Description
Overview
GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma that declines significantly with age (~200 ng/mL at 20 → ~80 ng/mL at 60). It binds copper ions and activates over 4,000 human genes related to tissue remodeling, anti-inflammation, and regeneration. TOPICALLY: one of the most-studied anti-aging compounds in dermatology, with human trial data showing meaningful collagen increases. INJECTABLE: evidence is primarily animal-based with human dosing extrapolated from scaling. The copper component is essential as a catalytic cofactor for key healing enzymes. FDA prohibited injectable commercial compounding as of 2023.
Structure & Chemistry
- Molecular formula: C₁₄H₂₁CuN₆O₄
- Category: SKIN / HAIR / NEURAL REPAIR
- Molecular size: 340.4 Da (Tripeptide-copper complex)
Regulatory & Research Status
- FDA 2023: Injectable GHK-Cu is prohibited for commercial compounding in the US.
- TOPICAL evidence is strong (human trials: 28-70% collagen increase); INJECTABLE evidence is extrapolated from animal scaling.
- Injectable dosing is based on animal-to-human scaling (~2.2 mcg/kg); no human dose-finding trials for injectable form.
- HIGH-DOSE CAUTION: At elevated concentrations, GHK-Cu may paradoxically upregulate MMP-1 (matrix metalloprotease), potentially accelerating collagen degradation, sometimes called 'copper uglies' anecdotally.
Specifications
| Purity | >99% by HPLC |
|---|---|
| Form | Lyophilized powder (reconstitute with bacteriostatic water for laboratory use) |
| Category | SKIN / HAIR / NEURAL REPAIR |
For laboratory and research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not approved by the FDA for any therapeutic use. No claims regarding therapeutic efficacy are made or implied. Must be 21 or older.
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