GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) bound to a single copper(II) ion, a naturally occurring complex first isolated from human plasma. It is one of the most studied copper peptides in laboratory research on collagen synthesis, wound repair and gene expression, and the copper is what makes the powder and its solutions blue.
Molecular reference
| Property | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|
| Name | GHK-Cu |
| Also known as | Copper tripeptide-1, prezatide copper, glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (copper(II) complex) |
| Residues | 3 |
| Class | Peptide (copper complex) |
| Formula | C14H23CuN6O4 (PubChem CID 71587328); the free peptide GHK is C14H24N6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 402.9 g/mol for the complex (PubChem); 340.4 g/mol for the free peptide |
| CAS | 89030-95-5 |
The chemistry is unusually simple for a research peptide. Three residues, no methionine, tryptophan or cysteine, and no asparagine, glutamine or aspartate, so the oxidation, deamidation and isomerisation routes that dominate longer sequences are largely absent. What GHK-Cu has instead is a metal centre. The N-terminal amine, a deprotonated backbone amide nitrogen and the histidine imidazole hold the copper, and the fourth position around the metal is labile, open to water or another ligand (Hureau et al., Chemistry, 2011). The lysine side chain adds to the stability of the complex (Lau and Sarkar, Biochem J, 1981). Most of what follows in this guide comes back to keeping that copper where it belongs.
What it is studied for
GHK was identified in human serum in the early 1970s as a factor that prolonged the survival of cultured liver cells (Pickart and Thaler, Nat New Biol, 1973). Its best known laboratory effect is on connective tissue. In fibroblast cultures, GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis starting between 10-12 and 10-11 M, with a maximum at 10-9 M, independent of any change in cell number (Maquart et al., FEBS Lett, 1988). In an animal wound chamber model it produced concentration-dependent increases in collagen, glycosaminoglycans, DNA and total protein, while a control tripeptide had no effect (Maquart et al., J Clin Invest, 1993).
Later work widened the picture. Reviews describe GHK stimulating collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, supporting dermal fibroblast function and attracting immune and endothelial cells to sites of injury, with tissue repair reported in skin, bone, liver and stomach lining models (Pickart and Margolina, Int J Mol Sci, 2018). Gene expression data suggest it can shift the activity of at least 4,000 human genes (Pickart et al., Biomed Res Int, 2015). Its natural level in plasma falls with age, which is part of why it attracts ageing research. The skin literature is summarised in GHK-Cu: the skin research.
Formulation science has moved on too: a 2026 review argues that the copper state of a preparation should be treated as a property to measure, not assume (Mateescu et al., Pharmaceutics, 2026). That point shapes the handling guidance in the sections below.
The sections of this guide
Stability. GHK-Cu can lose quality two ways: the peptide chain can hydrolyse, or the copper can leave while the chain stays whole. GHK-Cu stability covers alkaline and oxidative breakdown, light, low pH and what a colour change means.
Solubility. The complex is strongly hydrophilic and dissolves readily in water. GHK-Cu solubility explains why bacteriostatic water is the first choice, why acids and phosphate buffers are avoided, and what cloudiness points to.
Handling. GHK-Cu handling sets out bench practice for a copper complex: light protection, keeping chelators and reducing agents away, labelling and the common mistakes.
On arrival. GHK-Cu on arrival describes what an intact vial looks like, why the blue powder travels without ice and what to do first.
FAQ. Short answers on colour, mixing, freezing and storage are in the GHK-Cu FAQ.
Storage and reconstitution. Fridge and freezer windows are on How long does GHK-Cu last?, and water volumes and concentrations for the 50 mg and 100 mg vials are on the GHK-Cu reconstitution page. For the colour chemistry in more depth, see why GHK-Cu is blue.
GHK-Cu at Vistara Labs
We supply GHK-Cu as a lyophilised blue powder in 50 mg and 100 mg vials, shipped within Canada by Canada Post Xpresspost. The GHK-Cu Nasal Spray comes ready-mixed in a metered pump that delivers 0.175 mL per press. GHK-Cu is also a component of the GLOW and KLOW blends. For sourcing questions, see the Canadian buying guide for GHK-Cu and the nasal spray guide. Certificates are published on our lab reports page.
Sources: Pickart L, Thaler MM. Nat New Biol. 1973 (PMID 4349963). Lau SJ, Sarkar B. Biochem J. 1981 (PMID 7340824). Maquart FX et al. FEBS Lett. 1988 (PMID 3169264). Maquart FX et al. J Clin Invest. 1993 (PMID 8227353). Hureau C et al. Chemistry. 2011 (PMID 21780203). Pickart L et al. Biomed Res Int. 2015 (PMID 26236730). Pickart L, Margolina A. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 (PMID 29986520). Mateescu DM et al. Pharmaceutics. 2026 (PMID 42797253). PubChem CID 71587328 and 73587.
All products supplied by Vistara Labs are intended for laboratory research use only. They are not drugs, are not approved for human or veterinary use, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. Nothing on this page constitutes medical advice or guidance for use in humans.
