Black & White Peptides Ltd. Registered in England & Wales, company number 16876162.
Research comparison
GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
Two of the most widely cited regenerative-research peptides – with completely different chemistry. GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺) studied in dermal and collagen research. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide derived from a fragment of human gastric juice protein, characterised in tissue-repair and gut-research literature. Both compounds are supplied for in-vitro laboratory research only.
At a Glance
| GHK-Cu | BPC-157 | |
|---|---|---|
| Class | Tripeptide-copper complex | Pentadecapeptide |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK) + Cu²⁺ | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Residue count | 3 amino acids | 15 amino acids |
| Molecular weight | ~401.84 g/mol (Cu-complex) | ~1,419.55 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 (Cu complex) | 137525-51-0 |
| Research category | Dermal / collagen research | Tissue-repair / gut research |
| Reference page | GHK-Cu → | BPC-157 → |
GHK-Cu – Copper-Binding Tripeptide
GHK-Cu is the smallest peptide in our regenerative-research category. It comprises just three amino acids – Glycine-Histidine-Lysine – bound to a Cu²⁺ ion. The peptide chelates copper with very high affinity through histidine’s imidazole nitrogen, lysine’s α-amino group, and a glycine carbonyl, forming a square-planar complex characterised in published copper-coordination chemistry literature.
GHK was first identified in 1973 as a plasma factor that influenced fibroblast growth in vitro. Since then it has accumulated a substantial body of dermal-research literature focused on collagen synthesis, decorin expression, and antioxidant pathways. The Pickart and Margolina 2018 review surveys roughly 600 published studies. GHK-Cu is widely used as a reference compound in cosmeceutical research and dermal-fibroblast assays.
- Just 3 residues – smallest peptide in our regenerative range
- Copper chelation defines the bioactive complex
- Hundreds of published studies in dermal and collagen research
- Light-sensitive – supplied in amber vials
- Modulator of collagen synthesis pathways in published literature
BPC-157 – Body Protection Compound 157
BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound 157) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide whose 15-amino-acid sequence (Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val) was identified within human gastric juice protein. The peptide is unusually stable in acidic conditions in published stability literature – a defining property that distinguishes it from many other research peptides.
The Sikiric group has published extensively on BPC-157 in preclinical models since the 1990s, with the literature emphasising tissue-repair, tendon and gut-research signals. Mechanism in published studies includes modulation of nitric oxide synthesis pathways, growth-hormone receptor expression in fibroblasts, and angiogenic markers. It is one of the most-cited research peptides in tendon and connective-tissue literature.
- 15-residue pentadecapeptide derived from gastric-juice protein
- Unusual acid stability in published literature
- Extensive preclinical literature in tissue-repair research
- Modulator of NO-synthesis pathways in published studies
- Most-cited research peptide in tendon / connective-tissue work
Mechanism & Chemistry Comparison
| Property | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence length | 3 residues + Cu²⁺ | 15 residues |
| Metal coordination | Cu²⁺ (essential for activity) | None |
| Acid stability | Stable | Unusually stable in acidic conditions |
| Primary research signal | Collagen / decorin expression in fibroblasts | NO synthesis; angiogenesis markers; tendon repair models |
| Light sensitivity | Yes – store in amber vial | Standard light protection |
| Reconstituted shelf life | ~30 days at 2–8 °C, protect from light | ~14 days at 2–8 °C |
When Researchers Choose GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
Reasons to select GHK-Cu
- Dermal-fibroblast or collagen research: GHK-Cu is the canonical reference in this literature.
- Copper-coordination chemistry studies: The defined Cu²⁺-binding geometry makes GHK-Cu valuable in metallopeptide research.
- Antioxidant pathway research: Published studies characterise SOD-mimetic and ROS-modulating signals.
- Cosmeceutical research: Most published topical-research papers reference GHK-Cu.
Reasons to select BPC-157
- Tendon / connective-tissue repair models: BPC-157 is the most-cited reference in this preclinical research area.
- Gastrointestinal research: Originating sequence and acid stability make it relevant to gut-research literature.
- Angiogenesis pathway research: Published studies characterise VEGF and NO-pathway signals.
- Acid-stable peptide research: One of the few research peptides documented as stable in low-pH conditions.
Laboratory Handling
Both peptides are supplied as lyophilised powder in sealed glass vials. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the side wall, swirling gently until fully dissolved. GHK-Cu is light-sensitive – store reconstituted solutions in amber containers and protect from prolonged light exposure. Use the on-site Reconstitution Volume Calculator for mg/mL maths.
| Compound | Lyophilised storage | Reconstituted shelf life |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 2–8 °C amber vial, 24+ months | ~30 days at 2–8 °C, light-protected |
| BPC-157 | 2–8 °C, 24+ months | ~14 days at 2–8 °C |
Purity & Verification
Both compounds are independently HPLC-verified by Janoshik Analytical at 99%+ purity. Where a Janoshik report has been issued for the current batch it is supplied with the order; otherwise we publish the verification record on the Purity page.
Frequently Asked Questions
GHK-Cu is a tripeptide-copper complex studied in collagen and dermal research. BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide characterised in tissue-repair literature. Same broad category (“regenerative research”) but completely different chemistry.
Both are extensively cited but in different research contexts. GHK-Cu dominates dermal / collagen / copper biochemistry; BPC-157 dominates tendon / connective-tissue / gut-research preclinical literature.
Yes – both stable 24+ months at 2–8 °C lyophilised. GHK-Cu is light-sensitive (amber vial). Reconstituted GHK-Cu uses within 30 days; BPC-157 within 14 days.
In published in-vitro literature both are sometimes used in parallel for tissue-repair characterisation. However, mixing two peptides in a single reconstituted vial is not recommended – pH and chelation chemistry differ. Reconstitute and dose separately.
In published research the copper is integral to characterised activity. Free GHK without bound copper has different chemistry and a separate research profile.
Related Comparisons
- BPC-157 vs TB-500 – pentadecapeptide vs Thymosin β4 fragment.
- GHK-Cu vs NAD+ – copper tripeptide vs cellular cofactor.