GHK-Cu Canada: Copper Peptide (GHK) Research Guide
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By the ThePeptide Research Team · Independently verified ≥99% HPLC purity (Testides, Toronto; COA on product page) · Last updated July 2026
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the naturally occurring human tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK) — a copper-binding signal peptide first isolated from human plasma in 1973 and studied primarily for tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. This guide is a complete reference for Canadian laboratory researchers: molecular profile, the copper-delivery mechanism, the published skin-regeneration and gene-expression research, third-party purity, reconstitution, and domestic sourcing of GHK-Cu 50mg.
Key takeaways
- A natural human copper-binding peptide. GHK (Gly-His-Lys) occurs in plasma, saliva, and urine; its copper complex, GHK-Cu, is the researched form. Plasma levels fall from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60.
- Most studied for skin & tissue remodeling. Published research reports stimulation of collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, wound-healing activity, and antioxidant / anti-inflammatory effects.
- A broad gene-expression modulator. Pickart & Margolina (2015) describe GHK up- and down-regulating thousands of human genes toward a regenerative profile.
- Research use only. A laboratory reference compound — not approved by Health Canada or the FDA, not for human consumption.
- Made in Canada, shipped domestically, independently HPLC-tested at ≥99%, from $39.00 CAD.
GHK-Cu Quick Facts
| Compound class | Copper-binding tripeptide complex (Copper tripeptide-1) |
|---|---|
| Peptide sequence | Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys) |
| CAS number (Cu complex) | 89030-95-5 |
| CAS number (GHK peptide) | 49557-75-7 |
| Molecular formula | GHK: C14H24N6O4; Cu complex: C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molar mass | GHK ~340.4 g/mol; GHK-Cu ~401.9 g/mol |
| Form | Lyophilized powder, 50 mg vial (blue — copper-bound) |
| Verified purity | ≥99% by HPLC, identity by mass spec (Testides, Toronto) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: −20 °C long-term; reconstituted: 2–8 °C, protect from light |
| Discovery | Isolated from human plasma by Loren Pickart, 1973 |
| Origin | Made and shipped in Canada (British Columbia) |
| Price | From $39.00 CAD (SKU GHKCU-50MG) |
What Is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of GHK, a small tripeptide made of the amino acids glycine, L-histidine, and L-lysine. The peptide occurs naturally in the human body — in plasma, saliva, and urine — where it binds copper ions with high affinity and acts as a signalling molecule involved in tissue repair. It was first isolated from human plasma by biochemist Loren Pickart in 1973, and identified as the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine a few years later.
A defining feature of GHK is that its biological activity is tied to copper. In the body the peptide shuttles copper — an essential cofactor for many repair enzymes — and the copper-bound form (GHK-Cu) is the version studied for regenerative signalling. In the research-peptide context it is supplied as a lyophilized powder, characteristically blue from the bound copper, for reconstitution and laboratory research only.
Molecular Profile
GHK is a three-residue peptide (Gly-His-Lys); the imidazole of histidine and the amino terminus form the primary copper-coordination site. The free peptide has a molar mass of about 340.4 g/mol; on binding one copper(II) ion (with loss of protons) the complex mass rises to approximately 401.9 g/mol. The copper complex is also known by the INN prezatide copper acetate and the cosmetic name Copper tripeptide-1.
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) |
|---|---|
| CAS (Cu complex) | 89030-95-5 |
| CAS (GHK peptide) | 49557-75-7 |
| Formula (peptide) | C14H24N6O4 |
| Formula (Cu complex) | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molar mass | GHK ~340.4 g/mol; GHK-Cu ~401.9 g/mol |
| Copper coordination | High-affinity Cu(II) binding via histidine imidazole & N-terminus |
Verifying identity and purity against a Certificate of Analysis is standard before a lot enters any protocol. ↑ Back to top
How GHK-Cu Works: Copper Delivery & Signalling
The published mechanism has two intertwined arms: copper transport and gene-level signalling. GHK binds copper reversibly and can exchange it with other copper-binding molecules, making it a physiological carrier that delivers copper to enzymes and tissues involved in repair. Copper is a required cofactor for lysyl oxidase (collagen and elastin cross-linking) and for superoxide dismutase (antioxidant defence), which links GHK-Cu to connective-tissue remodeling and redox balance.
