BPC-157 vs GHK-Cu — How the Two Compounds Compare
BPC-157 and GHK-Cu are both research peptides that are frequently compared, but they are very different molecules: a 15-amino-acid pentadecapeptide versus a copper-binding tripeptide. This page sets out the factual differences for researchers.
Last updated: 2026-08-21 · By: Index Peptides technical team
| BPC-157 | GHK-Cu | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Fragment of a protein in gastric juice | Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide |
| Type | 15-amino-acid peptide (pentadecapeptide) | Tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) with copper |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 | 89030-95-5 |
| Molecular weight | ~1419.6 g/mol | ~401.9 g/mol |
| Index Peptides formats | 5mg, 10mg + blends | 50mg |
They come from different places
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide whose sequence is a partial fragment of a protective protein originally identified in human gastric juice. GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) that occurs endogenously and is supplied as a copper complex. The two are not related and are not interchangeable.
Different chemistry
BPC-157 (CAS 137525-51-0, ~1419.6 g/mol) is more than three times the size of the GHK-Cu copper tripeptide complex (CAS 89030-95-5, ~401.9 g/mol). Both are supplied as lyophilised powders; the exact form is recorded on each batch's certificate of analysis.
Different research literature
BPC-157 appears in preclinical, predominantly in-vitro literature. GHK-Cu appears in copper-coordination chemistry and in-vitro cell-culture research. This page describes the materials and their documentation only.
Supply status (both)
Index Peptides supplies both strictly as research chemicals for in-vitro laboratory research. Products are sold exclusively to qualified researchers and licensed laboratories. Neither is for human or veterinary use.
Frequently asked questions
Is BPC-157 or GHK-Cu 'better'?
Neither is 'better' — they are different compounds from different origins, studied in different research contexts. Index Peptides supplies both as research materials only and takes no position on any application.
Is there a blend containing both?
Yes. A three-way blend of BPC-157, GHK-Cu and TB-500 is listed with its own batch record identifying each peptide.
How do I verify the identity of each?
Review the published certificate for the exact lot, including the laboratory, report date and analytical results actually reported. HPLC purity alone does not confirm LC-MS identity. Contact us before ordering if a required result is not published.
References
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.