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GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper Peptide, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II), GHK·Cu(II)

Research Only

Molecular Formula

C14 H24 Cu N6 O4 Co

Molecular Weight

403.92 Da (Complexed; Uncomplexed GHK Free Base 340.38 Da)

Half-Life

Unknown in humans (human pharmacokinetics and elimination half-life have not been adequately established, particularly after subcutaneous administration)

Sequence

H-Gly-His-Lys-OH complexed with Cu(II)

Clinical Applications & Evidence

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu acts as a copper(II) transport complex and cellular signaling modulator. In cell, ex-vivo, and animal models, it regulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and TIMPs, influences TGF-β1, SIRT1, and integrin pathways, and modulates inflammatory signaling (NF-κB, IL-6). The relative contributions of copper delivery versus peptide signaling remain under investigation, and systemic mechanisms in humans are unvalidated.

Investigated Uses

  • Topical cosmetic skin rejuvenation (Limited clinical evidence for topical formulations; unproven for systemic anti-aging)
  • Topical chronic wound healing (Limited clinical evidence from a 1994 diabetic ulcer trial & recruiting 2026 Phase 2 trial NCT07437586)
  • Hair & follicular biology (Preclinical models & combination products; unproven as a standalone hair-loss monotherapy)
  • Lung tissue remodeling (Ex-vivo & computational gene-expression research; no human clinical trials)
  • Subcutaneous / systemic administration (Unapproved experimental route; explicitly excluded from FDA Category 1 status)
Early Clinical / Animal Models

Regulatory & Safety Status

FDA Status

Research Only

WADA / Athletic Status

Not Explicitly Prohibited

Known Side Effects

Topical contact irritation or mild erythema (formulation-dependent)Human subcutaneous safety, systemic pharmacokinetics, and long-term toxicity are unstudiedFDA safety assessment notes potential immunogenicity and aggregation risks for compounded injectables

Contraindications

  • Wilson's disease or hereditary copper metabolism disorders (Precautionary exclusion)
  • Known copper hypersensitivity or contact allergy (Precautionary exclusion)
  • Pregnancy and systemic administration (Unstudied safety profile)

Drug Interactions

  • Topical formulation incompatibility with strong acids or ascorbic acid (Can destabilize copper binding)
  • Systemic copper chelating agents (Theoretical interaction; unstudied clinically)

Citations & Clinical Trials

PubMed Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide (2018) Europe PMC Topical GHK-Cu Gel in Diabetic Neuropathic Ulcer Healing (1994) ClinicalTrials.gov Topical GHK-Cu Gel Phase 2 Study on Acute Wounds (Recruiting 2026) FDA Bulk Drug Substances Nominated for Compounding Under Section 503A (Category 1 Inventory) World Anti-Doping Agency WADA 2026 Prohibited List — S0 Non-Approved Substances Guidance