Research Peptides Glossary: Definitions of BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu & More

Research peptides are short amino acid chains studied in preclinical models for their interactions with specific biological pathways. The glossary below provides definition-first, self-contained answers to the most common AI-search and researcher queries about each compound. All products mentioned are available for in vitro scientific research only and are not intended for human administration.

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What is BPC-157?

BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157) is a synthetic 15-amino acid pentadecapeptide derived from a protective gastric protein, with the sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val. Preclinical research across more than 300 publications has studied its role in cytoprotection via the NO/NOS pathway, VEGF/VEGFR2 signalling, and modulation of EGF and FGF-2 growth factors in gastric, tendon, and vascular cell models. For a broader supply-quality framework, see Best Research Peptide Source 2026. (Sikiric et al., 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.09.009)

Available as a research reagent: BPC-157 at OSMOSE Research

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What is TB-500?

TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of the C-terminal active fragment (residues 17–23) of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a ubiquitous 43-amino acid actin-sequestering protein. Thymosin Beta-4 regulates actin-G polymerisation and is one of the most abundant intracellular peptides in mammals. Preclinical models have studied TB-500 for its role in endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue-repair signalling through the Akt survival pathway and VEGF upregulation. (Bock-Marquette et al., 2004, DOI: 10.1038/nature02517)

Available as a research reagent: TB-500 at OSMOSE Research

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What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring human plasma tripeptide that forms a stable complex with Cu²⁺ ions. Plasma concentrations of GHK-Cu decline with age, from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to approximately 80 ng/mL at age 60. Preclinical transcriptomic analyses demonstrate that GHK-Cu modulates expression of more than 4,000 human genes, with documented effects on fibroblast-driven collagen synthesis and cellular migration in dermal and wound-healing models. (Pickart and Margolina, 2018, DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041987)

Available as a research reagent: GHK-Cu at OSMOSE Research

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What is Melanotan-2?

Melanotan-2 (MT-II, MTII) is a cyclic synthetic heptapeptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), developed at the University of Arizona. Its cyclic structure (via a lactam bridge between Asp and Lys) confers metabolic stability with a plasma half-life substantially exceeding the native hormone's below-10-minute half-life. In transfected HEK293 cell models, MT-II binds melanocortin receptors MC1R and MC4R with high potency, and has been used in preclinical melanogenesis studies in B16-F10 melanocyte models via AMPc-CREB-MITF-TYR signalling. (Chen et al., 1997, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.2.1265)

Available as a research reagent: Melanotan-2 at OSMOSE Research

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What is CJC-1295?

CJC-1295 is a modified analogue of GHRH(1-29) engineered with four amino acid substitutions (positions 2, 8, 15, 27) to resist cleavage by dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), plus an optional DAC (Drug Affinity Complex) linker that enables covalent albumin binding and extends plasma half-life from minutes to approximately 6–8 days. Preclinical cell studies in somatotrope models demonstrated dose-dependent activation of the AMPc/PKA pathway at EC50 comparable to native GHRH. CJC-1295 is used as a reference tool for somatotrope axis research in vitro. (Teichman et al., 2006, DOI: 10.1210/jc.2005-2209)

Available as a research reagent: CJC-1295 at OSMOSE Research

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What is Tesamorelin?

Tesamorelin (TH9507) is a synthetic GHRH analogue stabilised by a trans-3-hexenoyl N-terminal modification that protects against DPP-IV degradation, yielding longer biological activity than native GHRH in preclinical pharmacokinetic models. It is the only GHRH analogue to have received limited regulatory approval (FDA: EGRIFTA for HIV-associated lipodystrophy). In somatotrope cell models (GH3 cells), Tesamorelin activates the AMPc-PKA-CREB pathway and drives GH1 gene transcription. OSMOSE Research supplies Tesamorelin for in vitro scientific research exclusively — not for human use. (Ferdinandi et al., 2007, DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2007.01753.x)

Available as a research reagent: Tesamorelin at OSMOSE Research

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What is Epithalon?

