How to run your
ARK protocol.
A practical guide to dosing, timing, and cycling for BPC-157 and TB-500. Designed to be read in under five minutes and referenced as needed. Discuss any protocol with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner before starting.
Standard daily protocol.
The dosing below reflects the most commonly used protocols within the longevity research community. Each ARK capsule is precisely dosed to keep this simple — no measuring, no splitting.
BPC-157 Protocol
TB-500 Protocol
Wolverine Protocol
Each ARK bottle contains 60 capsules. BPC-157 capsules contain 800mcg BPC-157 (Arginate Salt) plus 600mg Cissus Quadrangularis. TB-500 capsules contain 750mcg TB-500. Recommended daily dose is 2 capsules — a 30-day supply per bottle.
Loading, then maintenance.
Most longevity protocols follow a loading phase to establish baseline tissue levels, followed by maintenance dosing for ongoing support. A typical cycle runs 8 weeks.
Loading
Weeks 1 – 4Maintenance
Weeks 5 – 8Rest
Weeks 9 – 12- 2 capsules daily of each compound
- Establishes baseline tissue levels
- Take with a small meal
- Consistent daily timing
- 2 capsules daily of each compound
- Sustained tissue support
- Take with a small meal
- Consistent daily timing
- No active dosing
- Allows receptor reset
- Continue tracking baseline
- Optional — many run continuously
The rest phase is optional — there is no published evidence of receptor desensitisation with continuous use of either compound. Many users run continuously. The 12-week cycle is offered as a conservative default.
Six rules to follow.
Practical guidance based on the published pharmacokinetic data and common community practice. None of this is rigid — consistency matters more than perfect timing.
When to take
"BPC-157 is most commonly referenced as fasted — 30 minutes before your first meal. TB-500 has no food dependency and may be taken with or without food. Consistency of timing matters more than the specific window.".
Same time each day
Morning is most common. The exact time matters less than consistency — pick a slot you can stick to daily.
Both compounds together
If running the stack, take BPC-157 and TB-500 in the same window. There is no need to space them apart.
Hydrate
Take with a full glass of water. Standard practice for any oral capsule and supports gastric tolerance.
Track baseline markers
Bloodwork before starting and at end of cycle gives you data to evaluate effect. Don't run protocols blind.
Do not stack with NSAIDs
If managing inflammation, BPC-157 protocols pair best without concurrent NSAID use. Discuss with your practitioner.
Starter protocol.
If this is your first cycle with either compound, run the conservative version below. It establishes tolerance, gives you a baseline, and lets you assess response before scaling up.
Single Compound
Start With BPC-157 OnlyAdd TB-500
Move To Full Stack- 2 capsules of BPC-157 daily (800mcg BPC-157 Arginate + 600mg Cissus Quadrangularis)
- Allow two weeks to assess tolerance
- Note any digestive or sleep changes
- No need to start TB-500 yet
- "Add 2 capsules of TB-500 daily (750mcg)"
- Continue BPC-157 at standard dose
- Run together for full benefit
- Reassess at end of cycle
When to pause. When to continue.
Both compounds have a strong safety profile across decades of preclinical research. Whether you cycle or run continuously is a personal choice — here are the considerations.
Cycled (8 + 4)
Eight weeks on, four weeks off. Conservative default. Suitable for most users running an ongoing longevity protocol.
Continuous
No published evidence of tolerance or desensitisation. Common among long-term users. Reassess bloodwork quarterly.
Targeted
Run as a targeted protocol during specific periods where additional biological support is desired. 4–8 week protocols around those periods.
The protocol at a glance.
Everything above, distilled. Bookmark this section and reference it as needed.
This guide is a quick reference. It is not medical advice.
BPC-157 and TB-500 are not approved by the FDA, EMA, or MHRA for human therapeutic use. They are sold as research compounds. Discuss any protocol with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner who understands the published research and your individual context.
The dosing guidance above reflects common community practice within the longevity research space — it is not a clinical prescription. Adjust based on your practitioner's input, your bloodwork, and your individual response.