Gut Healing Research Peptides
Overview
7 research peptides demonstrate gut healing properties. This collection covers their mechanisms, evidence base, and research applications.
BPC-157
Phase I–II Clinical Trials | Healing & Recovery
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide (sequence: Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val, MW ~1419.5 g/mol) derived from a protein found in human gastric juice.
Mechanism: BPC-157 acts through multiple overlapping pathways. It promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression, and activates nitric oxide synthesis via the Src kinase-caveolin-1 pathway and...
KPV
Preclinical | Anti-Inflammatory / Immune
KPV is a naturally occurring tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val, MW ~342.4 g/mol) derived from the C-terminal region (positions 11–13) of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH).
Mechanism: KPV exerts anti-inflammatory effects through a mechanism distinct from the parent α-MSH hormone. Rather than acting through melanocortin receptors (which would trigger pigmentation), KPV is...
Larazotide
Phase III / NDA Filed | Healing & Recovery
Larazotide (AT-1001) is a synthetic 8-amino acid peptide that acts as a tight junction regulator. It is being developed as an oral adjunct therapy for celiac disease, designed to reduce intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") triggered by gluten...
Mechanism: Larazotide acts as a zonulin antagonist, blocking the zonulin pathway that opens tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium.
Teduglutide
FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GLP-2 Analog
Teduglutide is a 33-amino-acid recombinant analog of human glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) (MW ~3752 g/mol) with a single amino acid substitution (Ala2 to Gly) that confers resistance to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) degradation.
Mechanism: Teduglutide binds to the GLP-2 receptor expressed on intestinal subepithelial myofibroblasts, enteric neurons, and enteroendocrine cells.
Plecanatide
FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GC-C Agonist
Plecanatide is a 16-amino-acid synthetic peptide (MW ~1681.9 g/mol) that is a structural analog of uroguanylin, an endogenous intestinal peptide.
Mechanism: Plecanatide binds to and activates guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) receptors on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, primarily in the proximal small intestine.
Linaclotide
FDA Approved | Gastrointestinal / GC-C Agonist
Linaclotide is a 14-amino-acid synthetic peptide (MW ~1526.8 g/mol) structurally related to the endogenous guanylin and uroguanylin peptides, containing three intramolecular disulfide bonds.
Mechanism: Linaclotide binds to and activates GC-C on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating intracellular cGMP production.
Uroguanylin
Preclinical (for uroguanylin itself) / A for GC-C pathway | GI / Metabolic
Uroguanylin is a 16-amino-acid intestinal peptide hormone that activates guanylate cyclase C (GC-C) receptors on intestinal epithelial cells.
Mechanism: Uroguanylin binds to GC-C receptors on the luminal surface of intestinal epithelial cells, stimulating intracellular cGMP production.
Related Products
Related Research News
BPC-157 Gut Health: Gastric Cytoprotection Studies
Research on BPC-157 began with gastric cytoprotection in the early 1990s, led by Sikiric and colleagues at the University of Zagreb. Studies show it protects against ethanol-induced lesions and NSAID damage in rat models, with effects linked to angiogenesis, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and gut-brain signaling. This body of work highlights its stability for oral use and broad preclinical applications in GI models.
KPV Peptide Research Guide: Synthesis, Uses and Lab Safety
KPV peptide, a tripeptide of lysine, proline and valine with formula C12H22N4O4, shows anti-inflammatory effects in studies on bowel disease and wound healing. Labs produce it mainly via solid-phase peptide synthesis, confirmed pure by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Proper storage, quality checks and regulatory compliance ensure reliable research outcomes.
BPC-157 Shelf Life: Lyophilized vs Reconstituted Stability Guide
BPC-157 has a finite shelf life that varies by form and storage. Lyophilized powder lasts 12-18 months refrigerated or 24+ months frozen, while reconstituted solution holds for about 28 days under refrigeration. Factors like temperature, light, and handling influence stability, and researchers should watch for signs of degradation to ensure reliable results.