Beyond copper delivery, Pickart and Margolina’s reviews describe GHK acting as a broad transcriptional modulator. Analyses of gene-expression data attribute to GHK the ability to up- and down-regulate several thousand human genes — shifting expression toward patterns associated with tissue regeneration, DNA repair, and reduced inflammation. In dermal fibroblast studies it has been reported to lower pro-inflammatory signalling (for example TNF-α and IL-6) and to stimulate synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. ↑ Back to top
Research & Evidence
GHK-Cu is one of the longest-studied copper peptides, with a research record spanning five decades. The strongest bodies of published work are in skin regeneration and wound healing; much of the human data comes from topical cosmetic studies, and broader claims remain under active investigation. These are reported research findings, presented for scientific reference only.
Collagen, elastin & skin remodeling
In cultured skin fibroblasts and animal models, GHK-Cu has been reported to stimulate synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans and to support the turnover (both synthesis and controlled breakdown) of the dermal matrix — the basis for its study as a skin-remodeling and anti-aging research compound (Pickart & Margolina, 2015; Pickart, 2008).
Wound healing & angiogenesis
Animal studies summarized in the literature report improved wound contraction, faster development of granulation tissue, recruitment of immune and repair cells to injury sites, and enhanced blood-vessel growth (angiogenesis). A registered clinical study of a topical GHK-Cu gel for acute skin wounds reflects continued translational interest.
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory & gene expression
Reviews describe antioxidant activity (including quenching of reactive products of lipid peroxidation) and anti-inflammatory effects, alongside the broad gene-modulating profile noted above. The 2018 review by Pickart, Vasquez-Soltero & Margolina reframes these actions in light of newer gene-expression datasets. ↑ Back to top
Research Applications
In a laboratory setting GHK-Cu is used as a reference compound for investigating copper-peptide biology: collagen and extracellular-matrix synthesis assays, fibroblast and keratinocyte studies, wound-healing and angiogenesis models, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway work, and transcriptomic studies of its gene-modulating profile. Because its mechanism is distinct from the incretin and body-repair peptides, it is often studied alongside recovery compounds such as BPC-157 and TB-500 rather than the metabolic GLP-1 agonists. These are research contexts only and do not describe any use in humans or animals. ↑ Back to top
GHK-Cu vs BPC-157 vs TB-500
All three are studied in the tissue-repair space, but they act through different mechanisms and are not interchangeable. The table summarizes the distinction for research planning.
| Compound | Class / origin | Primary research focus |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) | Collagen/matrix synthesis, skin & wound remodeling, gene modulation |
| BPC-157 | Synthetic peptide fragment (body-protection compound) | Gut & soft-tissue repair, angiogenesis |
| TB-500 | Thymosin β-4 fragment | Actin regulation, cell migration & recovery |
Some researchers study GHK-Cu alongside the BPC-157 + TB-500 healing blend as a complementary matrix-remodeling reference. ↑ Back to top
Purity, COA & Third-Party Testing
Every batch of GHK-Cu sold by ThePeptide.ca is independently third-party tested by Testides (Toronto) to ≥99% purity by HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. Independent verification means the figure is not self-reported by the vendor, and a Certificate of Analysis accompanies each lot. The current batch COA is available on our lab results page. To validate a lot yourself, see our guide on where to get research peptides tested in Canada. ↑ Back to top
Reconstitution & Handling (Research Context)
GHK-Cu ships as a lyophilized powder and must be reconstituted before laboratory use. In general lab practice it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the vial wall, then swirled gently (not shaken) until dissolved; the copper complex gives the solution a characteristic blue tint. Our reconstitution calculator and how much bacteriostatic water to add guide convert vial mass and solvent volume into an exact mg/mL concentration, and fine measurement uses U-100 insulin syringes. GHK-Cu is light-sensitive, so working solutions are kept protected from light. Laboratory technique only, not directions for any in-vivo use. ↑ Back to top
Storage & Stability
Lyophilized GHK-Cu is most stable stored frozen at −20 °C for the long term (2–8 °C for short periods), kept sealed and away from light. After reconstitution the solution is refrigerated at 2–8 °C, protected from light, and generally used within about 30 days; avoid repeated warming and freeze-thaw cycling. Inspect for cloudiness or unexpected colour change before use in any assay. ↑ Back to top
Why Canadian Researchers Source Domestically
- No customs seizures — domestic shipments avoid border delays and confiscation risk on cold-chain-sensitive material.
- Faster shipping — in-country logistics (ships from British Columbia) protect integrity and timelines.
- CAD pricing — transparent Canadian-dollar pricing with no surprise conversion or duties.
See our guide to buying research peptides in Canada. ↑ Back to top
Shop GHK-Cu 50mg — ≥99% HPLC, made in Canada →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is the copper complex of the human tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (GHK). It is a naturally occurring copper-binding signal peptide found in plasma, first isolated in 1973, studied mainly for tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and wound healing. It is supplied here for research use only.
What is GHK-Cu researched for?
The published research focuses on skin regeneration and wound healing — stimulation of collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, angiogenesis, and broad gene-expression modulation. These are reported research findings, not approved uses, and GHK-Cu is not for human consumption.
Is GHK-Cu legal to buy in Canada?
GHK-Cu sold by ThePeptide.ca is supplied strictly for laboratory and research use only. It is not approved by Health Canada or the FDA for the applications discussed and is not for human or veterinary use. See our research-use-only explainer. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is GHK-Cu's CAS number and molecular formula?
The copper complex has CAS number 89030-95-5 (the free GHK peptide is 49557-75-7). GHK has molecular formula C14H24N6O4 (~340.4 g/mol); the copper complex is C14H22CuN6O4 (~401.9 g/mol). Its sequence is glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine.
How is GHK-Cu different from BPC-157 or TB-500?
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide studied for collagen/matrix synthesis and skin remodeling. BPC-157 is a body-protection-compound fragment studied for soft-tissue and gut repair; TB-500 is a thymosin beta-4 fragment studied for cell migration and recovery. They act through different mechanisms.
What purity is ThePeptide.ca GHK-Cu?
Every batch is independently tested by Testides (Toronto) to at least 99% purity by HPLC, with identity confirmed by mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis for the current batch is available on the lab results page for review before purchase.
Why is GHK-Cu blue?
The blue colour comes from the bound copper(II) ion. GHK binds copper with high affinity, and copper(II) complexes are characteristically blue, so both the powder and the reconstituted solution take on a blue tint. A strong colour change can indicate degradation.
Who discovered GHK-Cu?
Biochemist Loren Pickart isolated GHK from human plasma in 1973 and, with colleagues, characterized it as a copper-binding tripeptide. He and Anna Margolina authored the widely cited 2015 and 2018 reviews summarizing its mechanisms.
Does GHK occur naturally in the body?
Yes. GHK is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Its plasma level is about 200 ng/mL around age 20 and declines to roughly 80 ng/mL by age 60 — a drop that parallels reduced regenerative capacity, which is part of why it is studied.
How is GHK-Cu reconstituted and stored?
The lyophilized powder is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water added down the vial wall and swirled until dissolved; our calculator gives exact concentrations. Store lyophilized frozen at −20 °C; refrigerate reconstituted material at 2–8 °C, protected from light, avoiding freeze-thaw cycling.
Related Research Resources
- GHK-Cu 50mg (product page & COA)
- BPC-157 Canada guide · TB-500 Canada guide · BPC-157 + TB-500 healing blend
- Peptide reconstitution calculator · How much bacteriostatic water to add
- How to reconstitute research peptides · How to store research peptides
- Where to get research peptides tested in Canada · How to buy research peptides in Canada
- Are peptides legal in Canada? · Start here: research library
References
- Pickart L, Margolina A. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration. BioMed Research International. 2015;2015:648108. DOI: 10.1155/2015/648108. PMC
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID: 29986520. PMC
- Pickart L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-988. PMID: 18644225.
- Pickart L, Thaler MM. Tripeptide in human serum which prolongs survival of normal liver cells and stimulates growth in neoplastic liver. Nature New Biology. 1973;243:85-87.
- Copper peptide GHK-Cu (CAS 89030-95-5) — compound record. Reference entry.