GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), a tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma. It was identified in 1977 as a growth-modulating factor in human serum, and in...
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), a tripeptide that occurs naturally in human plasma. It was identified in 1977 as a growth-modulating factor in human serum, and in 1980 its activity was linked to copper: the peptide co-isolated with roughly equimolar copper and appeared to facilitate copper uptake into cells.[1][2] Pepitiva supplies GHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder (≥99% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
GHK-Cu molecular weight and CAS number
Two numbers circulate for this compound, and they describe different things:
GHK-Cu (the 1:1 copper complex, also called prezatide copper or copper tripeptide-1): molecular weight 402.92 g/mol, formula C14H23CuN6O4⁺, CAS 89030-95-5.[10]
GHK (the peptide without copper): molecular weight 340.38 g/mol, formula C14H24N6O4, CAS 49557-75-7.[11]
When comparing suppliers or reading papers, check which form is being described.
Why researchers study GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is one of the most studied small peptides in skin and connective tissue biology. In fibroblast cultures it stimulates collagen synthesis at very low concentrations and increases expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2, so it acts on both the production and the remodeling of the extracellular matrix.[3][4] It is also studied in wound, lung injury and tendon-graft models.[5][7][8]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Copper binding and transport
GHK has a high affinity for copper(II). The 1980 work proposed that the peptide's growth-modulating effects come from delivering copper into cells, and structure-function studies showed that tripeptides with a histidyl-lysyl linkage were nearly as active.[2] In blood, GHK is found mainly in the albumin-rich fraction, and a 2021 study characterized ternary copper complexes formed between GHK and histidine residues of human serum albumin, consistent with albumin acting as a shuttle.[6]
Extracellular matrix
Collagen synthesis: in fibroblast cultures, stimulation began between 10⁻¹² and 10⁻¹¹ M and peaked at 10⁻⁹ M, independent of cell number. The GHK sequence is present in the α2(I) chain of type I collagen, which suggests it could be released by proteases at a wound site.[3]
Matrix remodeling: GHK-Cu raised MMP-2 levels and mRNA in dermal fibroblasts, together with the inhibitors TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Copper ions reproduced the effect; GHK alone did not.[4]
Inflammation and oxidative stress
In LPS-stimulated macrophages and a mouse model of acute lung injury, GHK-Cu reduced reactive oxygen species and TNF-α and IL-6 production, increased superoxide dismutase activity and suppressed NF-κB p65 and p38 MAPK signaling.[7]
Gene expression
Reviews from the group that first isolated GHK summarize gene-expression data suggesting that the peptide shifts the activity of large sets of genes involved in tissue repair, antioxidant defense and inflammation.[9] These reviews come from researchers affiliated with a company that develops copper-peptide products, so independent replication is useful context.
Research Applications
Preclinical findings
Fibroblast cultures: increased collagen synthesis and MMP-2 expression, the basis of most dermal research with the compound.[3][4]
Scald wounds in mice (2017): GHK-Cu in liposomes increased endothelial cell proliferation by 33.1% in vitro, raised VEGF and FGF-2 expression and promoted wound healing.[8]
Acute lung injury in mice (2016): reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and lung tissue damage after LPS challenge.[7]
Ligament graft healing in rats (2015): after ACL reconstruction, intra-articular GHK-Cu reduced knee laxity at 6 weeks, but the difference was gone by 12 weeks once treatment stopped.[5]
Laboratory research applications
Extracellular matrix biology: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in dermal fibroblasts.[9]
Matrix remodeling: MMP/TIMP balance in wound and fibrosis models.
Copper biology: cellular copper uptake and copper-dependent enzymes.
Inflammation and oxidative stress: NF-κB and MAPK signaling, SOD activity.
Tissue repair models: wound, tendon and ligament studies, often alongside BPC-157 and TB-500. The GLOW research blend combines all three, and KLOW adds KPV. AHK-Cu is a related copper tripeptide (Ala-His-Lys).
This product is sold for laboratory research and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the molecular weight of GHK-Cu?
402.92 g/mol for the 1:1 copper complex (formula C14H23CuN6O4⁺, PubChem). The peptide without copper, GHK, is 340.38 g/mol.
What is the CAS number of GHK-Cu?
89030-95-5 for GHK-Cu (prezatide copper). The number 49557-75-7, often quoted for GHK-Cu, belongs to the GHK peptide without copper.
What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?
GHK is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. GHK-Cu is the same peptide bound to a copper(II) ion. Several effects studied in fibroblasts, such as the increase in MMP-2, depend on the copper and were not reproduced by GHK alone.
Where does GHK come from?
It occurs naturally in human plasma. It was identified in 1977 as a growth-modulating tripeptide in human serum, and its sequence is also present in the α2 chain of type I collagen.
Is GHK-Cu the same as AHK-Cu?
No. AHK-Cu is a different copper tripeptide, with alanine in place of glycine. See AHK-Cu.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
Schlesinger DH, Pickart L, Thaler MM. Growth-modulating serum tripeptide is glycyl-histidyl-lysine. Experientia. 1977;33(3):324-325. PubMed
Pickart L, Freedman JH, Loker WJ, et al. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717. PubMed
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. PubMed
Siméon A, Emonard H, Hornebeck W, Maquart FX. The tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ stimulates matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by fibroblast cultures. Life Sci. 2000;67(18):2257-2265. PubMed
Fu SC, Cheuk YC, Chiu WY, et al. Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction. J Orthop Res. 2015;33(7):1024-1033. PubMed
Bossak-Ahmad K, et al. Ternary Cu(2+) Complexes of Human Serum Albumin and Glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine. Inorg Chem. 2021;60(22):16927-16931. PubMed
Park JR, et al. The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice. Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417. PubMed
Wang X, et al. GHK-Cu-liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Wound Repair Regen. 2017;25(2):270-278. PubMed
Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Related Peptides
≥99%
Regeneration
AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Ala-His-Lys). It di...
