GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

GHK-Cu | Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex | Research Peptide

Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (copper chelated) Molecular Formula: C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄ Molecular Weight: 403.92 g/mol Purity: >99% (HPLC verified) Form: Lyophilised powder Available Sizes: 5mg | 10mg Storage: –20°C, away from light and moisture CAS Number: 89030-95-5

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper peptide first identified in human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. It is a tripeptide — composed of just three amino acids: glycine, histidine, and lysine — complexed with a copper(II) ion. Despite its small size, GHK-Cu has demonstrated an extraordinary breadth of biological activity in preclinical research, influencing gene expression, tissue remodelling, antioxidant defence, and wound repair across numerous experimental models.

GHK-Cu is found naturally in human blood plasma, saliva, and urine, with plasma concentrations declining significantly with age — from approximately 200 ng/mL in young adults to around 80 ng/mL in those over 60. This age-related decline has made GHK-Cu an especially compelling subject for researchers studying cellular ageing, skin biology, and tissue homeostasis.

Our GHK-Cu is synthesised under strict quality-controlled manufacturing conditions, achieving a verified purity of greater than 99% as confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). It is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder to ensure optimal stability during storage and transit.

Research Background & Scientific Interest

GHK-Cu has accumulated one of the most extensive bodies of preclinical literature of any research peptide, with over five decades of published science across dermatology, oncology, neuroscience, pulmonology, and wound biology. Its mechanism of action is multifaceted — centred on copper transport, collagen synthesis modulation, and broad-spectrum gene expression regulation.

Gene Expression & Genomic Activity Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of GHK-Cu research is its apparent influence at the genomic level. Studies by Pickart and colleagues, using gene expression analysis, identified GHK-Cu as a potent modulator of human gene activity — with research suggesting it can reset the gene expression patterns of aged or damaged tissue closer to a healthier baseline state. In one analysis, GHK-Cu was found to influence the expression of over 4,000 human genes, including those involved in inflammation resolution, DNA repair, antioxidant response, and ubiquitin-proteasome system regulation.

Collagen Synthesis & Skin Biology GHK-Cu is one of the most studied peptides in dermatological research. Preclinical and in vitro studies have consistently demonstrated its ability to stimulate collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblast cell cultures. Research has also examined its role in upregulating matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity alongside their inhibitors (TIMPs), suggesting a finely balanced role in extracellular matrix remodelling rather than simple collagen deposition. These findings have generated substantial interest in skin ageing and wound repair research contexts.

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair GHK-Cu has been studied extensively in wound healing models, with preclinical data pointing to accelerated re-epithelialisation, increased angiogenesis, and improved wound tensile strength in animal models. Research has also examined its influence on keratinocyte proliferation and migration — key processes in the restoration of skin barrier integrity. Its copper-mediated influence on lysyl oxidase activity, an enzyme critical to collagen cross-linking, is one proposed mechanism underlying these observations.

Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Properties The copper ion component of GHK-Cu plays a meaningful role in its research profile. Copper is an essential cofactor for superoxide dismutase (SOD), a primary antioxidant enzyme, and GHK-Cu has been studied in models examining oxidative stress mitigation. Preclinical research has also observed downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, alongside modulation of NF-κB signalling pathways — positioning GHK-Cu as a subject of interest in inflammatory resolution research.

Nervous System & Neuroprotection Research An emerging body of literature has explored GHK-Cu in neurological research contexts. Studies have investigated its effects in models of nerve damage and neuroinflammation, with findings suggesting neuroprotective activity and potential influence on nerve growth factor (NGF) expression. Its antioxidant properties are also of interest given the particular vulnerability of neuronal tissue to oxidative damage. This remains a developing area of research that warrants further investigation.

Pulmonary & Systemic Research GHK-Cu has appeared in research related to pulmonary fibrosis and COPD-associated gene expression signatures. Gene array analyses have shown that GHK-Cu can reverse the gene expression patterns associated with emphysema and certain cancer-related pathways — a finding of significant scientific interest that has prompted further mechanistic inquiry into its role in systemic tissue homeostasis.

Hair Follicle Research In vitro and animal studies have examined GHK-Cu in models of hair follicle biology. Research has observed stimulation of follicle size and elongation, as well as modulation of hair growth cycle signalling. These findings have contributed to GHK-Cu becoming one of the more frequently studied peptides in dermatological and follicular biology research.

Product Specifications

Quality & Purity Assurance

Every batch of our GHK-Cu undergoes a rigorous, multi-step quality control process before release. Our assurance pipeline includes:

• HPLC Analysis — confirms peptide purity exceeding 99%
• Mass Spectrometry (MS) — verifies molecular identity, copper complexation, and sequence integrity
• Endotoxin Testing — ensures the product is free from bacterial endotoxins
• Certificate of Analysis (CoA) — available for every batch upon request

We are committed to full batch traceability, providing researchers with the consistency and confidence required for reproducible, high-quality experimental outcomes.

Handling & Reconstitution (Research Use)

GHK-Cu lyophilised powder is readily soluble in sterile water or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Gently swirl to dissolve — do not vortex. The characteristic blue to blue-green colour of the solution is normal and indicative of the copper chelate complex. Once reconstituted, aliquot immediately and store at –20°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles to preserve peptide integrity and copper complexation stability.

All handling should be conducted in accordance with standard laboratory safety procedures and applicable institutional guidelines.

How GHK-Cu Fits Within a Research Peptide Panel

GHK-Cu is frequently studied alongside other tissue-active peptides. Compared to BPC-157, which acts primarily via the nitric oxide and growth hormone receptor pathways, and TB-500, which functions through actin sequestration and VEGF signalling, GHK-Cu operates largely through copper-mediated gene expression modulation and extracellular matrix remodelling. Its broad genomic footprint makes it a uniquely versatile research subject and a logical complement to both BPC-157 and TB-500 in multi-peptide experimental panels.

All three peptides are available in our catalogue with consistent >99% purity standards.

Important Notice

This product is intended strictly for in vitro research and laboratory use only. GHK-Cu is not approved for human or veterinary use by the FDA, EMA, or any other regulatory authority. It is not a drug, supplement, or food product. This product must not be administered to humans or animals. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms they are a qualified researcher and will use the compound solely for lawful scientific research purposes.