This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 study evaluates whether pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (BPC-157), an investigational peptide, can speed structural healing and functional recovery after an acute grade II hamstring muscle strain. Participants will receive BPC 157 or placebo for 14 days in addition to a standardized rehabilitation program. The co-primary endpoints are time to return to unrestricted sport and change in MRI-assessed injury volume at Day 14.
Acute hamstring strains are common in running- and field-based sports and often lead to prolonged time away from sport and a risk of recurrence. Preclinical research suggests that BPC 157 may influence pathways involved in tissue protection, angiogenesis, and repair. Human clinical evidence remains limited, so a controlled trial is needed to evaluate potential benefits and characterize safety in a musculoskeletal injury population. After screening and baseline assessments (including MRI confirmation of an acute grade II hamstring strain), eligible participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive subcutaneous BPC 157 or matching placebo once daily for 14 days. All participants will follow the same evidence-based rehabilitation protocol supervised by study physiotherapists. Clinical assessments will occur at Days 3, 7, 14, 28, and 56, with additional follow-up at 3 months after return-to-play for recurrence monitoring. Safety will be assessed through adverse event monitoring, vital signs, and standard laboratory tests. An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Committee will review unblinded safety data at predefined intervals.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
120
subcutaneous injection (administered by trained study staff). Schedule: once daily for 14 days.
subcutaneous injection (administered by trained study staff). Schedule: once daily for 14 days.
Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
RECRUITINGTime to return to unrestricted sport participation (days)
defined as clearance by a blinded sports medicine clinician and completion of a standardized functional performance battery without pain-limited stopping.
Time frame: 8 Weeks
Change from baseline to Day 14 in MRI-assessed hamstring injury volume (cm^3), measured by blinded central radiology review.
Time frame: 14 Days
Change in pain during activity on a 0-10 Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0 = no pain, 10 = worst pain).
Time frame: 56 Days
Hamstring strength limb symmetry index (LSI) by isokinetic dynamometry
Time frame: 56 Days
Change in Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS; 0-80, higher scores indicate better function)
Time frame: 56 Days
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