GHK-Cu vs BPC-157
Key differences, research and prices — side by side.
The key difference
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma and widely used in topical cosmetics. BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide studied mostly in rodent tissue-repair models.
| GHK-Cu | BPC-157 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycine-histidine-lysine) first isolated from human plasma in 1973. | BPC-157 (“body protection compound”) is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide based on a fragment of a protein found in human gastric juice. |
| How it works | It delivers copper to cells and has been shown in lab studies to influence the activity of many genes tied to collagen production and tissue remodeling. | Laboratory studies suggest it interacts with growth-factor and nitric-oxide signaling involved in blood-vessel formation (angiogenesis) and tissue repair, though its exact receptor target has not been identified. |
| Research areas |
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| Evidence | Mostly animal & lab studies | Mostly animal & lab studies |
| Regulatory status | Widely used in topical cosmetic products. Not approved by the FDA as a drug. | Not approved by the FDA for any use. Human data are limited to a handful of small studies. Prohibited in sport by WADA. |
| Research area | Dermal | Tissue Repair |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys:Cu | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV |
| Lowest price | $0.48/mg → | $3.96/mg → |
| Tested vendors | 2 | 2 |
| Third-party lab results | 5 COAs | 4 COAs |
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Educational comparison of published research — not medical advice, and not a recommendation of either compound. Prices are for reference only. Compounds referenced are sold by third parties for laboratory research use only and are not for human consumption.