RM-TRS / Tissue, repair and matrix signalling
GHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper tripeptide-1
Grade describes the published research on the molecule. It is not a quality score, a safety score, or a release state.
What this is
A copper-binding tripeptide complex. Mechanistic and cell-culture research is well established.
Evidence position
Grade C. Mechanistic and cell evidence. Topical and cell-research context must be kept separate from any injectable presentation. FDA lists injectable GHK-Cu among substances with potential significant safety risks.
What the record does not establish
Published research about a molecule is not a test of any particular vial. Identity, purity, strength and microbiological quality are established by lot-level analytical records tied to a matched sample — not by the literature, and not by the presence of an approved comparator.
Where a lot-level record exists it is published on the evidence page and linked from the product. Where it does not exist, the record says so.
Sources
- 01Fibroblast collagen-synthesis researchPubMed
- Shows
- Cell-level mechanism
- Does not show
- Not a human outcome study
- 02Bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risksU.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Shows
- Regulator safety position
- Does not show
- Not a quality assessment of any vial
External database index
LIVE DATABASE INDEX / SEPARATE FROM CURATED EVIDENCE
Records below come directly from public scientific databases. They help find relevant material, but do not affect the evidence grade until they are matched to the molecule and added to the curated source list.
PUBCHEM / IDENTITY
Copper tripeptide
- CID
- 139035031
- Formula
- C14H21CuN6O4-
- Mass
- 400.90
PUBMED / FOUND RECORDS
- Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.International journal of molecular sciences / 2018 Jul 7PMID 29986520 / DOI 10.3390/ijms19071987
- The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide.Aging pathobiology and therapeutics / 2020 Mar 27PMID 35083444 / DOI 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014
- Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective.BioImpacts : BI / 2025PMID 39963574 / DOI 10.34172/bi.30071
- Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions.Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global research & reviews / 2026 Jan 1PMID 41490200 / DOI 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00236
- Injectable Peptide Therapy: A Primer for Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Physicians.The American journal of sports medicine / 2026 JanPMID 41476424 / DOI 10.1177/03635465251357593
CLINICALTRIALS.GOV / FOUND RECORDS
- Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy AdultsNOT_YET_RECRUITING / NA / LifeWave, Inc.NCT07706361 / DIRECT title MATCH: GHK-Cu
- Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound HealingRECRUITING / PHASE2 / Hudson BiotechNCT07437586 / DIRECT intervention MATCH: GHK-Cu