GHK-CU
Research Use Only · Not for Human Consumption
A copper-binding tripeptide composed of glycine, histidine, and lysine bound to a copper ion; supplied in lyophilized form.
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human blood plasma in the 1970s
Chemistry
| CAS# | Formula | Molar Mass |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number: 49557-75-7 | Molecular Formula: C14H22CuN6O4 | Molar Mass: 401.91 g/mol |
What is GHK-CU?
A synthetic copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) complexed with copper(II). Has appeared in peer-reviewed preclinical publications examining fibroblast gene expression, copper-dependent enzymatic cofactor activity, and extracellular matrix protein synthesis in cell culture models.
GHK-Cu was first characterized by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973 while he was studying human blood plasma at the University of Washington. His laboratory work compared biochemical activity between plasma samples from different age cohorts and isolated a small copper-binding peptide that appeared to account for differences observed in the assays.
The peptide was three amino acids long—glycine, histidine, and lysine—bound to a copper ion. Dr. Pickart designated it GHK-Cu. Subsequent observational research reported variation in plasma GHK concentrations, which prompted further laboratory investigation of the molecule.
Over the following decades, published research on GHK-Cu expanded across fibroblast biology, copper-enzyme biochemistry, and gene-expression profiling, with genomic analyses reporting modulation of several thousand genes in cultured cells. GHK-Cu has appeared in peer-reviewed preclinical publications since the 1970s. This product is intended for research use only.
How should GHK-CU be stored?
Peptide Foundry research peptides are supplied lyophilized (freeze-dried). Keep sealed vials cool, dry, and protected from light until reconstitution.
After reconstitution, refrigerate prepared solutions and use sterile technique. For general laboratory diluent and handling notes, see lyophilized peptide reconstitution.
Certificate of Analysis
Every batch of GHK-CU is tested by ILS Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited lab, for purity, identity, heavy metals, sterility, endotoxin, and a fentanyl screen. The full certificate is below.
GHK-Cu · 100mg
Peptide Purity · HPLC @ 214 nm
99.67% — exceptional research-grade purity
Area-normalized against all peptide-related peaks. Identity confirmed by chromatographic retention-time match to a reference standard.
Every test on this certificate
COA documents are updated with each new batch. Contact support for batch-specific documentation.
Lot documentation
Published GHK-Cu lab reports
Find the report for your vial’s lot number. Older reports describe earlier lots; compare each report’s stated methods and results rather than treating them as interchangeable.
Current batch
Lot FO453
- Laboratory
- ILS Laboratories
- Labeled size
- 100mg
Previous batch
Lot 34210
- Laboratory
- Chromate
- Labeled size
- 100mg
Earlier batch
Lot GH10312
- Laboratory
- Freedom Diagnostics
- Labeled size
- 100mg
Need help interpreting a certificate? Read the peptide COA guide. For chemical identity and research sources, see our GHK-Cu reference guide.
Compare research materials
GHK-Cu, GLOW and KLOW: what’s in each vial?
Compare the standalone material with the blends by named components and labeled amounts. The amounts below describe vial contents, not preparation instructions.
This product
GHK-CU
- GHK-CU
- 100 mg
Related material
GLOW
- GHK-Cu
- 50 mg
- BPC-157
- 10 mg
- TB-500
- 10 mg
Related material
KLOW
- GHK-Cu
- 50 mg
- BPC-157
- 10 mg
- TB-500
- 10 mg
- KPV
- 10 mg
For blend composition and documentation checks, read GLOW vs KLOW and how to read a multi-peptide blend COA. All materials are for laboratory research only.
Related Research Compounds
Frequently purchased with GHK-CU
Add all 3 items to your cart
$390
Further reading
References
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. 2008.
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018.
- Pickart L, et al. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015.
- Pollard JD, et al. Stimulation of collagen production in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu. Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. 2005.
