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Peptency Academy · Compound

GHK-Cu (copper tripeptide-1)

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK), a tripeptide isolated from human plasma. Source sentenceGlycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) is a tripeptide with affinity for copper(II) ions and was isolated from human plasma.1 FEBS Lett 19882 J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 2008 PubChem records it as prezatide copper (CID 71587328): formula C14H23CuN6O4+, about 402.9 Da. Source sentenceTitle: Prezatide copper; MolecularFormula: C14H23CuN6O4+; MolecularWeight: 402.923 PubChem CID 71587328 Its cosmetic ingredient (INCI) name is Copper Tripeptide-1. Source sentenceSynonyms include: Copper tripeptide-1 [INCI]3 PubChem CID 71587328 A 2026 evidence-mapping review describes the clinical evidence as sparse. Source sentencethe clinical evidence remains sparse and does not meet contemporary active-entity quality standards4 Pharmaceutics 2026

Version 1Edited Evidence through 42 sources

Regulatory content shown for: United States and the Americas.

Peptide and copper complex

  • Catalog recordGHK-Cu3 residuesabout 402.9 DaSource sentenceTitle: Prezatide copper; MolecularFormula: C14H23CuN6O4+; MolecularWeight: 402.923 PubChem CID 71587328
  • Without copperGHK3 residuesabout 340.4 DaSource sentenceTitle: glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine; MolecularFormula: C14H24N6O4; MolecularWeight: 340.385 PubChem CID 73587

Known, not known, contested

Known

Not known

  • A PubMed search on 13 Oct 2026 tagged one GHK-Cu record as a randomised controlled trial (PMID 16847171, skin after laser resurfacing). No randomised human study outside skin and hair settings was found among the 152 records. Source sentence1 record with publication type randomized controlled trial: 16847171; title screen of the 152 records on 13 Oct 202617 PubMed search for randomised trials of GHK-Cu, 13 October 202615 Arch Facial Plast Surg 20069 PubMed search for GHK-Cu and its names, 13 October 2026
  • Which copper species a formulation delivers is usually not reported: a 2026 evidence-mapping review states that molar occupancy, labile copper and the release of intact GHK-Cu versus apo-GHK or free copper "are usually not resolved". Source sentencemolar occupancy, labile copper, and release of intact GHK-Cu versus apo-GHK/free copper are usually not resolved4 Pharmaceutics 2026
  • No human pharmacokinetic study of GHK-Cu was found in PubMed on 13 Oct 2026. A registered study with blood GHK and GHK-Cu levels as its primary outcome (NCT07706361) is not yet recruiting. Source sentencepharmacokinetic*[tiab]: 2 records (42797253, a review; 9187381, a rat plasma method); with humans[mh] and blood or plasma concentration terms: 0 records. NCT07706361 overall status: Not yet recruiting18 PubMed search for pharmacokinetic studies of GHK-Cu, 13 October 202619 NCT07706361

Contested

  • Databases write the complex differently: PubChem gives C14H23CuN6O4+ (402.92 Da, a cation) under CID 71587328 and C14H22CuN6O4 (401.91 Da, neutral) under CID 10111685. Source sentenceCID 71587328: MolecularFormula C14H23CuN6O4+, MolecularWeight 402.92, Charge 1; CID 10111685: MolecularFormula C14H22CuN6O4, MolecularWeight 401.91, Charge 03 PubChem CID 7158732820 PubChem CID 10111685
  • "Copper peptide" does not name one molecule: a 2026 review keeps apo-GHK, GHK-Cu, GHK-derived copper peptides and non-GHK copper peptides apart, and notes that much of the literature handles GHK-Cu as a single active ingredient. Source sentenceAbstract, Background: the review keeps "apo-GHK, canonical GHK-Cu, GHK-derived copper peptides, and non-GHK copper-peptide systems" apart, and describes GHK-Cu being handled "as a single active ingredient despite formulation-dependent variation in coordination state, speciation, stability"4 Pharmaceutics 2026
  • Reviews differ on the human evidence: a 2008 review by Loren Pickart cites controlled studies on aged skin, while a 2026 evidence-mapping review finds the clinical evidence sparse. Source sentencePMID 18644225, abstract: the 2008 review cites "Controlled studies on aged skin". PMID 42797253, abstract, Results: "the clinical evidence remains sparse and does not meet contemporary active-entity quality standards"2 J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 20084 Pharmaceutics 2026

