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GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for Acute Wound Healing — VialBase Research

Trial Summary

Phase 2 trial evaluating GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) for acute wound healing. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that declines with age. It has extensive in vitro and animal data showing promotion of collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, nerve growth, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Design

  • Type: Randomized, controlled (likely active comparator or placebo-controlled)
  • Population: Adults with standardized acute wounds (surgical or traumatic)
  • Arms: GHK-Cu formulation vs. standard wound care
  • Duration: 4-12 weeks follow-up
  • Key measures: Wound closure rate, time to re-epithelialization, wound strength, scarring assessment (Vancouver Scar Scale), infection rates, histological analysis of biopsy specimens

Key Outcomes

Trial is recruiting; no results available yet.

Significance for Peptide Research

GHK-Cu is one of the most studied peptides in the cosmeceutical space but has lacked rigorous wound-healing clinical trials. This peptide upregulates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue repair and remodeling while suppressing genes linked to fibrosis and scarring. Formal clinical validation would bridge the gap between dermatology/cosmetic use and medical wound care. The copper-binding mechanism is distinct from other healing peptides (BPC-157, TB-500), providing orthogonal mechanisms. Relevant to copper peptide biology and regenerative peptide therapeutics.

See Also