Ingredient or product comparison
GHK-Cu vs TB-4: Research Peptide Comparison
Molecular Weight 340 Da (tripeptide-copper complex) 4,963 Da (43-amino-acid polypeptide) GHK-Cu's smaller size allows superior dermal penetration; TB-4 requires injection for systemic effect Primary Mechanism TGF-β pathway activation, collagen gene upregulatio
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- Molecular Weight
- 340 Da (tripeptide-copper complex)
- 4,963 Da (43-amino-acid polypeptide)
- GHK-Cu's smaller size allows superior dermal penetration; TB-4 requires injection for systemic effect
- Primary Mechanism
- TGF-β pathway activation, collagen gene upregulation, MMP-1 suppression
- G-actin sequestration, immune cell migration, CXCR4 upregulation
- Mechanisms do not overlap. GHK-Cu targets matrix synthesis, TB-4 targets inflammation and angiogenesis
- Tissue Specificity
- Dermal, epithelial, hair follicle models
- Cardiac, neural, musculoskeletal, vascular models
- Choose based on tissue type in your protocol. Not interchangeable
- Demonstrated Efficacy
- 18.3% increase in skin density (12-week human trial), collagen I/III upregulation in fibroblast cultures
- 50% infarct size reduction in MI models, improved LVEF, enhanced angiogenesis in ischemic tissue
- Both show reproducible outcomes in their respective tissue contexts
- Stability & Storage
- Stable 28 days at 2–8°C post-reconstitution; copper dissociates outside pH 5.5–7.0
- Stable 30 days at 2–8°C post-reconstitution; lyophilized stability 12+ months at −20°C
- TB-4 tolerates broader storage conditions; GHK-Cu requires pH control
- Bioavailability Route
- High topical absorption (340 Da crosses stratum corneum); subcutaneous effective
- Topical absorption negligible; subcutaneous or intraperitoneal required
- GHK-Cu suitable for non-invasive models; TB-4 requires injection