A single injection of BPC-157 peptide into the bladder resolved interstitial cystitis symptoms in 10 of 12 women who had failed standard treatment, with no adverse effects.
10 of 12 patientsComplete symptom resolution after a single BPC-157 injection in women with treatment-resistant interstitial cystitis
What the researchers found
In 12 women with moderate to severe interstitial cystitis who had failed pentosan polysulfate treatment, a single intravesical injection of BPC-157 (10 mg total) around the inflamed bladder area produced complete symptom resolution in 10 of 12 patients (100% success rating). The remaining 2 patients reported 80% improvement. All 12 scored 5/5 on the Global Response Assessment. No adverse events were reported, and no patients dropped out.
Why it matters
Interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) is a debilitating condition with very limited treatment options — the only approved drug (pentosan polysulfate) often fails and can cause eye damage with long-term use. This pilot study from Dr. Edwin Lee is notable as one of the few published human trials of BPC-157, and the results were striking: a single injection resolved symptoms in most patients who had already failed standard treatment.
The numbers in context
12 patients; 10/12 complete resolution (100%); 2/12 rated 80% improvement; 12/12 scored 5/5 GRA; 10 mg BPC-157; mean age 58.3; 0 adverse events; 0 dropouts
How the study worked
This was an open-label pilot study at a private clinic. Twelve women (aged 39-76, mean 58.3 years) with interstitial cystitis who had not responded to pentosan polysulfate underwent cystoscopy. During the procedure, BPC-157 (10 mg total, from a 503A compounding pharmacy) was injected around the area of bladder inflammation in a single treatment. Efficacy was assessed using the Global Response Assessment questionnaire.
Who was studied
12 women aged 39-76 with moderate to severe interstitial cystitis who had not responded to pentosan polysulfate
What this study cannot tell us
Very small sample size (12 patients). No placebo control or blinding — this was an open-label study, making placebo effects a significant concern. Single-site study at a private clinic. No long-term follow-up data reported. BPC-157 was sourced from a compounding pharmacy, not pharmaceutical-grade manufacturing. The journal (Alternative Therapies) is not a top-tier urology publication.
How to read the evidence
This is a small, open-label pilot study with no placebo control (n=12). While the results are noteworthy, the lack of blinding and control group significantly limits the strength of the evidence.
When this study was published
Published in 2024. This is among the first published human clinical studies of BPC-157 and represents very early-stage evidence for this indication.
The bigger picture
BPC-157 has extensive animal data showing tissue-healing properties, but human clinical data has been extremely limited. This is one of the first published human studies of BPC-157 for any condition, and it comes from Dr. Edwin Lee, one of the few physicians publishing human BPC-157 data. If confirmed in controlled trials, intravesical BPC-157 could offer a much-needed alternative for interstitial cystitis patients who don't respond to current treatments.
Questions still open
- Would these results hold up in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with a larger sample size?
- How long do the symptom improvements last — was there follow-up at 6 or 12 months?
- What is BPC-157's mechanism of action in the bladder — does it promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, or both?
Common questions
Is BPC-157 FDA-approved for interstitial cystitis?
How is BPC-157 administered for bladder pain?
Read the original research
Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study.
Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 30(10), 12-17
Citation
Lee, Edwin; Walker, Christopher; Ayadi, Bahram. (2024). Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study.. Alternative therapies in health and medicine, 30(10), 12-17.