In a recent episode of the Flagrant podcast, renowned neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman opened up about his experience with a peptide that dramatically resolved a debilitating back injury. His testimony adds to the growing conversation about peptides and their therapeutic potential for tissue repair and recovery.
Dr. Huberman, a professor of neurobiology at Stanford University, revealed that he suffered from an L5 compression in his lower spine—a painful condition that left him in constant discomfort. He said: “I had a L5 compression and I was always like in pain standing up from a dumb thing. I don’t deadlift anymore, I just made a dumb mistake in terms of form. And massage, heat, electric therapy the, whole thing…”
The injury, which he attributed to a form mistake during deadlifting, proved resistant to conventional treatments. Despite trying massage therapy, heat applications, and electrical therapy, the pain persisted whenever he attempted to stand up.
The breakthrough came when Huberman turned to BPC-157, a peptide derived from a naturally occurring gastric peptide that promotes tissue healing. “Two injections of BPC-157. Look, if it was placebo, okay, I’ll take it – gone, gone,” Huberman stated emphatically during the podcast. The peptide, which stands for Body Protection Compound-157, is based on a gastric peptide that the human body naturally produces to promote healing of tissues.
While acknowledging that there aren’t extensive clinical studies on BPC-157 compared to others like sermorelin, Huberman pointed to its remarkable effectiveness in his case and others. He referenced an Olympic athlete who recovered from an Achilles tear using BPC-157, highlighting it’s potential for accelerating recovery from serious injuries. He said: “A few years ago, a guy tore his Achilles right before the Olympics. Came back BPC-157 was implicated in that.”
However, Dr. Huberman was careful to emphasize important caveats about peptide use. He stressed the critical importance of obtaining clean, pure sources, recommending that people work with licensed physicians and use reputable pharmacies. The gray market for peptides poses risks, as the purity and authenticity purchased from unverified online sources cannot be guaranteed.
Peptides like BPC-157 exist in an interesting middle ground between supplements and prescription d*gs. They’re part of a new category gaining popularity in health and fitness communities for their regenerative properties. Unlike anabolic steroids, peptides don’t carry the same risks of disrupting natural hormone production or fertility, making them an attractive option for people seeking enhanced recovery.
Dr. Huberman also discussed other peptides he uses, including sermorelin, which he takes three to five nights per week to stimulate growth hormone release, improve sleep quality, and enhance recovery. He emphasized that these should complement—not replace—fundamental health practices like proper sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
Major research institutions, including Stanford, are increasingly investigating peptides for their therapeutic applications. However, Huberman cautioned that because peptides promote growth of all tissues, they should be used judiciously and cycled appropriately to minimize any potential risks.