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 are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.