GHK-Cu
57,50 €
GHK-Cu - Skin Regeneration & Collagen-Stimulating Peptide
Description
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper Complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide known for its ability to bind copper ions and stimulate tissue regeneration. It plays a vital role in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cellular remodeling, and is studied extensively for its influence on collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory signaling, and gene expression associated with skin and organ repair.
In research models, GHK-Cu has been shown to promote collagen and elastin synthesis, enhance fibroblast proliferation, and accelerate tissue regeneration. It also exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing oxidative damage and modulating cytokine activity. These combined effects support applications in regenerative medicine, anti-aging research, and cellular repair studies.
GHK-Cu’s angiogenic and epigenetic activity has been observed to influence the expression of thousands of genes related to healing, metabolism, and immune response. It restores normal cellular communication and reduces fibrosis while promoting healthy tissue remodeling. These mechanisms make it a key peptide in studies focused on dermal rejuvenation, neuroprotection, and systemic repair.
Formulated in a stabilized pre-mixed injection pen for SubQ administration, GHK-Cu ensures high systemic bioavailability and precise dosing control under research conditions. This formulation supports consistent delivery for advanced regenerative, dermatological, and anti-aging investigations.
Clinical Status:
GHK-Cu is an endogenous copper-binding peptide studied in both animal and human research models for wound healing, skin regeneration, and anti-aging applications. It is not approved for therapeutic use and is available solely for experimental and laboratory research.
Evidence type:
Human RCT ✔ | Observational ✔ | Animal ✔ | In vitro ✔ | Regulatory ☐
Mechanism of Action
As a copper chelator, GHK-Cu modulates over 4,000 human genes, upregulating those involved in tissue remodeling (e.g., collagen I, III) and downregulating pro-inflammatory pathways like NF-κB. In vitro models show it enhances superoxide dismutase activity for antioxidant effects and stimulates metalloproteinases for matrix turnover. Animal studies indicate a plasma half-life of approximately 1-2 hours, with rapid tissue distribution facilitating its role in wound contraction and epithelialization.
Benefits
- Promotion of Collagen and Elastin Synthesis:
GHK-Cu is extensively studied for its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production in skin fibroblasts. This effect improves dermal structure, elasticity, and firmness, contributing to more youthful and resilient tissue architecture. In research models, increased expression of extracellular matrix proteins has been observed, supporting its use in studies of wound healing and skin regeneration. - Acceleration of Wound Healing:
GHK-Cu promotes faster wound closure and epithelial repair by stimulating keratinocyte migration, angiogenesis, and fibroblast proliferation. It also enhances the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and decorin, key molecules for tissue matrix integrity. These effects make it a strong candidate in regenerative research involving burns, ulcers, and post-surgical recovery. - Powerful Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions:
Research shows that GHK-Cu reduces inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α while enhancing antioxidant enzyme expression, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. This combination helps protect tissues from oxidative stress, cellular aging, and inflammatory degradation, contributing to overall cellular health and regeneration. - Stimulation of Angiogenesis and Tissue Remodeling:
GHK-Cu has been observed to promote new capillary formation and improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged tissue. This pro-angiogenic activity accelerates remodeling and supports long-term regeneration of skin, muscle, and connective tissue structures in experimental models. - Activation of Stem Cell Pathways:
In vitro research suggests that GHK-Cu activates stem cell-related gene expression and supports progenitor cell differentiation in tissue repair processes. This gene modulation effect extends to pathways related to wound response, growth factors, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms, making it of growing interest in regenerative biology studies. - Improvement of Skin Texture and Tone:
Clinical and preclinical data indicate that GHK-Cu can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and skin roughness through enhanced collagen matrix formation and hydration. This peptide’s effect on dermal density and surface morphology positions it as a benchmark compound in cosmetic and dermatological research formulations. - Regulation of Hair Growth and Follicle Health:
GHK-Cu has been observed to stimulate hair follicle activity and prolong the anagen (growth) phase. It improves blood supply and reduces follicular inflammation, supporting experimental models aimed at reversing hair thinning or promoting scalp regeneration. Its copper-binding capacity contributes to enzymatic balance critical for follicular metabolism. - Protection Against Oxidative and Cellular Aging:
GHK-Cu exerts cytoprotective effects by chelating free copper ions and reducing oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. These antioxidant properties are associated with enhanced mitochondrial function and longevity-related gene expression, supporting research into anti-aging and cellular resilience mechanisms. - Anti-Fibrotic and Tissue Remodeling Properties:
Research has shown that GHK-Cu reduces fibrosis in liver, lung, and skin models by downregulating TGF-β1 and other pro-fibrotic genes. This promotes more balanced tissue remodeling and prevents excessive scar formation, contributing to smoother recovery and improved functional outcomes in regeneration research. - Synergistic Effects in Regenerative Blends:
When combined with peptides such as BPC-157 or TB-500, GHK-Cu enhances tissue repair through complementary mechanisms—angiogenesis, fibroblast stimulation, and collagen synthesis. This synergy forms the basis of advanced regenerative research blends focused on recovery, skin health, and post-injury repair. - Gene Expression Resetting and Cellular Rejuvenation:
Transcriptomic analyses reveal that GHK-Cu can revert gene expression profiles of aged cells to a more youthful state, affecting over 4,000 genes linked to cell growth, antioxidant defense, and repair. This profound genomic modulation underscores its growing significance in anti-aging, epigenetic, and longevity research models.