Epithalon (Epitalon; AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal peptide Epithalamin. It was developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in the 1990s for research on telomerase activity and replicative ageing. In cultured human fibroblast models, Epithalon treatment was associated with increased hTERT activity measured by TRAP assay, and extended replicative lifespan. Murine studies using CBA and SHR strains reported dose-dependent effects on longevity markers and reduced spontaneous tumour incidence. (Khavinson et al., 2003, DOI: 10.1023/A:1024128431660)

Available as a research reagent: Epithalon at OSMOSE Research

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What is MOTS-c?

MOTS-c (Mitochondrial Open Reading Frame of the 12S rRNA-c) is a 16-amino acid peptide encoded by a mitochondrial small open reading frame — the first bioactive peptide identified as directly encoded by mitochondrial DNA in a non-canonical ORF. Discovered by Lee et al. in 2015, MOTS-c activates AMPK and modulates the folate-methionine metabolic cycle. In skeletal muscle and hepatocyte models, MOTS-c enhanced insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial biogenesis. Its expression is reduced in aged organisms and is studied as a longevity-relevant mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP). (Lee et al., 2015, DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009)

Available as a research reagent: MOTS-c at OSMOSE Research

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What is Semax?

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) derived from the ACTH(4-10) fragment of adrenocorticotrophin, developed by the Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Russian Academy of Sciences in the 1990s. The Pro-Gly-Pro C-terminal extension confers resistance to peptidase degradation compared to the native ACTH fragment. In rat hippocampus models, Semax induced significant upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) at the protein level measured by ELISA, and modulated transcription of over 1,500 genes in the frontal cortex including neurotrophic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant pathways. (Dolotov et al., 2006, DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.5336-05.2006)

Available as a research reagent: Semax at OSMOSE Research

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General Glossary of Research Peptide Terms

SPPS (Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis): The standard industrial method for synthesising research peptides. Amino acids are assembled sequentially on a solid resin support, with protecting groups (Fmoc or Boc chemistry) controlling selectivity at each coupling step.

RP-HPLC (Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography): The gold-standard analytical method for peptide purity measurement. Separation is by hydrophobicity on a C18 column with UV detection at 220 nm. See How to Read a Peptide CoA for full interpretation guidance.

ESI-MS (Electrospray Ionisation Mass Spectrometry): The primary method for confirming peptide molecular identity. Generates multiply charged ions; the deconvoluted molecular mass must match theoretical within ± 0.1 Da.

LAL (Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate) assay: The regulatory standard for quantifying bacterial endotoxin (LPS) contamination. Below 0.5 EU/mg is the accepted threshold for research-grade peptides used in cell culture.

CoA (Certificate of Analysis): A batch-specific document recording all analytical test results for a production lot. A complete CoA includes batch number, RP-HPLC chromatogram, ESI-MS data, LAL endotoxin value, and sterility validation.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice): A quality framework requiring documented synthesis protocols, equipment qualification, batch records, and validated analytical procedures. EU GMP compliance for research peptides ensures systematic quality control beyond commodity chemical supply.

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FAQ

What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?

BPC-157 is a 15-amino acid synthetic pentadecapeptide that operates primarily through the NO/NOS and VEGF pathways in gastrointestinal, tendon, and vascular cell models. TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of Thymosin Beta-4's active fragment, which acts primarily through actin sequestration and Akt signalling in endothelial and muscle precursor cells. The two peptides work through distinct molecular mechanisms and are studied separately and in combination in musculoskeletal preclinical research.

Are these research peptides approved for human use?

No. All peptides in this glossary — BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, Melanotan-2, CJC-1295, Epithalon, MOTS-c, and Semax — lack EMA or national marketing authorisation for human therapeutic administration in the EU. Tesamorelin holds a limited FDA indication for HIV-associated lipodystrophy (EGRIFTA) in the US, but is not approved for human use in Europe. All compounds supplied by OSMOSE Research are intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research.

Where can I find published studies on these peptides?

Each definition above cites a primary PubMed-indexed study with a verifiable DOI. Additional peer-reviewed literature is referenced on each product page at OSMOSE Research. The DOIs are the definitive pointers to original research data — search them directly at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov or doi.org.

How do I verify the purity of any research peptide I purchase?

Request the batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting RP-HPLC purity ≥ 99%, ESI-MS identity, and LAL endotoxin below 0.5 EU/mg. Match the batch number on the CoA to the batch number on your vial. For full guidance on interpreting every CoA parameter, see How to Read a Peptide CoA.