GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. It is found in blood, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels declining from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. The copper ion is essential for its biological activity, as it enables the peptide to serve as a bioavailable copper delivery system. GHK-Cu exerts its biological effects through multiple well-characterized mechanisms. It powerfully stimulates collagen synthesis (types I and III), decorin, and glycosaminoglycan production in dermal fibroblasts. Simultaneously, it upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), enabling coordinated tissue remodeling rather than simple collagen deposition. This remodeling capacity is key to its wound-healing effects — GHK-Cu promotes organized tissue repair rather than scar formation. Beyond structural matrix effects, GHK-Cu has potent antioxidant activity via SOD and glutathione pathway upregulation, suppresses inflammatory cytokines including TGF-beta and TNF-alpha, and promotes angiogenesis by inducing VEGF and FGF-2 expression. Gene expression studies by Pickart et al. using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map showed GHK can influence the expression of over 4,000 genes, with patterns suggesting suppression of fibrosis-related and inflammation-related gene networks.

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973. It is found in blood, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels declining from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. The copper ion is essential for its biological activity, as it enables the peptide to serve as a bioavailable copper delivery system. GHK-Cu exerts its biological effects through multiple well-characterized mechanisms. It powerfully stimulates collagen synthesis (types I and III), decorin, and glycosaminoglycan production in dermal fibroblasts. Simultaneously, it upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), enabling coordinated tissue remodeling rather than simple collagen deposition. This remodeling capacity is key to its wound-healing effects — GHK-Cu promotes organized tissue repair rather than scar formation. Beyond structural matrix effects, GHK-Cu has potent antioxidant activity via SOD and glutathione pathway upregulation, suppresses inflammatory cytokines including TGF-beta and TNF-alpha, and promotes angiogenesis by inducing VEGF and FGF-2 expression. Gene expression studies by Pickart et al. using the Broad Institute Connectivity Map showed GHK can influence the expression of over 4,000 genes, with patterns suggesting suppression of fibrosis-related and inflammation-related gene networks.

Topical studies typically use 1-4% GHK-Cu solutions. In vitro studies use concentrations of 1-10 micromolar. Injectable research protocols are less standardized, with doses varying widely by application.

Store lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder at -20°C to 4°C in a dry environment protected from light. Unreconstituted peptide is stable for extended periods when stored properly.

Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water or an appropriate solvent, store at 2-8°C and use within the timeframe specified on the Certificate of Analysis. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

A Certificate of Analysis documenting purity, identity, and recommended storage conditions is included with every order.