Compound Profiles
GHK-Cu Copper Peptide: The Fastest-Growing Research Compound of 2026
Healthy Aminos Research Team · · 6 min read
Molecular Profile
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper(II)) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-metal complex first identified in human plasma by Dr. Loren Pickart in 1973. It consists of the amino acid sequence Gly-His-Lys coordinated with a copper(II) ion. Molecular weight: 403.93 Da (CAS: 49557-75-7).
Plasma levels of GHK-Cu have been documented to decline with age — from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. This age-related decline has made the compound a subject of interest in published research literature.
Published Research
### Collagen Synthesis
In a foundational 1988 study, [Maquart et al.](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/) demonstrated that GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures at picomolar concentrations. The study observed increased production of collagen types I and III, along with decorin and other extracellular matrix components. This was among the first studies documenting the complex's effects on matrix remodeling at extremely low concentrations.
### Gene Expression Review
[Pickart & Margolina (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29986520/) published a comprehensive review examining GHK-Cu's effects on gene expression. Using microarray data, the authors reported that GHK-Cu was associated with modulation of over 4,000 human genes in cell culture models — with upregulation of genes involved in tissue remodeling and extracellular matrix production.
### Ligament Repair Model
[Canapp et al. (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25731775/) examined GHK-Cu in a rat ACL reconstruction model. The study reported observations on tissue remodeling markers and collagen organization at the graft site in treated versus control groups over a 12-week period.
Research Status
GHK-Cu research spans in vitro cell culture, gene expression studies, and animal models. Search interest has grown over 1,000% year-over-year, reflecting increasing research attention. The compound is not FDA-approved.
Research-grade [GHK-Cu](/peptides/skin/ghk-cu) is available in 50mg vials with ≥98% HPLC purity.
*All Healthy Aminos products are for research use only. Not for human or animal consumption. Not FDA approved.*