BPC-157 — most-studied for gut
Originally isolated from a sequence in gastric juice. Rodent evidence for:
- NSAID-induced ulcer protection
- Ethanol-induced gastric damage
- TNBS-induced colitis (UC model)
- Short bowel syndrome adaptation
- Esophageal sphincter dysfunction
Reported gastric-stable, allowing oral administration with retained activity.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val)
Tripeptide from alpha-MSH. NF-κB inhibition. Studied for IBD specifically.
FDA-approved gut peptides
- Teduglutide (Gattex) — GLP-2 analog, FDA-approved for short bowel syndrome
- Linaclotide (Linzess), Plecanatide (Trulance) — GC-C agonist peptides for IBS-C and chronic constipation
Investigational
- Larazotide — zonulin inhibitor for celiac, Phase 3
- Various AMP (antimicrobial peptide) candidates for GI infections
Best peptide for ulcers?
Strongest rodent evidence is BPC-157. PPIs remain standard-of-care for human ulcers.