Research Peptide · For laboratory research use only
Also known as GHK-Cu/BPC-157/TB-500 Blend
GLOW is a three-peptide blend supplied in a single vial: GHK-Cu (50 mg), BPC-157 (10 mg) and TB-500 (10 mg). Each constituent has its own published literature. No published study of this three-peptide combination was identified, so the literature summarised here concerns the individual constituents.
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, studied in fibroblast culture and rat wound models1,2. BPC-157 is a synthetic pentadecapeptide studied mainly in rodent tendon, gastrointestinal and angiogenesis models3,4. TB-500 is a name used for synthetic thymosin beta-48, a 43-residue actin-sequestering peptide studied in wound and tissue repair models5,6,7.
As described in the research literature
As described in the research literature, GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures independently of any change in cell number1. In a rat wound chamber model it was associated with concentration-dependent increases in collagen, glycosaminoglycan and total protein content and in type I and type III collagen mRNA2.
BPC-157 has been studied in transected rat Achilles tendon healing, with in vitro work on tendocytes3. In endothelial cell and rat hind limb ischaemia models it was associated with increased expression and internalisation of VEGFR2 and activation of the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS pathway4.
Thymosin beta-4 was shown to be identical to the actin-sequestering peptide Fx, forming a 1:1 complex with actin monomers and inhibiting polymerisation5. In a rat full-thickness wound model it was associated with increased re-epithelialisation, collagen deposition and angiogenesis, and it stimulated keratinocyte migration in a Boyden chamber assay6. Its wider biology, including cell migration and stem and progenitor cell mobilisation, is reviewed by Goldstein and colleagues7.
What published studies have examined
Fibroblast culture work examined collagen production across a concentration range, measured independently of cell number1. Rat wound chamber studies examined dry weight, DNA, total protein, collagen and glycosaminoglycan content and collagen mRNA2.
Rat Achilles tendon transection studies used biomechanical, functional, microscopic and macroscopic measures alongside cultured tendocytes3. Angiogenesis was examined in chick chorioallantoic membrane and endothelial tube formation assays and by laser Doppler in a rat hind limb ischaemia model4.
Biochemical work characterised the binding of thymosin beta-4 to monomeric actin and its inhibition of salt-induced polymerisation5. A rat full-thickness wound model examined re-epithelialisation, wound contraction, collagen deposition and angiogenesis6,7.
The only combined-constituent study identified is a 2026 rat Achilles tendon transection-repair study comparing BPC-157, synthetic thymosin beta-4 (TB-500) and the two together, using maximum load to failure, Bonar and Movin histological scores and collagen type I and III immunohistochemistry. The authors reported no additional effect of the combination over either peptide alone on these measures8. GHK-Cu was not part of that study.
Sources [8]
Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. FEBS Letters, 1988.
In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds.
Maquart FX, Bellon G, Chaqour B, et al. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 1993.
Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates healing of transected rat Achilles tendon and in vitro stimulates tendocytes growth.
Staresinic M, Sebecic B, Patrlj L, et al. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2003.
Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation.
Hsieh MJ, Liu HT, Wang CN, et al. Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2017.
Thymosin beta 4 and Fx, an actin-sequestering peptide, are indistinguishable.
Safer D, Elzinga M, Nachmias VT The Journal of Biological Chemistry, 1991.
Thymosin beta4 accelerates wound healing.
Malinda KM, Sidhu GS, Mani H, et al. The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 1999.
Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications.
Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, et al. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2012.
Effects of BPC-157 and TB-500 on Achilles tendon healing in rats: A histopathological and biomechanical study.
Biçer O, Adanir O, Güleryüz Y, et al. Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, 2026.
This page is provided for research and educational reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, dosing guidance, or a recommendation for use. All compounds are strictly for laboratory and in-vitro research purposes.