Chemistry: GHK-Cu as PubChem CID 71587328 records it

Sequence
GHK
Length
3 residues
Modifications
copper(II) complex
Formula
C14H23CuN6O4+
Monoisotopic mass
402.1077 Da
Average mass
402.92 Da
CAS
89030-95-5
PubChem CID
71587328
InChIKey
NZWIFMYRRCMYMN-ACMTZBLWSA-M
Synonyms
Copper Tripeptide-1, prezatide copper, GHK copper, copper GHK, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II)
Salt form
acetate, trifluoroacetate
Checked 13 October 2026 3 PubChem CID 71587328

Chemistry: the neutral complex and GHK without copper

  • Neutral complex, as PubChem CID 10111685 records it: C14H22CuN6O4, monoisotopic mass 401.0999 Da, average mass 401.91 Da, InChIKey QMIFIFIYYPUVNU-ACMTZBLWSA-L. Source sentenceMolecularFormula C14H22CuN6O4; MonoisotopicMass 401.099850; MolecularWeight 401.91; InChIKey QMIFIFIYYPUVNU-ACMTZBLWSA-L20 PubChem CID 10111685
  • GHK without copper, PubChem CID 73587: C14H24N6O4, monoisotopic mass 340.1859 Da, average mass 340.38 Da, InChIKey MVORZMQFXBLMHM-QWRGUYRKSA-N. Source sentenceMolecularFormula C14H24N6O4; MonoisotopicMass 340.18590327; MolecularWeight 340.38; InChIKey MVORZMQFXBLMHM-QWRGUYRKSA-N5 PubChem CID 73587
  • PubChem also lists salt names, for example "Copper tripeptide-1.xHOAc" (acetate) and "Copper peptide(GHK-Cu) TFA salt". The masses on this page are for the complex without a counterion. Source sentenceSynonyms include: Copper tripeptide-1.xHOAc; Copper peptide(GHK-Cu) TFA salt; Glycyl-histidyl-lysine monocopper TFA salt3 PubChem CID 71587328

Sequence

GHK

Gly-His-Lys, the three residues of GHK. The copper(II) ion is bound to the peptide and is not part of the sequence.
  • In solution the copper(II) ion is bound by the N-terminal amine, an amide nitrogen and the histidine imidazole; in the solid state a fourth position is taken by an oxygen atom from a carboxylate. Source sentenceforms a monomeric complex in solution with three nitrogen ligands: NH(2), amidyl and imidazole. The fourth equatorial site is occupied by a labile oxygen atom from a carboxylate ligand in the solid state.6 Chemistry 2011

Which form of GHK-Cu does a certificate describe?

  • Read the formula and mass on the certificate of analysis. C14H23CuN6O4+ (402.92 Da) or C14H22CuN6O4 (401.91 Da) fit the copper complex as PubChem writes it; C14H24N6O4 (340.38 Da) is GHK without copper. A label that says only "copper peptide" fits several molecules. Source sentenceCID 71587328: C14H23CuN6O4+, 402.92; CID 10111685: C14H22CuN6O4, 401.91; CID 73587: C14H24N6O4, 340.383 PubChem CID 7158732820 PubChem CID 101116855 PubChem CID 735874 Pharmaceutics 2026
  • Monoisotopic masses: 402.1077 Da for the cation (CID 71587328), 401.0999 Da for the neutral complex (CID 10111685) and 340.1859 Da for GHK (CID 73587). Source sentenceMonoisotopicMass 402.107675 (CID 71587328); 401.099850 (CID 10111685); 340.18590327 (CID 73587)3 PubChem CID 7158732820 PubChem CID 101116855 PubChem CID 73587
  • A 2024 analytical method coupled capillary electrophoresis with ICP tandem mass spectrometry and tracked copper and phosphorus signals to measure GHK-Cu inside liposomes. Source sentenceAbstract: "By monitoring copper and phosphorus signals" ... "the concentration of GHK-Cu in the liposomes was assessed"22 Electrophoresis 2024

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), a peptide isolated from human plasma. PubChem records it as prezatide copper (CID 71587328, CAS 89030-95-5), and its cosmetic ingredient name is Copper Tripeptide-1. Source sentenceGlycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) is a tripeptide with affinity for copper(II) ions and was isolated from human plasma.1 FEBS Lett 19883 PubChem CID 71587328

Is copper peptide the same as GHK-Cu?

