GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu — Copper Tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys-Cu) Research Compound

GHK-Cu is the copper-bound form of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, first isolated by Loren Pickart in 1973 from human plasma albumin. The free GHK sequence binds divalent copper (Cu²⁺) with high affinity, and the resulting GHK-Cu complex is what shows up in the published skin-repair, hair-follicle, and angiogenesis literature. It is the reference compound in the “copper peptide” category and sits at the center of most finished cosmetic serums that list copper peptides on the label – GHK-Cu research axis is tissue remodeling, wound repair, and trophic signaling.

Why the Copper-Bound Form Matters

Free GHK has modest biological activity on its own. The copper-bound form is what drives the published research profile. The Cu²⁺ ion positions GHK’s histidine imidazole and amine groups into a geometry that activates fibroblast collagen synthesis, upregulates decorin, and modulates copper-dependent antioxidant enzymes (SOD, ceruloplasmin). That is why the research literature is built around GHK-Cu specifically, not around GHK alone.

GHK-Cu Topical vs Injection Research

Two distinct research axes exist for GHK-Cu. Topical formulations (serums, creams) sit in the cosmetic dermatology literature; injection research sits in the wound-healing and systemic-signaling literature. The mechanism is the same; the delivery route determines which endpoints are measurable.

Forschungsanwendungen

GHK-Cu is used in studies examining:

• Dermal collagen and decorin synthesis endpoints
• Wound-healing and post-injury tissue remodeling
• Hair-follicle enlargement and dermal-papilla signaling
• Angiogenesis and capillary-formation models
• Copper-dependent antioxidant enzyme (SOD) activity
• Gene-expression profiling against “aged” tissue baselines

Technische Daten

Rekonstitution

GHK-Cu arrives as a freeze-dried powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water:

Gesamtmenge in mg im Fläschchen ÷ hinzugefügte Wassermenge in ml = mg pro ml

Example: a 50mg vial + 2mL of bacteriostatic water = 25mg per mL. A 100mg vial + 2mL = 50mg per mL.

The reconstituted solution retains the characteristic blue color from copper coordination. Once reconstituted, store at 2-8°C and use within 28-30 days.

Anmerkungen zum Protokoll

The following values are reference points extracted from published GHK-Cu research – not instructions. Because GHK-Cu has both topical and injection research literatures, the documented dose ranges vary considerably by route.

• Dose range reported in the literature: 1-2mg per administration for subcutaneous injection protocols
• Administration frequency in published studies: Once daily is the most commonly documented injection pattern
• Study durations reported: 4-12 weeks for wound-healing and skin endpoints; longer courses in hair-follicle models

Common Questions About GHK-Cu Research

What is GHK-Cu used for in research?

It is studied primarily on the tissue-remodeling axis. Published work covers dermal collagen and decorin synthesis, wound-healing endpoints, hair-follicle enlargement, angiogenesis, and a large gene-expression literature from Pickart’s group showing GHK-Cu shifts tissue toward a “younger” expression profile.

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?

GHK is the free tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys). GHK-Cu is the same peptide bound to a divalent copper ion. Free GHK has modest activity on its own – the copper-bound form is what drives the published tissue-remodeling and fibroblast literature. The blue color of reconstituted GHK-Cu is the visible signature of the copper coordination.

Is GHK-Cu used topically or by injection?

Both. Topical formulations dominate the cosmetic-dermatology literature (collagen density, fine-line remodeling). Injection research dominates the wound-healing, angiogenesis, and hair-follicle literature. The mechanism is the same; the delivery route determines which endpoints are measurable in a given study design.

Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?

No. GHK-Cu is not FDA approved as an injectable drug. It appears as an ingredient in cosmetic products regulated under cosmetic (not drug) pathways. Every vial WWP ships is labeled and sold strictly for laboratory and research use only.

How is GHK-Cu stored?

Unopened vials are stored at 2-8°C and stay stable for 12+ months. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, the blue-tinted solution is kept at 2-8°C and used within 28-30 days.

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