Name: GHK-Cu
Brand: Veridian Research
SKU: cmn0qrtu90006d2a4ny2uezfr
Price: 35.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (4 reviews)

Question 1

What is the difference between GHK and GHK-Cu?

Accepted Answer

GHK refers to the free tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine). GHK-Cu is the copper-complexed form, where Cu(II) is coordinated in a square planar arrangement with the histidine imidazole nitrogen and N-terminal amine. Most published research uses the copper complex (GHK-Cu), which is biologically active. The free peptide (GHK) has high copper affinity and rapidly chelates endogenous copper after administration; however, commercial research preparations are typically sold as the copper complex.

Question 2

How should GHK-Cu be reconstituted and stored?

Accepted Answer

Dissolve lyophilized GHK-Cu in sterile or bacteriostatic water, or normal saline, at your target concentration. GHK-Cu is water-soluble and dissolves readily. Typical research concentrations: 0.5–2 mg/mL. The solution should appear a light blue-green color (characteristic of the copper complex). Store reconstituted solution at 2–8°C, protected from light, for up to 30 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles of reconstituted solution.

Question 3

What does the blue-green color of GHK-Cu indicate?

Accepted Answer

The characteristic blue-green color is caused by the Cu(II) d-d electronic transition in the square planar coordination complex. This is expected and indicates intact copper chelation. A colorless solution may suggest the copper has dissociated or the compound is the free peptide without copper. Color intensity is proportional to concentration.

Question 4

Is GHK-Cu being studied for wound healing in human trials?

Accepted Answer

Most wound healing data for GHK-Cu is preclinical (animal models, in vitro). A number of cosmetic clinical trials have examined topical GHK-Cu for skin aging with positive results. No large-scale Phase 2/3 randomized controlled trials have evaluated injectable GHK-Cu for wound healing in humans to date. The primary published human evidence base is in topical cosmetic applications.

Question 5

What gene pathways does GHK-Cu modulate?

Accepted Answer

Connectivity Map analysis identified GHK as one of the most broadly acting peptides in the human transcriptome — affecting over 4,000 genes. Key pathways include: NF-κB suppression (anti-inflammatory), Nrf2 activation (antioxidant), TGF-β signaling (collagen production), VEGF upregulation (angiogenesis), ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (protein degradation/clearance), and multiple DNA damage response and repair genes. This breadth of activity underlies research into diverse applications from skin aging to potential neuroprotection.

Question 6

Can GHK-Cu be used topically and via subcutaneous injection in the same research protocol?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Topical and subcutaneous routes have different bioavailability profiles. Topical GHK-Cu is absorbed transdermally with lower systemic exposure; SC injection provides direct systemic delivery. Some research protocols evaluate both routes in parallel to compare tissue-level vs systemic effects. Topical cosmetic safety is well-established; systemic (injectable) safety data in humans is more limited.

Question 7

How does GHK-Cu's activity change with age?

Accepted Answer

Plasma GHK levels decline from ~200 ng/mL in young adults to <80 ng/mL by age 60. This age-related decline parallels decreases in skin collagen content, wound healing capacity, and antioxidant defenses. Pickart and colleagues have proposed that GHK supplementation may help restore some of these age-related deficits, though large prospective human trials testing this hypothesis have not been completed.

Question 8

Is GHK-Cu approved or regulated as a drug?

Accepted Answer

GHK-Cu is not approved as a pharmaceutical drug by the FDA. It is used widely in cosmetic products and is generally recognized as safe for topical use at cosmetic concentrations. For injectable research use, GHK-Cu falls under research chemical regulations and is not subject to pharmaceutical approval requirements. It does not appear on WADA prohibited lists.

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