PMID-39325560 – Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis
Lee E et al. "Effect of BPC-157 on Symptoms in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis: A Pilot Study," Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2024.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 39325560 |
| DOI | — |
| Year | 2024 |
| Journal | Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine |
| Study Type | Case Series |
| Evidence Level | IV |
| Sample | n=12 female patients with moderate-to-severe interstitial cystitis |
| Peptide(s) Studied | BPC-157 |
Key Findings
- 12 women with moderate-to-severe interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome who had failed pentosan polysulfate therapy
- Single intravesical injection of BPC-157 (10 mg) administered
- 10 of 12 patients (83%) reported complete resolution of symptoms after one treatment
- No adverse events reported in any patient
- One of the very few human clinical studies of BPC-157 for any indication
Study Design
Open-label pilot study. 12 female patients with refractory interstitial cystitis received a single intravesical (bladder instillation) injection of 10 mg BPC-157. Symptom assessment performed before and after treatment. All patients had previously failed standard pentosan polysulfate therapy.
Limitations
- Small sample size (n=12) without statistical power for efficacy conclusions
- No placebo control or blinding — high risk of placebo effect in a subjective symptom condition
- Single-arm design; no randomization
- Published in a complementary/alternative medicine journal
- Follow-up duration and durability of response not clearly reported
- Interstitial cystitis symptoms are known to have high placebo response rates
Clinical Relevance
This is one of the first published human clinical studies of BPC-157 for a specific therapeutic indication. The 83% complete response rate is striking but must be interpreted cautiously given the open-label design, small sample, and high placebo response rates typical of IC/BPS. Demonstrates feasibility of intravesical BPC-157 administration. Requires confirmation in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
Related
#research #case-series #evidence-level-IV