BPC-157 vs Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
The "Wolverine peptide" known for its remarkable healing properties across tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the gut.
Recombinant human relaxin-2 studied for acute heart failure recovery and cardiovascular support
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
BPC-157
250–500 mcg
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
30–30 mcg/kg/day
Frequency
BPC-157
Once daily
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Once daily
Administration
BPC-157
Subcutaneous injection
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Intravenous (IV) infusion
Cycle length
BPC-157
4-6 weeks
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
8-12 weeks
Onset speed
BPC-157
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
BPC-157
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
Primary Benefit
Secondary Benefit
Additional Benefit
Cardiovascular Function
Heart Failure Support
Acute Medical Management
Compound specifications
BPC-157
Molecular formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular weight
1419.53 g/mol
Half-life
4-6 hours
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
CAS number
137525-51-0
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Molecular formula
C256H408N74O74S8
Molecular weight
5,963 Da (Daltons)
Half-life
Varies by route of administration
Bioavailability
Varies by route of administration
CAS number
See PubChem for identifiers
Dosing compared
BPC-157
Subcutaneous
250 mcg
Once daily · 1-2 weeks
A common starting amount in research practice, often injected near the injured area. BPC-157 has no human dose-finding trials, so doses come from animal studies and documented practice [1][2].
250-500 mcg
Twice daily · 4-6 weeks
Commonly used range for tissue and tendon recovery in research practice [1][3].
500 mcg
Twice daily · 6-8 weeks
Upper end used in practice for more demanding acute injuries [1][3].
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Intravenous
30 mcg/kg/day
Continuous IV infusion · 48 hours
Weight-adjusted continuous IV infusion used across the RELAX-AHF programme for acute heart failure; improved dyspnea but did not reduce mortality in RELAX-AHF-2 [3][5]. Hospital administration only.
Best suited for
BPC-157
Tendon and ligament injuries
Sprains, strains, tears, tendinitis - BPC-157 accelerates collagen synthesis and tissue repair [1][7]
Gut healing
IBS, leaky gut, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions [1][11] - derived from gastric juice, it has a natural affinity for digestive tissue [3][5]
Muscle injuries
Strains, post-workout recovery, chronic muscle issues - promotes angiogenesis and growth factor expression [8]
Joint problems
Arthritis support, joint pain, cartilage issues - anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties [9][10]
Post-surgical recovery
Accelerating healing after procedures - works systemically to enhance the body's repair mechanisms [2]
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Acute heart failure symptom management
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on acute heart failure symptom management. Research supports its use in this area [5][9].
Cardiovascular recovery and support
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on cardiovascular recovery and support. Research supports its use in this area [2].
Hospital-based therapeutic interventions
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) is particularly effective for individuals focused on hospital-based therapeutic interventions. Research supports its use in this area [3][15].
Side effects
BPC-157
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
Uncommon
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Hot/cold sensations
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Common
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) - most common
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Peripheral edema (swelling)
- Increased creatinine levels
- Hyperkalemia (high potassium)
- Syncope (fainting)
- Atrial fibrillation
- Blood pressure checks every 2-4 hours during infusion
- Kidney function (creatinine and eGFR)
- Electrolytes, particularly potassium
- Heart rate and cardiac rhythm
- Urine output
Serious
- Severe cardiovascular events
Safety & evidence
BPC-157
Evidence level
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
BPC-157 is a gastric pentadecapeptide with strong preclinical evidence from extensive animal studies spanning over 25 years of research. Critical limitation: BPC-157 has NOT completed Phase 3 human clinical trials. [5] No FDA approval exists. [4][6] Safety data comes primarily from rat and mouse studies, with only limited Phase 1-2 human data. [4][5] Animal studies show no toxicity at therapeutic doses, but human data is insufficient for regulatory approval. [2][4] The peptide is unregulated, and no standardized manufacturing or quality control requirements exist for research compounds. [6][7] Individual responses may vary significantly, and serious medical supervision is essential before use, particularly if you have gastrointestinal conditions, take medications, or have pre-existing medical conditions.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Active cancer
- History of cancer
Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Serelaxin (recombinant relaxin-2) completed Phase III heart failure trials with favorable safety profile and cardiovascular benefit signals. [3][5][9] Hypotension occurs in 20-25% of subjects requiring hemodynamic monitoring; no serious adverse events directly attributable to serelaxin beyond expected vasodilatory effects. [11] Flushing and headaches mild and transient. No serious immunogenicity despite being recombinant human peptide; repeat dosing shows consistent response [12].
Contraindications
- Severe hypotension or hemodynamic instability
- Pregnancy (despite relaxin's natural role)
- Acute kidney injury or severe renal dysfunction
- Recent myocardial infarction (within 7 days)
- Uncontrolled arrhythmias
Which is right for you?
Choose BPC-157 if...
- Injury recovery
- Post-surgery healing
- Chronic pain management
- Gut health
Choose Relaxin-2 (Serelaxin) if...
- Acute heart failure symptom management
- Cardiovascular recovery and support
- Hospital-based therapeutic interventions