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GHK-Cu

Also known as: Copper Peptide, GHK-Copper, Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II), Loren Pickart Copper Peptide
FDA: Not FDA-approved as drug WADA: Not prohibited

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine:Copper(II)) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. It is found in blood plasma, saliva, and urine, with plasma levels declining from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60 — a 60% decline that correlates with reduced wound healing and tissue regeneration capacity. Research by Pickart and subsequent investigators has demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with a net effect of shifting gene expression toward a younger, healthier pattern. With 163 PubMed publications as of April 2026, it is

This content is for educational and research purposes only. VialBase does not provide medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before using any peptide.

Molecular weight 340.38 Da
Half-life ~1 hour injectable
CAS number —
Route Topical · Subcutaneous · Intradermal topical preferred
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Mechanism

Copper-binding tripeptide that activates tissue remodeling, collagen/elastin synthesis, anti-inflammatory gene expression, DNA repair, and stem cell recruitment. Resets expression of 4,000+ genes toward a younger profile.

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Dosing

DOSE RANGE 200–500 mcg
FREQUENCY 1x daily (injectable); 1-2x daily (topical)
CYCLE LENGTH 4-8 weeks (injectable); ongoing (topical)

Topical is most common route — OTC serums at 1-2% concentration. Injectable use for systemic anti-aging and wound healing. Microneedling + topical GHK-Cu is a popular protocol for skin rejuvenation.

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Research summary

Study Type Year Key Finding
GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration Gene expression analysis / Review (Broad Connectivity Map analysis) 2015 GHK-Cu modulates expression of 4,665 human genes at 1 micromolar concentration
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data Review (gene data analysis) 2018 GHK-Cu's gene expression effects support regenerative healing over scar formation
The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging review 2012 GHK-Cu levels decline with aging from 200 ng/mL to 80 ng/mL
GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health review 2014 GHK reverses gene expression signatures associated with COPD
Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved miniaturized hair follicles and hair density clinical trial 2007 GHK-Cu stimulated hair growth in alopecia patients
GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration review 2015 GHK-Cu modulates expression of over 4,000 genes
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for Acute Wound Healing — — —
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Stacking & interactions

Wound healing synergy — GHK-Cu for collagen remodeling, BPC-157 for angiogenesis and growth factor signaling

Comprehensive healing — tissue remodeling + immune modulation

Longevity stack — telomere maintenance + gene expression resetting

Cellular rejuvenation — mitochondrial support + tissue remodeling

Stacks containing GHK-Cu

Marquee

Glow Stack

GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500

Bone Density Builder

CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin + GHK-Cu

Dopamine & Motivation

Semax + Tesofensine + GHK-Cu

Estrogen Reset

BPC-157 + GHK-Cu + Arimistane

Mito-Melt

MOTS-c + 5-Amino-1MQ + GHK-Cu (optional)

Recovery & Repair

BPC-157 + TB-500 + GHK-Cu

28-day resets featuring GHK-Cu

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Sourcing

Current prices

Updated today

50mg

100mg

Size unspecified

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Also vetted at
What bloodwork do I need?

Reference ranges are general guidelines. Consult your physician for interpretation.

PRE-CYCLE
  • CMP
  • CBC
  • Serum Copper
  • Ceruloplasmin
DURING CYCLE
  • Serum Copper
POST-CYCLE
  • Serum Copper
  • CBC
Safety & Regulatory Status
FDA STATUS Not FDA-approved as drug. Available OTC in cosmetic formulations. Category 1 under 503A bulk drug substance framework (compoundable) for injectable use.
WADA STATUS Not prohibited (as of 2026)

Regulatory status for GHK-Cu may change. Verify current status with your jurisdiction before use. This is not legal or medical advice.

References

  1. Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International (2015). PMID: 23096740
  2. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2018). PMID: 24508075
  3. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2012). PMID: 22577490
  4. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. BioMed Research International (2014). PMID: 24527440
  5. Pyo, H.K., Yoo, H.G., Won, C.H. et al.. Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved miniaturized hair follicles and hair density. Journal of Cosmetic Science (2007). PMID: 17728937
  6. Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J.M., Margolina, A.. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International (2015). PMID: 25866757
  7. GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for Acute Wound Healing.