Not always. "Copper peptide" is used for several molecules: GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1), AHK-Cu (the copper complex of Ala-His-Lys) and GHK-derived copper peptides, while palmitoyl GHK (Pal-GHK) is a palmitoylated derivative of GHK rather than its copper complex. Source sentencewith explicit separation of apo-GHK, canonical GHK-Cu, GHK-derived copper peptides, and non-GHK copper-peptide systems4 Pharmaceutics 202623 Arch Pharm Res 200724 Bioimpacts 20253 PubChem CID 71587328 AHK-Cu is a different tripeptide complex, L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. Source sentencethe effects of L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (AHK-Cu) on human hair growth ex vivo and cultured dermal papilla cells were evaluated23 Arch Pharm Res 2007 Pal-GHK is the palmitoylated derivative of GHK; GHK-Cu is its metal complex. Source sentenceGHK-Cu and Pal-GHK are metal complex and palmitoylated derivatives of GHK, respectively.24 Bioimpacts 2025

What is the molecular weight of GHK-Cu?

It depends on how the complex is written. PubChem gives 402.92 Da for the cation C14H23CuN6O4+ (CID 71587328) and 401.91 Da for the neutral complex C14H22CuN6O4 (CID 10111685); GHK without copper, C14H24N6O4, is 340.38 Da (CID 73587). Source sentenceMolecularWeight 402.92 (CID 71587328); 401.91 (CID 10111685); 340.38 (CID 73587)3 PubChem CID 7158732820 PubChem CID 101116855 PubChem CID 73587

What has research studied about GHK-Cu?

Published work covers copper binding and structure, collagen and gene expression in cell cultures, and rat, mouse, zebrafish and nematode models. Human studies are few: a 2026 systematic review included 2 randomised trials among 20 studies, and a 2026 evidence-mapping review describes the clinical evidence as sparse. Source sentence20 studies (18 preclinical; 2 RCTs) were included.25 Aesthet Surg J 20264 Pharmaceutics 20266 Chemistry 20111 FEBS Lett 198826 Genome Med 201210 J Clin Invest 199311 Front Pharmacol 202512 Eur J Pharmacol 202613 Biogerontology 2026

Are there clinical trials of GHK-Cu?

ClinicalTrials.gov listed 3 records for GHK-Cu on 13 Oct 2026. A phase 2 GHK-Cu trial (NCT07437586, China) is recruiting with no results; a study of blood GHK and GHK-Cu levels (NCT07706361, Canada) is not yet recruiting; the third record (NCT05932732) lists a copper peptide as one ingredient of a multi-ingredient product. Source sentencetotalCount 3; NCT07437586 Phase 2, Recruiting, China; NCT07706361 Not yet recruiting, Canada; NCT05932732 serum ingredients include Copper Peptide Cu-GHK16 ClinicalTrials.gov search, 13 October 202627 NCT0743758619 NCT0770636128 NCT05932732

Is GHK-Cu an FDA approved drug?

US

No. No FDA approved drug containing GHK-Cu or prezatide copper was found in Drugs@FDA on 13 Oct 2026. FDA's 503A compounding records hold two GHK-Cu entries: one listed as nominated but withdrawn, and one in Category 1, under evaluation. Source sentenceNOT_FOUND: No matches found!29 openFDA Drugs@FDA query for prezatide, 13 October 202630 FDA, bulk drug substances Category 2 page, content current as of 22 April 202631 FDA, 503A bulk drug substance categories, updated 14 May 2026

Evidence map: GHK-Cu

Primary studies of GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys), by model and by what was measured. Reviews are not counted. An empty cell means: not mapped yet.
ModelChemistry and analyticalPharmacokineticsReceptor binding and signallingTissue histologyBiomarkersClinical endpoint
Analytical only (no biological model)Chemistry and analytical3Not mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yet
In vitro or ex vivoNot mapped yetNot mapped yetReceptor binding and signalling2Not mapped yetBiomarkers1Not mapped yet
RodentNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetTissue histology5Biomarkers5Not mapped yet
Other animalNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetBiomarkers2Not mapped yet
Human, uncontrolledNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yet
Human, randomisedNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetNot mapped yetClinical endpoint1

12 studies countedEvidence level facet: L4. A design scale, not a measure of strength or quality.

