GHK-Cu 50mg

Compound Name: GHK-Cu

Synonyms: Bisprezatide copper, Copper tripeptide; Copper(II)-glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine

CAS Number: 300801-03-0

Molecular Formula: C₂₈H₄₆CuN₁₂O₈

Molecular Weight: 742.3 g/mol

Structure: Linear tripeptide

Peptide Sequence: Gly-His-Lys

Chemical Structure:

Source: PubChem

Mechanism of Action: GHK-Cu acts primarily by delivering bioavailable copper(II) to tissues and cells and modulating a range of biological pathways associated with repair and regeneration. The peptide binds copper(II) with high affinity and facilitates its transfer to relevant metalloenzymes and cellular systems. GHK-Cu downregulates acute-phase and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), upregulates anti-oxidant defenses (including superoxide dismutase, Nrf2 and HO-1 pathways), and suppresses fibrotic signaling by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 activation. It also modulates extracellular matrix turnover by restoring the balance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs). In addition, GHK-Cu influences cellular proliferation, migration, and differentiation, supporting angiogenesis and stem cell function, ultimately promoting tissue repair and remodeling in diverse tissues including skin, bone, and lung^1-4.

Biological Activity: GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing and tissue remodeling by enhancing collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, and repair in skin, bone, and internal organs, while also exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fibrotic effects through modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress, and TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Additionally, it promotes stem cell activity, supports bone repair, and has shown neuroprotective benefits against age-related cognitive decline in animal models^1,3.

Storage: Store at -20°C or below, protected from light and moisture.

Drug Categories: Peptide therapeutic, antioxidant, tissue repair agent, cosmeceutical

Additional Notes: For research use only; Very safe in preclinical models

Summary Table:

Disclaimer: For Research Use Only. Not intended for human or veterinary use. This compound is supplied solely for laboratory and R&D purposes.

Detailed Product Description

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a naturally occurring peptide prominent in human biological fluids. The peptide has a uniquely high affinity for copper ions, forming a stable chelate with copper(II) that is more exchangeable than the copper bound to albumin, allowing efficient copper delivery to tissues. GHK-Cu plays an important role in tissue regeneration, wound healing, and skin remodeling through multiple mechanisms: it promotes the recruitment and activation of repair cells, enhances the synthesis of extracellular matrix components (including collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans), modulates extracellular matrix turnover by increasing both metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, and exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. GHK-Cu additionally downregulates scar formation and fibrotic processes, suppresses harmful cytokines and signal transduction pathways (such as TGF-β1/Smad), and supports angiogenesis and stem cell differentiation. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate its efficacy in accelerating lesion repair in skin, bone, and internal organs, as well as reducing the impact of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Owing to its broad and potent activity profile and high safety margin in mammals, GHK-Cu is a valuable tool for studying tissue repair, regenerative biology, age-related degeneration, and as a model therapeutic agent in peptide research^1,2,4.

Research Highlights

• Enhanced wound healing: Stimulates collagen, elastin, and other ECM components in vitro and in vivo^1,4.
• Potent anti-inflammatory action: Suppresses TNF-α, IL-6, MPO activity, and other mediators¹. Protects against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice via anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic mechanisms^2,3.
• Enhances bone healing: Accelerated bone formation and improved graft healing in rat anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction model².

Mechanism of Action

GHK-Cu regulates tissue repair by modulating a suite of cellular and molecular pathways central to regeneration, inflammation, and fibrogenesis.

• Binds extracellular and exchangeable copper(II) ions with high affinity, facilitating copper delivery into cells and enhancing the action of copper-dependent enzymes necessary for extracellular matrix synthesis and antioxidant defenses².
• Suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and activating antioxidant pathways (Nrf2 and HO-1) reduces tissue-damaging oxidative stress and inflammatory cascades following injury^1,4.
• The peptide complex restores extracellular matrix homeostasis by increasing the synthesis and turnover of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans, as well as by modulating the balance between metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs), thus supporting both matrix remodeling and scar resolution^2,3.
• Inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 axis, a key pathway in fibrosis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, thus reducing tissue fibrosis and promoting regenerative over fibrotic repair⁴.

Pharmacokinetic Profile:

• Route of Administration: used in animal studies as topical, intradermal, intra-articular, or intravenous applications
• Dosing Frequency: Once daily
• Half-Life: Varies depending on experimental design; not approved for human use—refer to research protocols

Formulation & Handling

• Lyophilized powder, reconstituted in sterile saline.
• Store lyophilized powder at –20 °C.

Selected Clinical Trial Activity

GHK-Cu is a research-grade compound that has been studied in laboratory settings but has not undergone full clinical development. It is not approved for therapeutic use in humans, and no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate its safety or efficacy as a medication. GHK-Cu is supplied strictly for laboratory research and investigational purposes only.

References

¹Ma, W.-h. et al. Protective effects of GHK-Cu in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis via anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation pathways. Life Sci. 241, 117139 (2020).

²Fu, S.-C. et al. Tripeptide–Copper Complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction. J. Orthop. Res. 33, 1024–1033 (2015).

³Dou, Y. et al. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiol. Ther. 2, 58–61 (2020).

⁴Pickart, L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 19, 969–988 (2008).