Research Data
| Study / Model | Reported effect |
| Human dermal fibroblast culture |
↑ Collagen and elastin synthesis; enhanced wound closure rate.
|
| In vivo wound model (rats) |
Accelerated epithelial repair and angiogenesis.
|
| Gene expression profiling (human skin) |
Activation of >400 regenerative genes, suppression of inflammatory markers.
|
| Hair follicle cell culture |
↑ Anagen phase duration; increased dermal papilla cell proliferation.
|
| UV-damaged skin model |
↓ oxidative stress and apoptosis; ↑ SOD and catalase activity.
|
| Topical and subQ administration (clinical) |
Improved elasticity, firmness, and wrinkle depth reduction.
|
| In vitro antioxidant assays |
Cu(II) chelation reduces reactive oxygen species (ROS).
|
Stack Suggestions
GHK-Cu is often combined in research with:
- BPC-157 + TB-500 → enhanced tissue regeneration and angiogenesis synergy.
- KPV peptide → amplified anti-inflammatory and epithelial protection.
- NAD+ or SS-31 → improved mitochondrial repair and oxidative resilience.
- Epithalon → supports long-term skin rejuvenation and DNA repair.
- Hyaluronic acid or glutathione → complements hydration and antioxidant balance.
Stacks discussed are for experimental design; not safety or efficacy guidance.
Pen Dosage Chart
| GHK-Cu 100 mg | |
| Volume | 2.0 mL |
| mg/mL | 50 mg/mL |
| Click-to-Dose | 1 click = 0.50 mg |
| Example(s) | 10 clicks = 5 mg |
Dosage & Protocols Variations
Standard Research Protocol
- Dose: 2 – 5 mg
- Duration: 2 – 4 weeks
- Frequency: Daily
- Cycle Interval: 2-week pause
- Goal / Description: Used for baseline collagen and regeneration studies.
Therapeutic Research Protocol
- Dose: 5 – 10 mg
- Duration: 24 – 48 weeks
- Frequency: 4 – 8 weeks
- Cycle Interval: 3-5× per week
- Goal / Description: For advanced skin, wound, or hair research.
Biohacker Protocol
- Dose: 1 – 2 mg
- Duration: 30 days
- Frequency: Daily
- Cycle Interval: Repeat monthly
- Goal / Description: Used for anti-aging and repair model observation.
Possible Side Effects
GHK-Cu has been generally well-tolerated in research and cosmetic studies.
Mild redness, itching, or warmth may occur at the injection site due to copper’s vascular effects.
High concentrations in topical form may cause temporary skin irritation or dryness.
No systemic toxicity has been reported in human or animal studies.
Side effects are dose-dependent and typically resolve quickly after application adjustment.
Product Attributes
- CAS #: 49557-75-7
- Molecular Formula: C14H24N6O4Cu
- Sequence (AA): C14H24N6O4 (free peptide), C14H22CuN6O4 (copper complex)
- Molecular Weight: 340.38 g/mol (peptide), 403.92 g/mol (copper complex)
- PubChem CID: 70400001 (peptide), 378611 (copper complex)
- Half-Life: ~1-2 hours
- Synonyms: Copper Tripeptide-1, Cu-GHK, GHK-Cu Complex, Tripeptide-Copper, Prezatide, Kollaren, Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine
- Type: Naturally occurring peptide-metal complex
- Research Focus: Beauty & Skin, Anti-Aging, Regeneration, Hair Growth
Scientific References
- Expression of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds: modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ Animal
- The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions Review
- Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data Review
- The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide Review
- GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration Review
- Thermodynamically stable ionic liquid microemulsions pioneer pathways for topical delivery and peptide retention In vitro
- Exploring the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu on an experimental model of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice Animal
- The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling Review
- The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures In vitro
- In vivo stimulation of connective tissue accumulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ in rat experimental wounds Animal
