BPC-157 vs GHK-Cu — How the Two Compounds Compare
BPC-157 and GHK-Cu are both research peptides frequently discussed together, 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 |
| Research focus | GI tissue, tendon/ligament & angiogenesis models | Copper-peptide & tissue-model research |
| 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 literature concerning gastrointestinal tissue models, tendon and ligament fibroblast cultures, and angiogenesis pathways. GHK-Cu appears in copper-peptide and tissue-model research. In both cases the published work is predominantly preclinical, and no conclusions about human effects can be drawn.
Regulatory status (both)
Neither compound is an approved medicine, and both are prohibited in sport by WADA. Index Peptides supplies both strictly for in-vitro laboratory research — not for human or veterinary use of any kind.
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.
Can they be used together?
Combining research compounds is a matter for the researcher's own protocol. Index Peptides supplies each material separately, strictly for in-vitro laboratory research.
How do I verify the identity of each?
Every released batch of either compound is HPLC purity tested and LC-MS identity confirmed, with the COA on the product page and batch lookup by lot number.
References
Research use only. Not for human or animal consumption.