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GHK-Cu vs BPC-157

Research material comparison: purity standards, available formats, molecular data, batch COA documentation, and regulatory status. For in vitro research use only.

GHK-Cu: FBPC-157: C
AttributeGHK-CuBPC-157
CategorySkin & Tissue RepairHealing & Recovery
Evidence RatingF — No Regulatory ActivityC — Phase I–II Clinical Trials
Clinical StatusAvailable in cosmetic formulations; no drug approvalResearch-only / No approved human indication. Phase I oral safety trial completed; Phase II UC trial underway.
MechanismGHK-Cu chelates copper(II) ions via its histidine residue and delivers bioavailable copper directly to cells, preventing free copper oxidative damage. It stimulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), attracts i...BPC-157 acts through multiple overlapping pathways. It promotes angiogenesis by upregulating VEGFR2 and VEGF expression, and activates nitric oxide synthesis via the Src kinase-caveolin-1 pathway and Akt-eNOS axis. It engages ERK1/2 signaling, activating c-Fos, c-Jun, and EGR-1 transcription factors...
Half-Life~30 minutes plasma~15 min IV (animal data); oral activity persists 24+ hours
Bioavailability—IM: 15-19% (rats), 45-51% (dogs); resistant to stomach acid degradation
Molecular Weight~403.9 g/mol~1419.5 g/mol
WADA StatusNot ListedProhibited
Research Half-Life~30 minutes plasma~15 min IV (animal data); oral activity persists 24+ hours
Key Use Cases
  • Skin Health
  • Anti-Aging
  • Wound Healing
  • Injury Recovery
  • Gut Health
Safety Concerns
  • Safety profile is excellent with minimal side effects reported in decades of cosmetic use and clinical research (PMID: 29986520)
  • Topical forms are generally well-tolerated; mild skin irritation rare and typically limited to very sensitive skin
  • Injectable forms: mild injection site reactions, lightheadedness, nausea, flu-like symptoms possible; rotate injection sites to reduce local irritation
  • No completed randomized controlled human clinical trials for safety assessment
  • Preclinical safety studies across multiple species found no toxic or lethal dose thresholds at ranges from 6 mcg/kg to 20 mg/kg; LD1 not achieved; no teratogenic, genotoxic, or anaphylactic effects in necropsy/histopathology
  • FDA previously classified BPC-157 as Category 2 (significant safety concerns); removed from Category 2 on April 15, 2026. PCAC review pending July 2026 to determine compounding eligibility. FDA noted insufficient human safety data and potential immunogenicity risks.
Contraindications
  • Copper sensitivity, Wilson disease, or Menkes disease (copper overload conditions)
  • Active skin infections at application site
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (safety not established)
  • Active cancer without medical clearance
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding (no safety data)
  • Active cancer or history of cancer (theoretical concern due to potent angiogenesis promotion; mechanistic overlap with tumor vascularization)
  • Individuals on anticoagulants (BPC-157 affects clotting and vessel constriction resolution)
  • Autoimmune conditions (immunogenicity risk noted by FDA)
Regulatory (US)Available as a cosmetic ingredient (Copper Tripeptide-1). Not FDA-approved as a drug. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026 after HHS Secretary Kennedy directed withdrawal of nominations. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. No IND application filed for injectable use.Not FDA-approved. Removed from Category 2 on April 15, 2026 after HHS Secretary Kennedy directed withdrawal of nominations. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026 to determine compounding eligibility. Previously prohibited from compounding under Category 2 since September 2023. WADA-banned.

Research Material Specifications

Catalog specifications for the corresponding research materials, including batch documentation coverage.

SpecificationGHK-CuBPC-157
Purity Standard≥98%≥98%
CAS Number89030-95-5137525-51-0
Molecular FormulaC₁₄H₂₃CuN₆O₄C₆₂H₉₈N₁₆O₂₂
Available Formats50mg5mg, 10mg, 10mg
Batch COAs Published1 on file3 on file
Stock StatusIn stockIn stock

Availability at Volta Peptides

GHK-Cu 50mg

≥98% purity · HPLC verified · In stock

$24

BPC-157 5mg

≥98% purity · HPLC verified · In stock

$34

Research Disclaimer: This comparison is provided for educational purposes only. All products are sold exclusively for in vitro research use. The information presented is based on published preclinical and clinical research and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding peptide use.

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