GHK-Cu – Technical Brief (Research-Use-Only)
1. Identity
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine–Copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that chelates a single Cu²⁺ ion. First isolated from human plasma in the early 1970s, it is now synthesized for laboratory study. Endogenous levels fall markedly with age, which partly explains the compound’s prominence in regeneration research A B.
Property Detail
Sequence Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺
Formula (Cu-salt) C₁₄H₂₄N₆O₄Cu
Molar mass 403.9 g mol⁻¹
Appearance Blue-green powder
Solubility Water > 40 mg mL⁻¹; DMSO miscible
CAS 89030-95-5
2. Mechanistic Highlights
1. Collagen & ECM remodelling – Up-regulates COL1A1/2, decorin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while stimulating matrix metalloproteinases that clear damaged tissue A B.
2. Wound-healing chemoattractant – Recruits immune and endothelial cells to injury sites, accelerating angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation C.
3. Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory actions – Enhances superoxide-dismutase activity, modulates cytokine release, and reduces oxidative DNA damage A C.
4. Hair-follicle & skin renewal – In vitro and small clinical models show increased dermal papilla cell proliferation and improved skin elasticity, supporting its frequent use in cosmetic-grade formulations B.
3. Safety Profile (published data)
Domain Common observations Serious / rare signals Notes
Topical use Mild, transient erythema or pruritus None reported Most studies ≤12 weeks
Parenteral (pre-clin.) No organ toxicity at ≤10 mg kg⁻¹ d s.c. (rodent) Data limited No long-term GLP tox yet
Systemic markers No elevation of IGF-1 or fasting glucose — Distinguishes it from hGH fragments
Current evidence supports a favourable safety profile in short-term human cosmetic trials, but comprehensive toxicology is lacking; no safety is established for uncontrolled human use.
4. Legal Position in the United Kingdom
• GHK-Cu is not scheduled under the Misuse of Drugs Act and is uncontrolled.
• Provided it is marketed strictly “FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY – NOT FOR HUMAN OR VETERINARY USE,” supply falls outside the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• Any wording or imagery implying therapeutic, anti-ageing, or hair-growth benefit reclassifies it as a medicinal product, triggering MHRA licensing.
• Supplier duties: Certificate of Analysis ≥ 95 % purity, REACH-compliant SDS, CLP labels with the research-only disclaimer.
• Importers should declare CN/HS code 2937 90 000 (“peptide research reagent”) to HMRC.
5. Practical Laboratory Handling
• Reconstitution – Dissolve in sterile water or PBS to 2–5 mg mL⁻¹; adjust pH 7.0–7.4.
• Storage – Lyophilised powder at −20 °C desiccated; aliquoted solution ≤30 days at −20 °C, avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
• In-vitro assays – 0.1–10 µM for fibroblast or keratinocyte studies.
• Rodent precedent – 100–300 µg topical daily, or 0.5–2 mg kg⁻¹ s.c. every other day (wound-healing models).
• Disposal – Denature with 1 % NaOCl or incinerate as peptide bio-waste per institutional SOP.
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Bottom line
GHK-Cu is a small copper-binding peptide with documented pro-repair, antioxidant, and cosmetic effects. In the UK it may be purchased, possessed, and used solely as a laboratory research reagent; any promotion or use beyond that remit violates medicines legislation.
