GHK-Cu — compound monograph
Copper(II)-complexed tripeptide. Unapproved, research supply. The Institute assesses 2 outcomes for this compound and grades the strongest at low certainty.
§1Identification and status
§1.1Nomenclature
- Preferred name
- GHK-Cu
- Compound class
- Copper(II)-complexed tripeptide
- Assessment series
- Repair and regeneration
- Synonyms and codes
- copper tripeptide-1 · glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper(II) · GHK copper complex
- Route as evaluated
- Topical in cosmetic and dermatological use; subcutaneous in research contexts
§1.2Chemistry
Chemical identifiers are reproduced where they are public. Where a structure has not been published the monograph records not disclosed rather than constructing one.[1]
- CAS registry number
- 89030-95-5 (copper complex); 49557-75-7 (free GHK peptide)
- Molecular formula
- C14H22CuN6O4
- Average mass
- 401.91 (complex); 340.38 (free peptide)
- Monoisotopic mass
- 401.10
- ATC classification
- not assigned
§1.3Sequence and structural notes
A tripeptide that forms a stable square-planar chelate with copper(II) through the N-terminal amine, the histidine imidazole and the peptide-bond nitrogen. The copper is not an impurity or an adjuvant — it is part of the active species, and the stoichiometry of complexation is a critical quality attribute that a peptide purity assay does not address.
§1.4Assessment status
The Institute assesses GHK-Cu across 2 indications and grades the strongest of them at low certainty. Supplied as a research chemical; no marketing authorisation for the uses under which it is supplied.
Table 1. Assessed outcomes for GHK-Cu, ordered by certainty. Each row links to the per-indication evidence extract.
| Indication | Effect as recorded | Certainty | Trials |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutaneous wound healing and tissue repair | Small controlled dermatological studies report improvements in skin roughness, wrinkle depth and collagen density with topical application over 12… | Low | 2 |
| Biological ageing and healthspan endpoints | No randomised human evidence for any systemic ageing endpoint | Very low | 0 |
| Effects are reproduced as the contributing trials reported them. Where a confidence interval is held it appears on the per-indication extract rather than in this summary table. | |||
References cited on this page
References are numbered in order of first citation in this document. Each superscript in the text links to its entry below.
- International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. ICH Q6B Specifications: Test Procedures and Acceptance Criteria for Biotechnological/Biological Products. ICH Harmonised Tripartite Guideline 1999;Step 4 version. identifier not held by the Institute
Identifiers are reproduced only where the Institute holds them. Where a digital object identifier or PubMed identifier is not shown, the Institute has recorded the journal and year and has not constructed an identifier.