Compounds / GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper peptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex

Preclinical Not FDA-approved · cosmetic use widespread Category: Repair and Recovery

The compounds described in this library are research-use-labeled chemicals and are not FDA-approved for human use. This content is factual scientific reference drawn from published literature. It is not medical, dosing, or purchasing advice. VialReport does not sell, supply, or distribute any compound.

Short summary

A naturally occurring tripeptide that forms a complex with copper. Widely used in topical cosmetic formulations, where it is well established commercially, and studied in cell and animal models for effects on skin and wound repair. Injectable use is a different matter and is not approved.

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Origin and Development

GHK was identified in human plasma in the 1970s during work on liver tissue, and was subsequently found to bind copper with high affinity. Its concentration in plasma declines with age, which generated much of the initial interest. It has been used in topical cosmetic products for decades.

Mechanism as Understood in the Literature

Described in the literature as influencing copper transport, and as modulating expression of genes associated with tissue remodeling, including collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Copper itself is a required cofactor for several enzymes involved in connective tissue formation.

Research Status

A substantial preclinical literature exists on skin and wound models, and there is meaningful commercial and dermatological experience with topical formulations. Evidence for injectable administration is far thinner, and the topical literature should not be read as supporting it.

Regulatory status

Not FDA-approved as a drug for any indication. Widely used in cosmetic products, which are regulated differently from drugs and do not require the same evidence. The injectable GHK-Cu nomination was withdrawn from the active Category 2 table. That withdrawal did not constitute an FDA finding that the substance is safe, effective, or eligible for compounding, and the agency retained its description of potential concerns. Non-injectable GHK-Cu follows a separate evaluation path.

Commonly Confused With

Topical and injectable use are frequently conflated. The commercial track record of topical copper peptide formulations does not transfer to injectable preparations. Also note that GHK and GHK-Cu are not identical: the copper complex is the form generally studied.

How This Compound Is Marketed

Vendor marketing for this compound typically references skin health, collagen support, hair, and wound healing. VialReport does not evaluate or endorse these claims. See Research Status above for what the published literature actually establishes.

Analytical Profile

The peptide is three amino acids (Gly-His-Lys, approximately 340 Da), complexed with copper. The copper complex adds analytical requirements that most peptides do not have. A complete characterization needs peptide identity and quantity, total copper, free or uncomplexed copper, the molar copper-to-GHK ratio, evidence that the intended coordination complex is actually present, and the exact counterion and hydration state where relevant. A result showing 99% pure GHK does not establish that the vial contains properly complexed GHK-Cu. Elemental analysis is a different measurement from peptide purity.

Stability and Handling

The copper complex has different handling characteristics from a plain peptide, including pH sensitivity affecting complex stability.

Key Literature

  1. 01 Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987.
  2. 02 Pickart L, et al. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:648108.

VialReport publishes factual reference information and independent test data. Nothing here is medical, dosing, or purchasing advice.

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