GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)

GHK-Cu is a copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). The peptide portion is just three amino acids, Gly-His-Lys, and it binds a copper(II) ion with high affinity to form the blue-tinted complex used in research. The copper complex carries CAS number 89030-95-5 and an approximate molecular weight of 402.9 g/mol, while the free tripeptide (CAS 49557-75-7) has a molecular weight of 340.38 g/mol.

GHK was first identified by Loren Pickart in 1973 as a factor in human plasma that changed how liver tissue behaved in culture. Its ability to carry copper is central to most of the research interest, since copper is a cofactor for several enzymes involved in tissue remodeling. It is supplied as a powder, with a characteristic blue color in the copper-bound form.

Pickart’s original 1973 work described GHK as a plasma factor, and later research reframed it as a copper-binding signal peptide. A widely cited 2015 paper by Pickart and Vazquez-Soltero in BioMed Research International reviewed GHK as a modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration models (PubMed 26236730).

More recent work has examined the chemistry and delivery of the complex. A 2020 review in Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics discussed GHK as a candidate anti-aging peptide (PubMed 35083444), and a 2020 study by Bossak-Ahmad and colleagues in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences examined the coordination chemistry of GHK-copper complexes (PubMed 32867146). A 2015 microneedle study in Pharmaceutical Research reflected interest in how the copper peptide crosses the skin barrier in models (PubMed 25690343).

The research base is strongest in cell-culture and skin-model systems rather than large human trials.

Most of GHK-Cu’s described activity in research models is tied to copper transport and gene expression. The peptide binds copper(II) and can exchange it with cellular copper pools, which links it to copper-dependent enzymes involved in extracellular matrix remodeling. Gene-expression studies have reported that GHK shifts the activity of large sets of genes in skin and fibroblast models, including genes connected to collagen and other matrix proteins.

A distinction worth keeping in mind: the copper-bound form (GHK-Cu) and the free peptide (GHK) are studied as related but not interchangeable, and the copper is part of what makes the complex biologically interesting in these systems.

GHK-Cu sits in a different mechanistic category than the growth-hormone secretagogues and the gastric peptides, which is why it is usually grouped with dermatological and matrix-remodeling research. For current findings, search PubMed directly.

Lyophilized GHK-Cu is stored at -20°C for long-term holding, shielded from light, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles are avoided. Stability for a given lot is documented on its Certificate of Analysis. Refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C suits shorter windows. The vial is protected from light and moisture, and the copper-bound form’s blue color can be a rough visual cue of an intact complex.

Stability depends on solvent, pH, and temperature, and figures vary by manufacturer. The lot-specific Certificate of Analysis is the correct reference for a given batch.

Reconstitution means returning a lyophilized compound to solution. This page gives no preparation procedure: solvent, concentration and handling steps belong to the methodology of the study being reproduced, not to a compound reference. GHK-Cu is handled as aqueous-soluble material.

Lyophilized material is hygroscopic, so a sealed container is allowed to reach ambient temperature before it is opened. Solubility and water-content figures for a given lot appear on its Certificate of Analysis.

Identity and purity of research-grade GHK-Cu are established analytically, by HPLC with mass spectrometric confirmation of the expected mass. Verified purity is documented per lot on the Certificate of Analysis. Because the copper complex and the free peptide differ, the COA and product label should state which form is supplied and, where relevant, the copper content.

On a Certificate of Analysis, check HPLC purity, mass-spec identity, and the stated form (GHK-Cu versus free GHK). peptides.com publishes lot-specific lab reports so buyers can verify the material before purchase.

GHK-Cu is most often cross-referenced with other regenerative-context and matrix-remodeling research peptides:

• BPC-157.
  A gastric pentadecapeptide studied in tissue-repair models. 
• TB-500.
  An actin-binding peptide studied in repair and migration models. 
• Melanotan I.
  A melanocortin peptide studied in pigmentation and skin-model research (entry forthcoming).

Pickart L, Vazquez-Soltero JM, et al. (2015). GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International.
PubMed 26236730

Dou Y, Lee A, et al. (2020). The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiology and Therapeutics.
PubMed 35083444

Bossak-Ahmad K, Wisniewska MD, et al. (2020). Ternary Cu(II) Complex with GHK Peptide and Cis-Urocanic Acid as a Potential Physiological Active Compound. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
PubMed 32867146

Li H, Low YS, et al. (2015). Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin. Pharmaceutical Research.
PubMed 25690343

peptides.com carries GHK-Cu in research-grade lyophilized vials (commonly 50mg and 100mg) and within multi-peptide blends. Each ships with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis.

• Browse all GHK-Cu research products
• Real Peptides GHK-Cu (50mg to 100mg vial)
• NuLumin GHK-Cu (50mg vial)
• GLOW Blend (GHK-Cu containing combination)
• Collections: Research Vials. Documentation: COA and Lab Testing.

These products are sold for Research Use Only and are not intended for human consumption.