GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu copper peptide is a naturally occurring peptide-derived copper complex investigated for its involvement in collagen synthesis, extracellular matrix regulation, skin physiology and cellular signalling. Also known as copper tripeptide-1, it consists of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) associated with a copper(II) ion. GHK-Cu has been the subject of scientific research for several decades, including laboratory investigations into fibroblast activity, collagen production, matrix metalloproteinase regulation and cellular responses to tissue injury. The characteristic blue colour arises from the copper complex. FAB Research supplies GHK-Cu in a 100mg pre-filled metered research pen for laboratory investigation.

Sequence GHK·Cu(II)

GHK-Cu's biological activity is associated with several interconnected molecular processes. Research has investigated its role in collagen synthesis through fibroblast cultures, matrix metalloproteinase regulation affecting the balance between matrix synthesis and degradation, copper-dependent cellular enzyme processes, changes in gene-expression patterns associated with inflammatory signalling and extracellular matrix biology, and fibroblast and keratinocyte activity in experimental skin models. Its precise effects depend on the chemical form, copper coordination state, concentration and experimental conditions.

GHK-Cu has an established scientific history spanning molecular biology, dermatological research and selected human studies involving topical formulations. A study published in FEBS Letters in 1988 examined GHK-Cu in human fibroblast cultures and reported increased collagen synthesis — this helped establish the compound as a subject of interest in connective tissue biology. Small human cosmetic studies have reported changes in skin firmness, texture and the appearance of fine lines following topical use. However, the human evidence base is limited and varies considerably in study quality. Findings from topical cosmetic formulations cannot establish the safety or biological activity of a different delivery format.

• 10 mg per application (one metered dose)
• 10 doses per pen (100 mg total)
• Blue solution — the characteristic colour arises from the copper(II) complex and is expected
• Pre-filled sterile solution — no reconstitution step required

Storage: Store refrigerated at 2–8 °C in the original sealed box. Do not freeze. Protect from light.

• For in-vitro laboratory and preclinical research only — not for human or animal administration
• Copper-containing compound: appropriate controls for free copper ion effects required — copper is biologically active independently of the GHK peptide complex
• Topical cosmetic human studies do not predict systemic or parenteral administration effects; these are distinct experimental contexts
• Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) modulation is a key reported activity — MMP expression must be characterised in the cell lines used

• Topical cosmetic human studies: occasional application site irritation; generally well tolerated at concentrations used in cosmetic formulations
• Systemic human safety profile not established in clinical research — topical data cannot be extrapolated
• Cell-culture studies: generally well tolerated at studied concentrations; copper toxicity documented above certain thresholds depending on cell type
• FEBS Letters 1988 (Pickart et al.): fibroblast culture study — increased collagen synthesis reported, tolerability noted as good at studied concentrations

Effects listed are observations from published research literature and are not predictions for any specific use. All FAB Research products are for in-vitro laboratory research — not for human or animal administration.