RUO

Peptisynlab · Research Compound

GHK-CU 100mg

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + Cu²⁺). The reference compound in skin, hair, tissue-remodeling and gene-expression research; one of the most pleiotropic small peptides characterized.

Tripeptide Copper Complex Tissue Remodeling RUO

CAS Number: 130120-57-9
Molecular Formula: C14H24N4O4Cu
Molecular Weight: 359.9 g/mol
Purity: ≥ 99% HPLC
Vial Content: 100 mg lyophilized
Sequence: Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺

Half-life ~2 – 4 h Short systemic; longer in tissue

Reconstitution 5 mL bac water Yields 20 mg/mL working concentration

Storage −20 °C / 2–8 °C Lyophilized: −20 °C · Reconstituted: 2–8 °C, dark

Route (Research) SC / Topical Both routes documented in research

Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma. Plasma levels decline with age — from roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20 to about 80 ng/mL at age 60 — making it a reference molecule in regenerative and skin-aging research.

The peptide forms a tight 1:1 complex with copper(II). The complex serves as a regulated copper-delivery vehicle that interacts with diverse signaling pathways, modulating roughly 4,000 genes in published microarray research — affecting tissue remodeling, antioxidant response, inflammation, hair cycle and skin matrix.

Mechanism of Action — How It Works

GHK-Cu acts at multiple, related levels: copper transfer, gene-expression modulation and direct effects on extracellular matrix.

Copper Delivery

Provides cells with bioavailable copper(II) — a cofactor required for several matrix and antioxidant enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD-1).

Gene Regulation

Modulates expression of thousands of genes related to extracellular matrix, antioxidant defense, DNA repair and wound healing.

Collagen & Elastin

Stimulates fibroblast production of collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans and decorin in skin-research models.

Antioxidant Response

Upregulates endogenous antioxidant systems and supports SOD-1 activity through copper provision.

Research Effects on the Body

Endpoints reported across skin, hair, wound and aging research.

Skin: increased collagen, elastin and matrix glycoprotein production in fibroblast research.
Wound healing: faster closure and improved tensile strength in injury-research models.
Hair follicle: upregulation of follicle-cycle markers and hair-shaft thickening in research models.
Anti-inflammation: reduced TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory mediators at injury sites.
Antioxidant: elevated SOD activity and reduced lipid peroxidation in tissue.
DNA repair: upregulation of repair-pathway genes in some research microarrays.

Reconstitution — Dilution Math

GHK-Cu is supplied lyophilized as a deep blue powder (the copper complex). Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — the resulting solution is blue. Volumes shown for the 100 mg vial — units refer to insulin syringe (1 mL = 100 IU).

Bac Water	Concentration	1 mg dose	2 mg dose	5 mg dose
5 mL	20 mg/mL	0.05 mL · 5 IU	0.10 mL · 10 IU	0.25 mL · 25 IU
10 mL	10 mg/mL	0.10 mL · 10 IU	0.20 mL · 20 IU	0.50 mL · 50 IU
20 mL	5 mg/mL	0.20 mL · 20 IU	0.40 mL · 40 IU	1.00 mL · 100 IU

Standardized 20 mg/mL working reference: 5 mL bac water with this 100 mg vial gives the catalog-baseline 20 mg/mL working concentration. Larger volumes spread doses out for slower titration.

Dosing Reference (Research Context)

Ranges below reflect documented research protocols.

Phase	Reported Range	Typical Frequency	Vial Duration (100 mg)
Low	1 – 2 mg	Once daily	50 – 100 days
Standard	2 – 3 mg	Once daily	~33 – 50 days
Higher	5 mg	Once daily	~20 days
Topical research	0.05 – 0.5%	Topical formulation	—

Half-Life, Onset and Duration

Half-life: 2 – 4 hours systemically; tissue residency may be longer due to copper binding to matrix proteins.

Onset: gene-expression changes are measurable within hours; structural changes (collagen, hair) accumulate over weeks.

Duration of effect: course-dependent. Most documented research courses run 6 – 12 weeks for tissue-remodeling endpoints.

Wash-out: systemic clearance within 24 hours; tissue effects regress slowly over multiple weeks of discontinuation.

Storage & Stability

Lyophilized vial: store at −20 °C for long-term stability. Refrigeration acceptable for short-term storage.
Reconstituted solution: store at 2–8 °C, protected from light; use within 28 days.
Color note: the blue color is normal — it is the copper(II) complex. Color fading may indicate degradation of the complex.
Handling: swirl gently; avoid contact with reducing agents.

Important Considerations

Research Use Only. Information presented is for in-vitro and laboratory-research contexts. GHK-Cu on this site is not a finished pharmaceutical or cosmetic product, is not intended for diagnosis, treatment or prevention of disease, and is not for human or veterinary use.