Counts only the exact match studies reviewed for this page on 13 October 2026, out of 152 PubMed records found for GHK-Cu, copper tripeptide, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine or prezatide. Empty cells are not mapped yet. Related forms (GHK without stated copper, GHK-Cu inside multi-ingredient products) are in the study list and are not counted; reviews are never counted.

Who produced this evidence

  • A 2026 systematic review reports that about 35% of the primary GHK-Cu literature in its window includes Loren Pickart or Anna Margolina (Skin Biology Inc.) as an author, and that Pickart, who isolated the peptide, held commercial interests in the field. Source sentenceApproximately 35% of the GHK-Cu primary literature in the inclusion window includes Loren Pickart or Anna Margolina (Skin Biology Inc.) as an author. Pickart was the original isolator of the peptide and held commercial interests in the field for decades.35 Arch Intern Med Res 2026
  • Three reviews cited on this page (2008, 2015 and 2018) were written at Skin Biology in Bellevue, Washington. Source sentenceAffiliations: Skin Biology, 4122 Factoria Boulevard, Bellevue, WA (18644225); Skin Biology, Research & Development Department, Bellevue, WA (26236730); R&D Skin Biology, Bellevue, WA (29986520)2 J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 200836 Biomed Res Int 201537 Int J Mol Sci 2018
  • The recent animal studies on this page come from groups in China (Beijing, Jining and Kunming) and from the University of Washington. The zebrafish study's authors are affiliated with a cosmetics company, Yunnan Botanee Bio-Technology Group. Source sentenceAffiliations: Yunnan Botanee Bio-Technology Group Co., Ltd, Kunming (41997403); Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing (38879894); Jining Medical University (40672369); Yunnan University, Kunming (42084774); University of Washington (42245779)12 Eur J Pharmacol 202633 Redox Biol 202411 Front Pharmacol 202513 Biogerontology 202634 Res Sq 2026 (preprint)
  • The three registered studies are run by companies: Hudson Biotech (sites in China), LifeWave (sites in Canada) and a US clinical research network with a skin care device company as collaborator. Source sentenceLead sponsors: Hudson Biotech, China (NCT07437586); LifeWave, Inc., Canada, collaborator KGK Science Inc. (NCT07706361); Austin Institute for Clinical Research, United States, collaborator The HydraFacial Company (NCT05932732)27 NCT0743758619 NCT0770636128 NCT05932732
  • The two papers on GHK-Cu in liposomes cited here, an analytical study from 2024 and a review from 2025, share authors at the Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology; the review also lists an affiliation at the University of Vienna. Source sentenceAffiliations and authors: PMID 39451062 (Journal Article), Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology; PMID 39795193 (Review), Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology and Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Vienna; authors in both: Ogórek K, Wadych E, Matczuk M22 Electrophoresis 202438 Molecules 2025

Studies

  1. Analytical only (no biological model)Chemistry 2011

    Solid state and solution structures of copper(II) GHK and its redox behaviour

    Design
    X-ray crystallography, EPR, X-ray absorption and NMR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry
    Population or model
    none (chemistry and analytical)
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    PubMed 21780203DOI

  2. Analytical only (no biological model)Biochem J 1981

    Copper(II) GHK species in solution and competition with albumin for copper(II)

    Design
    Potentiometric titration, visible absorption spectrophotometry and equilibrium dialysis
    Population or model
    none (chemistry and analytical)
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    PubMed 7340824DOI

  3. Analytical only (no biological model)Electrophoresis 2024

    GHK-Cu content of liposomes measured through copper and phosphorus signals

    Design
    Analytical method study: capillary electrophoresis with ICP tandem mass spectrometry
    Population or model
    none (liposome formulation analysis)
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact
    Funding
    Warsaw University of Technology, Excellence Initiative Research University programme

    PubMed 39451062DOI

  4. In vitro or ex vivoFEBS Lett 1988

    Collagen synthesis and cell number in fibroblast cultures exposed to GHK-Cu

    Design
    Cell culture study
    Population or model
    fibroblast cultures
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    PubMed 3169264DOI

  5. RodentJ Clin Invest 1993

    Dry weight, protein, collagen, DNA, elastin and glycosaminoglycan content and collagen mRNA in wound chamber contents

    Design
    Controlled animal study with saline and a control tripeptide
    Population or model
    rat, implanted wound chamber model
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact
    Comparator
    saline; control tripeptide L-glutamyl-L-histidyl-L-proline

