BPC-157 Heals Duodenocolic Fistulas in Rats by Rapidly Recruiting Blood Vessels to Both Sides of the Wound

BPC-157 healed duodenocolic fistulas in rats by rapidly inducing vessel recruitment at both fistula sides, with complete defect closure, no leakage, no weight loss, and favorable gene expression changes (elevated NOS-2, decreased COX-2/VEGF-A/NF-κB).

Animal study in rats with surgically created duodenocolic fistulas. BPC-157 given locally, intragastrically (10 μg/kg, 10 ng/kg), or intraperitoneally. Acute vascular response assessed at 3-15 min. Chronic healing assessed at days 1-28. Gene expression by mRNA analysis.

Gastrointestinal fistulas are notoriously difficult to heal and often require complex surgery. A peptide that can induce rapid vascular repair from both sides of a fistula represents a potentially transformative non-surgical approach to this challenging clinical problem.

BPC-157 research continues to expand its demonstrated healing capabilities across multiple tissue types. The fistula model is particularly compelling because it requires coordinated healing from two different tissue types (duodenum and colon) simultaneously — a more complex challenge than single-tissue wound healing.

Animal study in rats — human fistula healing may differ significantly. BPC-157 is not FDA-approved. Surgically created fistulas may not replicate disease-caused fistulas (Crohn's, radiation, etc.). Mechanism of rapid vessel recruitment not fully explained. No clinical trials for this indication.