GHK-Cu vs TB-500
Tissue Repair
GHK-Cu
Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for extracellular matrix remodeling and gene expression modulation.
Tissue Repair
TB-500
Synthetic thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide studied for cell migration and angiogenesis.
Side by side
| Dimension | GHK-Cu | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 12.4× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 400.9 g/mol | 4963.44 g/mol |
| Size class | small molecule / short peptide | long peptide |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 | 77591-33-4 |
| Research area | repair | repair |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II) | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 50mg, 100mg | 5mg, 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $38 |
| Cost per mg Cost per milligram differs by more than 3×. Compare against the concentrations your protocol actually requires, not the headline vial price. | $0.64 | $6.40 |
Mechanism
GHK-Cu
GHK is a tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) present in human plasma that forms a high-affinity complex with copper(II). Plasma concentration declines markedly with age, which is the observation that originally drove research interest. Gene expression work has reported that GHK-Cu modulates a large number of human genes, and it is among the better-characterized peptides in dermatological and matrix biology literature.
TB-500
Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide and the principal G-actin sequestering molecule in mammalian cells. Its central mechanism is binding monomeric actin and regulating polymerization, which underlies its research relevance to cell motility, wound models, and angiogenesis. The actin-binding domain is localized to a short internal sequence (LKKTETQ), and some suppliers sell fragments of this region rather than the full peptide — a distinction worth confirming on any COA.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
GHK-Cu
Evidence base: coordination chemistry and matrix effects well characterized. Gene expression findings are broad and would benefit from independent replication with copper-only controls.
Full research reference →TB-500
Evidence base: the actin-sequestering mechanism is well established and independently replicated. Claims specific to the LKKTETQ fragment rest on a considerably thinner literature than those for full-length Tβ4.
Full research reference →Research applications
GHK-Cu
- Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis assays
- Gene expression profiling in fibroblast cultures
- Metalloproteinase and antiprotease balance studies
- Copper transport and chelation research
TB-500
- Actin polymerization and cytoskeletal dynamics assays
- Endothelial cell migration and tube formation studies
- Corneal and dermal wound model research
- Inflammatory cytokine modulation studies
Common questions
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and TB-500?
GHK-Cu is naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide studied for extracellular matrix remodeling and gene expression modulation. TB-500 is synthetic thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide studied for cell migration and angiogenesis. They differ in molecular weight (400.9 vs 4963.44 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, GHK-Cu or TB-500?
GHK-Cu is lower at approximately $0.64 per milligram at its best tier, against $6.40 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can GHK-Cu and TB-500 be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should GHK-Cu and TB-500 be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Characteristic blue coloration in solution is expected and indicates intact copper complexation. For TB-500: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
GHK-Cu — Evidence base: coordination chemistry and matrix effects well characterized. Gene expression findings are broad and would benefit from independent replication with copper-only controls. TB-500 — Evidence base: the actin-sequestering mechanism is well established and independently replicated. Claims specific to the LKKTETQ fragment rest on a considerably thinner literature than those for full-length Tβ4.
All products sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.