    PubMed 8227353DOI

  6. RodentVet Surg 2003

    Wound area and TNF-alpha, MMP-2 and MMP-9 in wound biopsies

    Design
    Controlled animal study, three groups
    Population or model
    rat (Sprague-Dawley), ischemic open wound in a skin flap
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact
    n
    24
    Comparator
    vehicle gel; no application

    PubMed 14648529DOI

  7. RodentRedox Biol 2024

    Lung inflammation and fibrosis histology, macrophage oxidative stress and binding to peroxiredoxin 6

    Design
    Mouse silicosis model plus macrophage cell line
    Population or model
    mouse silicosis model; RAW264.7 macrophage cells
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    Authors declare no competing interests

    PubMed 38879894DOI

  8. RodentFront Pharmacol 2025

    Colon histology, tight junction proteins, cytokines and SIRT1 and STAT3 signalling

    Design
    Mouse colitis model plus macrophage and colon epithelial cell co-culture
    Population or model
    BALB/c mice, DSS colitis; mouse peritoneal macrophages and colonic epithelial cells
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    Authors declare no commercial or financial conflict

    PubMed 40672369DOI

  9. RodentRes Sq 2026Preprint

    Spatial learning task, hippocampal immunohistochemistry and bulk RNA sequencing

    Design
    Animal study (preprint)
    Population or model
    aged C57BL/6J mice (20 to 21 months)
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    Authors declare no competing interests

    PubMed 42245779DOI

  10. Other animalEur J Pharmacol 2026

    Neutrophil and macrophage migration, cytokine expression, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and SOD activity

    Design
    Zebrafish larvae models with copper sulfate or LPS
    Population or model
    zebrafish larvae
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact

    Authors are affiliated with a cosmetics company; they declare no competing interests

    PubMed 41997403DOI

  11. Other animalBiogerontology 2026

    Survival curves, oxidative and heat stress assays, mitochondrial membrane potential and DAF-16 and SKN-1 pathway markers

    Design
    Nematode survival and stress assays
    Population or model
    Caenorhabditis elegans
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact
    Funding
    Yunnan University funds

    Authors declare no competing interests

    PubMed 42084774DOI

  12. Human, randomisedWound Repair Regen 1994

    Ulcer closure and ulcer infection incidence compared with vehicle

    Design
    Multicentre, randomised, evaluator-blinded, vehicle-controlled study
    Population or model
    adults with neuropathic plantar ulcers
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu (copper(II) complex of Gly-His-Lys) exact
    Comparator
    vehicle gel
    Blinding
    evaluator-blinded

    PubMed 17147644DOI

  13. Human, randomisedArch Facial Plast Surg 2006

    Erythema resolution by computer analysis and blinded evaluators, wrinkles and overall skin appearance, and a patient questionnaire

    Design
    Randomised study with blinded evaluators
    Population or model
    adults after CO2 laser resurfacing around the mouth
    Molecule
    GHK-Cu inside skin care products related form
    n
    13
    Comparator
    skin care products without GHK-Cu
    Blinding
    blinded evaluators

    Molecule note: GHK-Cu was one component of skin care products, so the study is listed as a related form and not counted. n is the number who completed the study.

    PubMed 16847171DOI

  14. In vitro or ex vivoGenome Med 2012

    Gene expression linked to emphysema severity, a Connectivity Map match, and TGF-beta related expression and collagen gel contraction in fibroblasts

    Design
    Gene expression profiling of lung tissue plus fibroblast cell assays
    Population or model
    lung tissue samples from smokers with COPD (64 samples from 8 lungs); human lung fibroblasts
    Molecule
    GHK (copper state not stated in the abstract) related form

    Molecule note: The abstract names GHK without stating whether copper was present, so the study is listed as a related form and not counted.

    PubMed 22937864DOI

  15. RodentJ Chromatogr B Biomed Sci Appl 1997

    HPLC method for GHK and its metabolite HK in rat plasma, and their plasma levels over time

    Design
    Analytical method plus a rat pharmacokinetic study
    Population or model
    rat plasma
    Molecule
    GHK without copper related form

    Authors employed by Kissei Pharmaceutical (affiliation). Molecule note: GHK without copper; the paper reports GHK was rapidly degraded to HK.

    PubMed 9187381DOI

Mechanisms studied

  • GHK binds copper(II) with an affinity similar to the copper transport site on albumin, and in dialysis experiments it competed with albumin for copper(II). Source sentencehas a copper 2+ (Cu(2+)) affinity similar to the copper transport site on albumin2 J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 20088 Biochem J 1981
  • A 1988 cell study measured collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures exposed to GHK-Cu. Source sentenceAbstract, sentence 3: the study reports on "collagen synthesis by fibroblasts" exposed to GHK-Cu1 FEBS Lett 1988
  • A 2012 study used the Connectivity Map to match GHK to a gene expression signature linked to emphysema severity in lung tissue, then measured TGF-beta related gene expression, actin organisation and collagen gel contraction in lung fibroblasts exposed to GHK. Source sentenceAbstract, Results: "Using the Connectivity Map, we identified GHK"; then "Treatment of human fibroblasts with GHK", "organization of the actin cytoskeleton" and "collagen I contraction and remodeling by fibroblasts derived from COPD lungs"26 Genome Med 2012
  • A 2024 mouse silicosis study with macrophage cell line work measured binding between GHK-Cu and peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6). Source sentenceAbstract: models "An experimental silicosis mouse model" and "the RAW264.7 cell line"; binding: "GHK-Cu can bind to PRDX6"33 Redox Biol 2024
  • A 2025 mouse colitis study measured SIRT1, STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 in colon tissue and in co-cultured colon epithelial cells. Source sentenceAbstract, Methods: "The protein expression levels of ... SIRT1, STAT3, p-STAT3 ... were detected by Western blot"; "a co culture model was constructed using mouse colonic epithelial cells (MCECs) and MPMs"11 Front Pharmacol 2025

Status matrix

United States: FDA records

US

  • The FDA records below concern bulk drug substances nominated for use in pharmacy compounding under section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Source sentenceBulk Drug Substances Nominated for Use in Compounding Under Section 503A of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act31 FDA, 503A bulk drug substance categories, updated 14 May 2026
  • FDA's Category 2 page lists one of two GHK-Cu entries under bulk drug substances nominated but withdrawn (content current as of 22 Apr 2026); the exact entry name is in the source quote. Withdrawn by the nominator is not approval and not listing. Source sentenceBulk drug substances nominated but withdrawn ... GHK-Cu (for injectable routes of administration) ... Content current as of: 04/22/202630 FDA, bulk drug substances Category 2 page, content current as of 22 April 2026
  • For that entry FDA states that "there are limited data in humans to inform safety-related considerations". Source sentenceThere are limited data in humans to inform safety-related considerations.30 FDA, bulk drug substances Category 2 page, content current as of 22 April 2026
  • FDA's 503A categories list, updated 14 May 2026, puts the other GHK-Cu entry back into Category 1 (bulk drug substances under evaluation), after one nominator clarified on 5 May 2026 that it had withdrawn only part of its nomination. Source sentence"GHK-Cu (except for injectable routes of administration)" ... On May 5, 2026, one of those nominators clarified that it intended to withdraw only its nomination of the injectable route of administration with respect to GHK-Cu ... will be added back to category 1.31 FDA, 503A bulk drug substance categories, updated 14 May 2026
  • FDA states that it intends to consult the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) before the end of February 2027 about the potential inclusion of GHK-Cu on the 503A bulks list. Source sentenceFDA has announced it intends to consult the Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) before the end of February 2027 regarding the potential inclusion of GHK-Cu on the 503A bulks list.31 FDA, 503A bulk drug substance categories, updated 14 May 2026
  • No FDA approved drug containing GHK-Cu or prezatide copper was found in openFDA Drugs@FDA on 13 Oct 2026. Source sentenceNOT_FOUND: No matches found! (active ingredient PREZATIDE; substance name PREZATIDE COPPER)29 openFDA Drugs@FDA query for prezatide, 13 October 2026
  • FDA's substance registry (GSRS, UNII 6BJQ43T1I9) records the substance as prezatide copper with CAS 89030-95-5 and lists Copper Tripeptide-1 as its INCI name. Source sentence_name: PREZATIDE COPPER; names: COPPER TRIPEPTIDE-1 (nameOrg INCI); codes: CAS 89030-95-5, FDA UNII 6BJQ43T1I941 FDA Global Substance Registration System, UNII 6BJQ43T1I9

Sport anti-doping list

International

  • The WADA 2026 Prohibited List does not name GHK-Cu, copper tripeptide or GHK (text search of the list on 13 Oct 2026). Source sentenceNo match for GHK, copper or tripeptide in the full text of the 2026 list40 WADA Prohibited List 2026
  • The list's class S0 covers pharmacological substances not addressed elsewhere on the list and without current approval by any government health regulator for use in humans. Source sentenceAny pharmacological substance which is not addressed by any of the subsequent sections of the List and with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use40 WADA Prohibited List 2026

Registered trials

  • NCT07437586Phase 2

    Status
    Recruiting (start 2 Feb 2026, estimated primary completion 14 Feb 2027)
    Sponsor
    Hudson Biotech
    Site countries
    China (global context)
    Primary endpoint
    time to complete re-epithelialisation
    Primary endpoint met
    not reported
    Last synced
    13 October 2026

  • NCT07706361Not applicable

    Status
    Not yet recruiting (estimated start January 2027)
    Sponsor
    LifeWave, Inc.
    Site countries
    Canada
    Primary endpoint
    blood GHK and GHK-Cu levels
    Primary endpoint met
    not reported
    Last synced
    13 October 2026

  • NCT05932732Phase 4

    Status
    Completed (9 Oct 2024), no results posted
    Sponsor
    Austin Institute for Clinical Research
    Site countries
    US
    Primary endpoint
    skin quality, hydration and barrier measures
    Primary endpoint met
    not reported
    Last synced
    13 October 2026
  • ClinicalTrials.gov on 13 Oct 2026: 3 records for "GHK-Cu", none for "copper tripeptide" or "prezatide"; the 5 records for "GHK" add 2 studies unrelated to the peptide. Source sentencetotalCount: GHK-Cu 3; copper tripeptide 0; prezatide 0; GHK 5 (adds NCT05048407 and NCT05940675)16 ClinicalTrials.gov search, 13 October 2026

Timeline

  1. A tripeptide from human serum is reported by Pickart and Thaler Source sentenceNat New Biol 1973; authors Pickart L, Thaler MM; no abstract in PubMed42 Nat New Biol 1973
  2. Copper(II) species of GHK in solution and competition with albumin measured Source sentenceBiochem J 1981: species distribution and stability constants; competition with albumin for Cu(II) by equilibrium dialysis8 Biochem J 1981
  3. Collagen synthesis measured in fibroblast cultures exposed to GHK-Cu Source sentenceFEBS Lett 1988: collagen synthesis by fibroblasts1 FEBS Lett 1988
  4. Rat wound chamber study of extracellular matrix accumulation Source sentenceJ Clin Invest 1993: wound chamber model in rats; dry weight, DNA, protein, collagen and glycosaminoglycan contents10 J Clin Invest 1993
  5. Randomised, evaluator-blinded, vehicle-controlled multicentre study in neuropathic plantar ulcers Source sentenceA multicenter, randomized, evaluator-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study14 Wound Repair Regen 1994
  6. Randomised study of skin care products with and without GHK-Cu after laser resurfacing (13 patients completed) Source sentencePatients were then randomized ... with or without GHK-Cu ... Thirteen patients completed the study.15 Arch Facial Plast Surg 2006
  7. X-ray and solution structures of copper(II) GHK published Source sentenceChemistry 2011: X-ray structures and spectroscopy of [Cu(II)(GHK)] and [Cu(II)(DAHK)]6 Chemistry 2011
  8. A phase 2 GHK-Cu trial starts recruiting in China Source sentenceStudy start 2026-02-02 (actual); overall status Recruiting; location China27 NCT07437586
  9. Evidence-mapping review keeps apo-GHK, GHK-Cu and other copper peptides apart Source sentencePharmaceutics, published 27 Aug 2026; searches through 12 August 20264 Pharmaceutics 2026

Integrity notes

Chemistry and records

GHK-Cu: sequence, mass, CAS and regulatory record in the research library →

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About this page

Research-use information. This library summarises published literature and regulator records. It is not guidance for use, not medical advice, and not a statement that any material is suitable for use in people or animals.

Reviewed by the Peptency editorial process. Version 1, last edited 13 October 2026, 42 sources.

Cite this page: Peptency Academy. GHK-Cu: copper tripeptide-1, chemistry, studies and status. Version 1./us/academy/compounds/ghk-cu/