GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide, isolated from human plasma rather than designed in a laboratory. In skin and repair research it is studied for collagen synthesis, matrix remodelling and wound healing.
PEPTIDE · RESEARCH MONOGRAPH · COPPER-BINDING TRIPEPTIDE
Mechanisms described in the published preclinical literature.
GHK-Cu chelates copper(II) and delivers it to cells. Copper-dependent enzymes involved in collagen crosslinking, antioxidant defence and tissue remodelling require that ion.
Reported to stimulate fibroblasts to produce type I and III collagen, glycosaminoglycans and decorin, rebuilding extracellular matrix architecture in damaged tissue.
Gene expression studies report modulation of more than four thousand human genes, among the broadest gene-modulatory profiles described for any peptide.
Findings from the published literature, as the studies reported them. Where a finding comes from a human trial, it says so. None is a claim about the material supplied here.
Collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in wound healing and skin-ageing models.
Pickart et al. 2015
Increased follicle size and follicle growth, with effects on hair cycle transition in preclinical models.
Pickart et al. 2012
Modulation of over four thousand genes spanning DNA repair, antioxidant defence and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Pickart & Margolina 2014
Chelation of free copper, reduced oxidative damage, and upregulation of superoxide dismutase.
Maquart et al. 2014
GHK-Cu is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a three-residue peptide, complexed with copper(II). It was isolated from human plasma in 1973 as a naturally occurring factor that alters how cells grow. Material supplied for research is produced synthetically.
Published preclinical work covers collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, extracellular matrix remodelling, hair follicle models, broad gene-expression modulation and antioxidant effects. These are animal and in-vitro findings, not human clinical outcomes.
No. It is not an approved drug and has not been evaluated by the FDA for any use. It is supplied strictly as a reference material for in-vitro laboratory research.
The colour comes from the copper(II) complex. A blue lyophilised cake is the expected appearance, and every certificate records it.
Three amino acids, glycine, histidine and lysine, coordinating a single copper(II) ion. The histidine imidazole and the terminal amine provide the principal binding sites.
Store the sealed vial at −20°C, where it is stable for up to 24 months. Once reconstituted, hold at 2–8°C and protect from light; we do not publish an in-use shelf life for reconstituted material because we have not measured one on this material. Protect from light.
Each entry opens a PubMed search for that title rather than a fixed identifier, so the link resolves to the current record.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement or medical product, and not for human or animal use. Every finding referenced on this page comes from published preclinical or laboratory research and is not a claim about this product.
