GHK-Cu vs IGF-1 LR3
GHK-Cu and IGF-1 LR3 come from different research areas and are studied in largely separate models — researchers usually compare them when scoping a broader protocol.
✓ both US-made · third-party tested · batch COA on every order
Last updated August 25, 2026
How do GHK-Cu and IGF-1 LR3 differ?
GHK-Cu (Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research) is catalogued under skin & glow research; IGF-1 LR3 (Recombinant IGF-1 analog polypeptide) is catalogued under longevity & cellular research. Verve lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for IGF-1 LR3. Both are made in the United States, screened by HPLC to a 99%+ purity standard, and shipped with a batch-level certificate of analysis.
| field | GHK-Cu | IGF-1 LR3 |
|---|---|---|
| compound class | Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research | Recombinant IGF-1 analog polypeptide |
| research area | skin & glow | longevity & cellular |
| reported research applications | 4 listed | 5 listed |
| supplied as | single compound | single compound |
| catalog sizes | 100mg | 1mg · 2x 1mg |
| purity standard | 99%+ by HPLC | 99%+ by HPLC |
| manufactured | United States | United States |
| batch COA | published per lot | published per lot |
| endotoxin-tested option | available | available |
| co-formulated together in | not co-formulated | not co-formulated |
| price from | $64.99 | $93.49 |
| availability | in stock | out of stock |
Prices and stock read live from the catalog. Both compounds are supplied strictly as reference materials for in-vitro laboratory research.
What is GHK-Cu and what is IGF-1 LR3?
GHK-Cu is classified as Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research; IGF-1 LR3 as Recombinant IGF-1 analog polypeptide. Both profiles below cover scientific identity only — what the molecule is and which laboratory models it appears in. Verve supplies both strictly as in-vitro reference materials, and neither profile describes human or veterinary use.
GHK-Cu
Copper-binding tripeptide · dermal & remodeling research
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine complexed with copper(II), that occurs naturally in human plasma. Verve supplies it as a high-purity research compound for dermal and tissue-remodeling research.
full GHK-Cu profile →IGF-1 LR3
Recombinant IGF-1 analog polypeptide
IGF-1 LR3 is Long R3 insulin-like growth factor 1, a recombinant analog of human IGF-1 carrying an arginine substitution at position 3 and a 13-residue N-terminal extension. Those two modifications are what define it: they substantially reduce its affinity for the insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) that sequester native IGF-1 in culture systems.
full IGF-1 LR3 profile →Which research models is each compound studied in?
GHK-Cu sits in skin & glow research and IGF-1 LR3 in longevity & cellular research, so their listed models largely do not intersect. The table lists 4 reported research applications for GHK-Cu and 5 for IGF-1 LR3. Rows are per compound, not equivalences.
| GHK-Cu — reported research applications | IGF-1 LR3 — reported research applications |
|---|---|
| Dermal and collagen research models | IGF-1 receptor binding and signal-transduction research |
| Extracellular-matrix remodeling research | PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathway research in cellular models |
| Copper-transport peptide research | Cell-culture media supplementation for proliferation research |
| Gene-expression research | IGFBP interaction and free-ligand availability studies |
| — | Comparative analog research against native IGF-1 |
Research contexts only. Both compounds are supplied for laboratory research use only, and no entry above describes an effect in humans or animals.
What sizes and prices does verve list for GHK-Cu and IGF-1 LR3?
GHK-Cu is listed from $64.99 and IGF-1 LR3 from $93.49. The table below is every catalog size verve currently lists for the two compounds, at single-vial prices before the automatic multi-compound discount. Sizes describe the vial format supplied to the laboratory, nothing more.
| compound | size listed | price | availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 100mg | $64.99 | in stock |
| IGF-1 LR3 | 1mg | $93.49 | out of stock |
| IGF-1 LR3 | 2x 1mg | $171.49 | out of stock |
Any 2 different compounds take 20% off, any 3 take 30% — applied automatically in the cart, no code. Orders placed Monday–Friday ship by 2pm CT, free over $100.
shop the compounds →Frequently asked questions about GHK-Cu and IGF-1 LR3
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally-occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). Verve supplies it as a research compound for laboratory use only, not for human or veterinary use.
What is GHK-Cu studied for in research?
It is used as a model compound in dermal, collagen, extracellular-matrix remodeling, and gene-expression research. Verve makes no health claims.
What is IGF-1 LR3?
IGF-1 LR3 is Long R3 insulin-like growth factor 1, a recombinant analog of human IGF-1 with an arginine substitution at position 3 and an N-terminal extension. Verve supplies it as a research compound for laboratory use only, not for human or veterinary use.
How does IGF-1 LR3 differ from native IGF-1?
Its structural modifications reduce affinity for IGF binding proteins, so more of the ligand remains unbound in culture systems. Researchers use that property to control free-ligand availability in in-vitro models.
related comparisons
verve products are sold for laboratory research and development purposes only and are not intended for human or veterinary use of any kind. statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA.