GHK-Cu
Age-reversing copper tripeptide that activates 4,000+ genes — collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, and neuroregeneration.
Research facts
| Half-life | ~24h |
|---|---|
| Route | SubQ / Topical / Nasal |
| Typical dose | 1–2 mg/day SubQ |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Solvent | Bacteriostatic water or saline |
| pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Stability | 30 days +4°C; light-sensitive |
Mechanism of action
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) found at high concentrations in plasma, urine, and saliva — with levels dramatically declining after age 60. It is one of the few peptides with documented effects on gene expression at population scale, activating or modulating over 4,000 human genes per genomic analysis.
Its primary tissue-building mechanism involves activation of TGF-β signalling to induce synthesis of collagen I, III, IV, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans — the structural scaffold of skin, joints, and vessels. GHK-Cu simultaneously activates antioxidant enzyme genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase) while suppressing pro-inflammatory genes including TNF-α and IL-1β.
The copper component provides additional benefits: chelated copper participates in lysyl oxidase activation (crosslinking collagen and elastin) and directly activates matrix metalloproteinases for wound remodelling. Neurologically, GHK-Cu upregulates BDNF and NGF synthesis, with neuroprotective effects documented in spinal cord injury models. Bryan Johnson's Blueprint protocol includes GHK-Cu with documented skin biological age of 22.1 at chronological age 46.
Documented effects (research-model)
- Collagen I, III, and IV synthesis activation — direct anti-ageing structural effect
- Elastin and glycosaminoglycan upregulation for skin/joint quality
- Antioxidant gene expression (SOD, catalase)
- Neuroregeneration via BDNF and NGF upregulation
- Anti-inflammatory via TNF-α and IL-6 suppression
- Wound healing and angiogenesis
- Hair follicle stimulation and growth
Research protocols
| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Cycle | Vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 mg/day SubQ | Once daily | 12+ weeks | 2mg / 2mL BAC water |
| Advanced | 2 mg/day SubQ | Once daily or split | 12 weeks | 2mg / 1mL BAC water |
Research context only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before any protocol decision.
Synergies
- BPC-157 HIGH
BPC-157 drives angiogenesis; GHK-Cu builds the collagen matrix. Vascular infrastructure + structural tissue quality. - TB-500 HIGH
TB-500 mobilises cells to repair sites; GHK-Cu provides matrix components for reconstruction. - NAD+ MODERATE
GHK-Cu activates antioxidant genes at tissue level; NAD+ activates sirtuins at cellular level. Dual anti-ageing pathway.
Myths & misconceptions
Evidence gaps
- Most human studies on GHK-Cu use topical application. Systemic injection data in humans is sparse.
- The 4,000-gene activation data comes from in vitro genomic studies; systemic human gene expression changes at research doses remain unquantified.
- Optimal dose range for injectable vs. topical vs. nasal administration is not established in humans.
Safety notes
Excellent safety profile in topical and injectable research. Copper toxicity not observed at research doses. Removed from FDA Category 2 restricted list April 2026.
Biomarkers to monitor
Primary-source citations
- PMID 26380599 — GHK Peptide as Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (Biomed Res Int. 2015)
- PMID 30956709 — Copper tripeptide GHK promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury (J Neurotrauma. 2019)
Frequently asked
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide Glycine-Histidine-Lysine) is a research compound classified in our library as Tier B — Some human data + strong preclinical evidence.. Age-reversing copper tripeptide that activates 4,000+ genes — collagen synthesis, antioxidant defence, and neuroregeneration.
What is the evidence tier for GHK-Cu?
We classify GHK-Cu as Tier B: Some human data + strong preclinical evidence. See our full peptide evidence tiers explainer for how we assign S/A/B/C/D.
What is the research dose of GHK-Cu?
For GHK-Cu, typical research dose is 1–2 mg/day SubQ, route is SubQ / Topical / Nasal, half-life is ~24h. Protocols vary by research goal — see the protocols section on this page for standard and advanced dosing schedules. Research use only, not medical advice.
What does GHK-Cu stack well with?
GHK-Cu stacks well with BPC-157. BPC-157 drives angiogenesis; GHK-Cu builds the collagen matrix. Vascular infrastructure + structural tissue quality.
Is GHK-Cu safe?
Excellent safety profile in topical and injectable research. Copper toxicity not observed at research doses. Research context only — no compound on this site is approved for human therapeutic use unless explicitly noted.