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.
Chemistry
| CAS# | Formula | Molar Mass |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number: 49557-75-7 | Molecular Formula: C14H22CuN6O4 | Molar Mass: 401.91 g/mol |
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A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first identified in human blood plasma in the 1970s
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.
What is GHK-CU?
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?
All of our products are manufactured using the Lyophilization (Freeze Drying) process, which ensures that our products remain 100% stable for shipping for up to 3-4 months.
Prepared samples must be stored in the fridge to maintain stability, and remain stable for up to 30 days when properly refrigerated.
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.
Identity & Handling
- Sequence
- Gly-His-Lys (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine), copper(II) complex
- Residues
- 3 — a tripeptide, copper-bound
- CAS Number
- 49557-75-7
Also listed as
GHK-Cu · GHK Cu · GHKCu · GHK copper peptide · Copper peptide GHK-Cu
Listing names differ between suppliers and change over time. The CAS number is the identifier that does not.
Measured purity
3 lots analysed to date, measuring 99.67% to 99.913% across 3 independent laboratories.
Published as measured, including the lowest result. Every lot ships with its own certificate; check the lot number on the vial against it rather than relying on a published range.
Related Research Compounds
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$390
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.
