GHK-Cu vs BPC-157: Regenerative Peptide Research Comparison
Quick Summary
GHK-Cu (copper peptide) and BPC-157 are two of the most studied regenerative peptides, but they operate through fundamentally different mechanisms. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex that modulates gene expression (4,000+ genes), while BPC-157 is a synthetic gastric pentadecapeptide that works through the FAK-paxillin and NO pathways. Both show remarkable wound-healing and tissue-repair properties in preclinical models.
GHK-Cu
Overview GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide complex consisting of the amino acids Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine chelated to a copper(II) ion. First isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart at UCSF.[1] Origin: GHK is an endogenous...
BPC-157
Overview BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin, PL 14736) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide composed of 15 amino acids (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV), derived from a partial sequence of a larger Body Protection Compound protein naturally found in human gastric juice.[1][2] Originally isolated by Dr....
Research Comparison: GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
| Dimension | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) + Cu²⁺ chelate | Pentadecapeptide (15 amino acids) from gastric juice |
| Origin | Naturally occurring in human plasma, saliva, urine | Synthetic fragment of human gastric juice protein BPC |
| Primary Mechanism | Gene expression modulation (4,000+ genes), copper delivery | FAK-paxillin pathway, NO system, VEGF upregulation |
| Wound Healing | Collagen synthesis, decorin production, angiogenesis | Accelerated granulation, epithelialization, angiogenesis |
| Anti-Inflammatory | TGF-β superfamily modulation, NFkB regulation | COX-2 pathway modulation, prostaglandin system |
| Unique Properties | Antioxidant (SOD activation), anti-aging gene expression reset | Gastric juice stability, oral bioavailability (unique for peptides) |
| Skin/Cosmetic Research | Extensive — skin remodeling, hair follicle enlargement, anti-wrinkle | Limited cosmetic focus; primarily internal tissue repair |
| Systemic Effects | DNA repair, stem cell attraction, neuroprotection | GI cytoprotection, musculoskeletal repair, CNS protection |
| Administration | Topical (primary for skin), subcutaneous, injection | Oral (unique), IP, subcutaneous, topical |
| Research Volume | 150+ publications | 800+ publications |
Chemical Properties Comparison
| Property | GHK-Cu | BPC-157 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C₁₄H₂₂CuN₆O₄ | C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂ |
| Molecular Weight | ~401.9 Da | 1419.556 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 89030-95-5 | 137525-51-0 |
| Amino Acid Sequence | — | — |
| PubMed Citations | 24 referenced | 30 referenced |
Explore Full Research Profiles
GHK-Cu
Overview GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is a naturally occurring tripeptide complex consisting of the amino acids Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine chelated to a copper(II) ion. First isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart at UCSF.[1] Origin: GHK is an endogenous...
BPC-157
Overview BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157, Bepecin, PL 14736) is a synthetic pentadecapeptide composed of 15 amino acids (GEPPPGKPADDAGLV), derived from a partial sequence of a larger Body Protection Compound protein naturally found in human gastric juice.[1][2] Originally isolated by Dr....
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For Research Use Only (RUO). This comparison is for educational and informational purposes only. All products are intended solely for in-vitro research and laboratory experimentation. Products have not been approved by the FDA for human or veterinary use. Pure U.S. Peptides does not condone or encourage the use of these products for anything other than strictly defined research applications.