GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that declines dramatically with age. Activates over 4,000 genes involved in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, anti-inflammatory response, and stem cell activation. The most extensively researched regenerative peptide for skin, hair, and systemic tissue repair.
Reviewed & fact-checked by
Dr. Jane Smith, MD, PhDChief Medical Reviewer · Last updated: March 25, 2026
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and research purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine copper) is a naturally occurring tripeptide that binds copper (Cu2+) with high affinity. It was first identified in human plasma by Loren Pickart in 1973 during research on liver regeneration. What began as a wound-healing peptide has evolved into one of the most comprehensively studied regenerative compounds in peptide research.
Its natural plasma concentration is approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60 - a 60% reduction that correlates with the progressive decline in tissue repair capacity seen with ageing.
Mechanism: 4,000 Genes
The most striking feature of GHK-Cu's mechanism is its breadth. Genome-wide expression analysis has identified over 4,000 human genes regulated by GHK-Cu, including 59% of the genes identified as key ageing-reversal targets in the IPA longevity database.
Key regulated pathways include:
Tissue remodelling:
- Upregulates collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis
- Activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) for removal of damaged collagen
- Promotes wound healing and skin remodelling simultaneously
Stem cell activation:
- Stimulates migration of dermal fibroblasts and endothelial cells to repair sites
- Activates neural stem cell differentiation
Anti-inflammatory:
- Blocks NF-kB activation (master inflammatory switch)
- Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6)
Antioxidant:
- Induces superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression
- Feroxamine-like iron chelation prevents Fenton reaction oxidative damage
Topical vs Injectable
Topical GHK-Cu is the most established and accessible application. As a small tripeptide, it penetrates the skin barrier effectively. Clinical evidence supports significant improvements in skin thickness, elasticity, and reduction of fine lines. It is also one of the most studied compounds for androgenetic alopecia (hair loss), with evidence of miniaturisation reversal in some protocols.
Injectable GHK-Cu is used for systemic tissue repair and anti-ageing protocols, typically in conjunction with BPC-157 and TB-500. Evidence base is predominantly from animal studies and clinical observations rather than controlled trials.
Stacking Interactions
How GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) interacts with other compounds
BPC-157 drives local tissue repair via VEGF and GH receptor pathways. GHK-Cu activates gene expression programmes for collagen synthesis and wound healing. Complementary regenerative mechanisms - stack for comprehensive tissue repair.
GHK-Cu amplifies collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration alongside the extended cellular cycle that Epithalon enables via telomerase activation.
TB-500 drives systemic cell migration for repair; GHK-Cu provides the gene activation programme for what those cells build when they arrive. Excellent combination for wound healing and tissue remodelling.
Safety Profile — Tier A
Well-tolerated — strong human evidence
Contraindications
- ●Wilson's disease - copper metabolism disorder
- ●Active cancer - promotes angiogenesis and tissue growth
Side Effects
- ●Topical use: generally excellent tolerance
- ●Injectable: mild injection site reactions
- ●Rare: temporary skin darkening from copper
- ●High systemic doses: potential copper toxicity (monitor serum copper)