A new preprint study offers one of the first real-world looks at how often people are using BPC-157, an unapproved peptide popular for injury recovery. Researchers used a large language model to scan anonymized electronic health records for mentions of the substance. They found confirmed cases jumped from 54 in the first quarter of 2022 to 1,018 in the first quarter of 2026, suggesting a rapid increase in use despite a lack of regulatory approval or strong human safety data.
The study also found that roughly half of BPC-157 users combined it with other substances, most commonly testosterone, anti-inflammatory drugs, and TB-500. The average user who disclosed use was in their upper 40s and typically waited at least two months before mentioning it to a doctor. The authors caution that the data is imperfect, since BPC-157 has no insurance code and many patients may never disclose use at all.
For businesses and investors, the findings point to a growing gray market that is largely invisible to regulators and health systems. The study's demographic data also suggests significant underreporting, particularly among non-white patients, meaning the true scale of use is likely higher than the records show. The authors note that the preprint cannot yet answer questions about efficacy or safety, only that demand appears to be climbing quickly.