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GHK-CU

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Research brief

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Canada Research Brief

Last updated April 11, 2026

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, first isolated from human plasma in 1973 and studied for roles in wound healing and copper transport.

Key facts

Canonical nameGHK-Cu
Alternate namesCopper tripeptide-1, Copper peptide GHK-Cu, Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II), Prezatide copper acetate
Drug classCopper-binding tripeptide (skin / tissue remodeling)
CAS number49557-75-7
Molecular formulaC14H24N6O4 (copper complex)
Molecular weight463.98 g/mol
SequenceGly-His-Lys (Cu²⁺)
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Reconstitution Guide

Add bacteriostatic water to achieve your desired concentration:

1ml BAC water5.0mg/ml
2ml BAC water2.5mg/ml
2.5ml BAC water2.0mg/ml

Inject water slowly against vial wall. Swirl gently, do not shake.

About This Product

GHK-CU Canada - Copper Peptide Complex for Skin Research GHK-Cu represents a fascinating intersection of peptide biology and metal biochemistry. This naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) declines with age in human plasma, making it a subject of intense investigation in skin aging and wound healing research. THE GHK-Cu COMPLEX Unlike standard peptides, GHK-Cu's biological activity depends on its copper ion coordination. The tripeptide backbone binds copper(II) with high affinity, and this complex interacts with cellular receptors differently than the peptide alone. Researchers study how this metal-peptide interaction influences gene expression and cellular behavior. RESEARCH DOMAINS Scientific literature documents GHK-Cu investigation in:...

Form

Lyophilized Powder

Quantity

5mg

Storage

2-8°C

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Customer Reviews (49)

Research brief

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Canada Research Brief

Discovery and structure

GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L- lysine. Loren Pickart first isolated GHK from human plasma albumin in 1973 while studying why plasma from young donors supported more robust liver-cell growth in culture than plasma from older donors. The "aging factor" turned out to be the amount of free GHK, which declines steadily with age.

The copper-bound form, GHK-Cu, is the physiologically relevant species. The histidine imidazole and the N-terminal glycine chelate a copper(II) ion, forming a square-planar complex that can shuttle copper into cells via plasma transport proteins.

Sequence: Gly-His-Lys (Cu²⁺). Molecular weight: 463.98 g/mol (copper complex). CAS: 49557-75-7.

Research pathways

Pickart and colleagues have published extensively on GHK-Cu's biological activities across four decades. The most-cited pathways:

  1. Copper delivery. GHK-Cu is a physiological copper transport peptide; many of its downstream effects are explained by the cellular copper it delivers rather than by the peptide itself.
  2. Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. In dermal fibroblast cultures GHK-Cu has been reported to upregulate collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis — the basis for its extensive literature in skin research.
  3. Anti-inflammatory signalling. In vitro work suggests GHK-Cu attenuates several pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways, though in vivo human confirmation is limited.
  4. Wound healing. Multiple rodent and ex vivo human skin models report accelerated wound closure in the presence of topical GHK-Cu.

Research-use framing in Canada

GHK-Cu is not a Health Canada approved drug, not a prescription, and — when sold as a research chemical — not a cosmetic. The specific form OVIOPEPTIDES sells is for non-clinical laboratory research use only. For the full Canadian regulatory posture, see our peptides in Canada guide.

Storage

GHK-Cu is sensitive to oxidation. Store the lyophilised product at -20°C protected from light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated at 2-8°C and minimise exposure to ambient light during handling. Copper-peptide solutions typically show visible degradation (colour change, precipitate) before chemical analysis confirms loss of activity — visual inspection is a useful first check.

Frequently asked questions

What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine, a naturally occurring tripeptide first isolated from human plasma albumin by Loren Pickart in 1973. It carries and delivers copper ions into cells and has been studied for roles in wound healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory signalling.
How is GHK-Cu different from plain GHK?
GHK is the bare tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine). GHK-Cu is the biologically active copper complex — the histidine and glycine residues chelate a copper(II) ion, which is how GHK transports copper in plasma and into cells. Most of the biological activity attributed to GHK in the literature comes from the copper-bound form.
Is GHK-Cu approved as a skincare ingredient in Canada?
Copper peptides are permitted in cosmetic formulations sold in Canada when they comply with the Cosmetic Regulations under the Food and Drugs Act. GHK-Cu sold as a research chemical is not a cosmetic and is not a Health Canada approved drug, treatment, or prescription product.
What is GHK-Cu's molecular weight?
GHK-Cu has a molecular weight of 463.98 g/mol as the copper complex. Its CAS number is 49557-75-7, and the peptide sequence is Gly-His-Lys with a chelated Cu²⁺ ion.

References

  1. [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. DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108
  2. [2]Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 2008. PMID: 18644225
  3. [3]National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem CID 156588903 — GHK-Cu, 2024

Related research

Frequently Asked Questions

What is GHK-CU used for in research?

GHK-CU is a copper peptide primarily used for skin and anti-aging research. Copper-binding tripeptide that promotes collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling. Researchers study GHK-CU for its effects on skin regeneration, collagen production, wound healing.

Can I buy GHK-CU in Canada?

Yes, OVIOPEPTIDES ships GHK-CU across all Canadian provinces including Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and all territories. Our GHK-CU is available for non-clinical laboratory research purposes only.

What purity is your GHK-CU?

All GHK-CU from OVIOPEPTIDES is verified at 99%+ purity through independent third-party HPLC testing. Every order includes a Certificate of Analysis confirming purity, molecular weight, and identity verification.

How should I store GHK-CU?

Store lyophilized GHK-CU powder at 2-8°C (freezer) in its original sealed vial. Once reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, refrigerate at 2-8°C and use within 4 weeks. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

How do I reconstitute GHK-CU?

To reconstitute GHK-CU, inject bacteriostatic water slowly against the vial wall. Swirl gently - never shake. Common reconstitution volumes are 1ml, 2ml, or 2.5ml depending on desired concentration. Allow the powder to dissolve completely before use.

Is GHK-CU legal in Canada?

GHK-CU is legal to purchase in Canada for non-clinical laboratory research purposes. It is not approved by Health Canada for therapeutic use and is not intended for human consumption. OVIOPEPTIDES sells GHK-CU strictly for research applications.

How does GHK-CU compare to bpc-157?

GHK-CU and bpc-157 are both used in skin and anti-aging research but have different mechanisms. GHK-CU is a copper peptide, while bpc-157 may work through different pathways. Researchers often study these peptides together for comparative analysis.

What documentation comes with GHK-CU?

Every GHK-CU order from OVIOPEPTIDES includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) documenting: HPLC purity results (99%+), mass spectrometry data, batch number, manufacturing date, and expiration date. This ensures full traceability for your research.