJ, et al. Emerging use of BPC-157 in orthopaedic sports medicine: a systematic review. HSS Journal, 2025.
Systematic review36 studies: 35 in animals or cells and one small retrospective clinical study. No clinical safety data. Not approved by the US FDA.
doi.org/10.1177/15563316251355551 - [3]
McGuire FP, Martinez R, Lenz A, et al. Regeneration or risk? A narrative review of BPC-157 for musculoskeletal healing. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2025.
Expert reviewBroad animal evidence, but only three small pilot studies in humans. BPC-157 should be treated as investigational until proper trials exist.
doi.org/10.1007/s12178-025-09990-7 - [4]
Józwiak M, Bauer M, Kamysz W, et al. Multifunctionality and possible medical application of the BPC 157 peptide: literature and patent review. Pharmaceuticals, 2025.
Expert reviewMost BPC-157 studies used rats and mice; no completed clinical study shows efficacy in humans and no regulator has approved it. Raises theoretical risks; interactions undefined. Its claim that WADA no longer lists BPC-157 is contradicted by the 2026 list.
doi.org/10.3390/ph18020185 - [5]
Mendias CL, Awan TM Safety and efficacy of approved and unapproved peptide therapies for musculoskeletal injuries and athletic performance. Sports Medicine, 2026.
Expert reviewA grey market of unapproved peptides, including BPC-157 and TB-500, sells directly to the public, largely outside regulation. Human safety data are scarce and serious harm is possible.
doi.org/10.1007/s40279-026-02437-0 - [6]
Ho EN, Kwok WH, Lau MY, et al. Doping control analysis of TB-500, a synthetic version of an active region of thymosin β4, in equine urine and plasma by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Journal of Chromatography A, 2012.
Non-randomised trialTB-500 emerged as a veterinary product whose key ingredient is a synthetic, acetylated copy of a seven-amino-acid region of thymosin beta-4. Describes a method to detect it in horses.
doi.org/10.1016/j.chroma.2012.09.043 - [7]
Esposito S, Deventer K, Goeman J, et al. Synthesis and characterization of the N-terminal acetylated 17-23 fragment of thymosin beta 4 identified in TB-500, a product suspected to possess doping potential. Drug Testing and Analysis, 2012.
Observational studyIdentified the acetylated 17–23 fragment of thymosin beta-4 in TB-500, a product suspected of use in doping, and proposed a way to detect it in plasma and urine.
doi.org/10.1002/dta.1402 - [8]
Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, Kleinman HK Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2012.
Expert reviewThymosin beta-4 is a natural peptide released by platelets, macrophages and other cells after injury. It binds actin and promotes cell migration, including of cells that form new blood vessels.
doi.org/10.1517/14712598.2012.634793 - [9]
Delcourt V, Garcia P, Chabot B, et al. Equine doping controls of thymosin β4: a population study and strategy for misuse detection. Drug Testing and Analysis, 2025.
Observational studyThymosin beta-4 is not authorised as a medicine and is banned by WADA and in horse sport. Products sold online claim to contain it or a synthetic fragment; a synthesis impurity can be detected.
doi.org/10.1002/dta.3806 - [10]
Khatri M, Naughton RJ, Clifford T, et al. The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on body composition, collagen synthesis, and recovery from joint injury and exercise: a systematic review. Amino Acids, 2021.
Systematic review15 randomised trials of collagen peptides, a food supplement, mostly in recreational athletes.
doi.org/10.1007/s00726-021-03072-x - [11]
Krug O, Thomas A, Walpurgis K, et al. Identification of black market products and potential doping agents in Germany 2010-2013. European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2014.
Observational studyThe Cologne anti-doping laboratory analysed 337 black-market products: 67 active ingredients, 49 classed as doping agents by WADA. Thymosin beta-4 was among the notable finds.
doi.org/10.1007/s00228-014-1743-5 - [12]
Janvier S, Cheyns K, Canfyn M, et al. Impurity profiling of the most frequently encountered falsified polypeptide drugs on the Belgian market. Talanta, 2018.
Observational studyFalsified peptide drugs from suspected illegal online pharmacies varied widely in content, had purity as low as 5% for some, and contained arsenic and lead.
doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2018.06.023 - [13]
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Two arrested during the MHRA's largest ever seizure of unlicensed weight loss medicines. GOV.UK, 2026.
RegulatorThe MHRA raided a suspected illicit facility making unlicensed weight-loss medicines and peptide products; two people were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
www.gov.uk/government/news/two-arrested-during-the-mhras-largest-ever-seizure-of-unlicensed-weight-loss-medicines - [14]
Tewari K, Liu TP, Im C, et al. Peptide supplements and their therapeutic applications in sports medicine. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2026.
Expert review67% of publications on six popular peptides were animal studies. Human studies were few and mostly poorly controlled; claimed benefits are unsubstantiated.
doi.org/10.1177/03635465261464420 - [15]
Gwyer D, Wragg NM, Wilson SL Gastric pentadecapeptide body protection compound BPC 157 and its role in accelerating musculoskeletal soft tissue healing. Cell and Tissue Research, 2019.
Expert reviewAnimal studies of tendon, ligament and muscle healing all reported positive effects, but mostly in small rodents, from a handful of research groups, and unconfirmed in humans.
doi.org/10.1007/s00441-019-03016-8 - [16]
Gonzalez-Franquesa A, Stocks B, et al. Discovery of thymosin β4 as a human exerkine and growth factor. American Journal of Physiology: Cell Physiology, 2021.
Non-randomised trialThymosin beta-4 rose in the blood of exercising people. In mice it did not improve muscle regeneration or ease the metabolic disruption of diet-induced obesity.
doi.org/10.1152/ajpcell.00263.2021 - [17]
Wang X, Liu L, Qi L, et al. A first-in-human, randomized, double-blind, single- and multiple-dose, phase I study of recombinant human thymosin β4 in healthy Chinese volunteers. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 2021.
Randomised controlled trialIn a placebo-controlled trial in 84 healthy adults, adverse events with recombinant human thymosin beta-4 (the whole protein, not TB-500) were mild to moderate, with none serious.
doi.org/10.1111/jcmm.16693 - [18]
Maughan RJ, Burke LM, Dvorak J, et al. IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2018.
Consensus statementInadvertent use of substances prohibited under anti-doping codes is a known risk of some supplements; the rules of strict liability apply.
doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-099027 - [19]
Tian T, Jing J, Li Y, et al. Stable isotope labeling-based nontargeted strategy for characterization of the in vitro metabolic profile of a novel doping BPC-157 in doping control by UHPLC-HRMS. Molecules, 2023.
Observational studyMapped how BPC-157 breaks down in lab models and validated a method to detect it and five of its main breakdown products in human urine for doping control.
doi.org/10.3390/molecules28217345
Who wrote and reviewed this
Written by Grant MacMillan, Editor, RunV. Not yet reviewed by an expert.
Last checked against its references . Next review due . How pages are reviewed · How we grade research
