Peptide Comparison
Ziconotide (Prialt)vsBPC-157
FDA-approved intrathecal analgesic derived from cone snail venom for severe chronic pain
The "Wolverine peptide" known for its remarkable healing properties across tendons, ligaments, muscles, and the gut.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Ziconotide (Prialt)
2.4 mcg/day–19.2 mcg/day mcg
BPC-157
250–500 mcg
Frequency
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Once daily
BPC-157
Once daily
Administration
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Intrathecal infusion
BPC-157
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Ongoing/indefinite
BPC-157
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
BPC-157
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
BPC-157
Strong preclinical (extensive animal studies)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Pain Relief
Opioid Alternative
Neuropathic Pain
Primary Benefit
Secondary Benefit
Additional Benefit
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Molecular Formula
C102H172N36O32S7
Molecular Weight
2639.2 Da
Half-Life
CSF: 4.6 hours; Plasma: 1.3 hours
Bioavailability
100% intrathecal; does not cross blood-brain barrier systemically
CAS Number
107452-89-1
BPC-157
Molecular Formula
C62H98N16O22
Molecular Weight
1419.53 g/mol
Half-Life
4-6 hours
Bioavailability
~100% (subcutaneous)
CAS Number
137525-51-0
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Ziconotide (Prialt)
BPC-157
Applications
Best
suited for
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Severe chronic pain management
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on severe chronic pain management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Opioid-refractory neuropathic pain
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on opioid-refractory neuropathic pain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Cancer-related intractable pain
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cancer-related intractable pain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Reducing systemic opioid dependence
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing systemic opioid dependence. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
BPC-157
Tendon and ligament injuries
Sprains, strains, tears, tendinitis - BPC-157 accelerates collagen synthesis and tissue repair
Gut healing
IBS, leaky gut, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions - derived from gastric juice, it has a natural affinity for digestive tissue
Muscle injuries
Strains, post-workout recovery, chronic muscle issues - promotes angiogenesis and growth factor expression
Joint problems
Arthritis support, joint pain, cartilage issues - anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties
Post-surgical recovery
Accelerating healing after procedures - works systemically to enhance the body's repair mechanisms
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Common
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Uncommon
- Confusion and Memory Impairment
- Ataxia and Nystagmus
Serious
- Psychiatric Symptoms
- Elevated Creatine Kinase and Rhabdomyolysis
- Psychiatric Symptoms
- Rhabdomyolysis with Acute Renal Failure
BPC-157
Common
- Injection site redness
- Mild nausea
- Dizziness
Uncommon
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Hot/cold sensations
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Ziconotide (Prialt, FDA-approved since 2004) demonstrates favorable safety in intrathecal delivery with dose-dependent adverse effects primarily cognitive/psychiatric: dizziness, confusion, memory impairment, and mood changes in 20-50% of patients depending on infusion rate. Serious risks include meningitis-like aseptic meningitis (rare but documented), cognitive decline requiring dose reduction in ~25% of treated patients, and infection at intrathecal catheter insertion site. Hemodynamic effects (hypotension, dizziness) occur in dose-dependent fashion, necessitating slow titration (starting at 2.4 mcg/day, increasing weekly).
Contraindications
- xPre-existing history of psychosis
- xInfection at the microinfusion injection site
- xUncontrolled bleeding diathesis
- xSpinal canal obstruction impairing CSF circulation
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. No FDA approval exists. Safety data comes primarily from rat and mouse studies, with only limited Phase 1-2 human data. Animal studies show no toxicity at therapeutic doses, but human data is insufficient for regulatory approval. The peptide is unregulated, and no standardized manufacturing or quality control requirements exist for research compounds. 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
- xPregnancy
- xBreastfeeding
- xActive cancer
- xHistory of cancer
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Ziconotide (Prialt) if...
- Severe chronic pain management
- Opioid-refractory neuropathic pain
- Cancer-related intractable pain
- Reducing systemic opioid dependence
Choose BPC-157 if...
- Injury recovery
- Post-surgery healing
- Chronic pain management
- Gut health