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Research Compound Overview

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) — Research Compound Overview

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide with over 200 published peer-reviewed studies — among the most extensively researched peptides in the literature. Available at Sequence Labs in 50mg and 100mg vials for licensed researchers and qualified practitioners.

50mg & 100mg vials COA via Krause Analytical PA-C reviewed Verifiable via Finnrick Pulse For licensed professionals only
View GHK-Cu Pricing Wholesale Inquiries

Section 01

What Is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide first isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by biochemist Dr. Loren Pickart. It is found endogenously in plasma, saliva, and urine — with plasma concentrations declining measurably with age.

As a research compound, GHK-Cu is classified for use by licensed professionals and qualified researchers operating within appropriate regulatory frameworks. It is not approved by the FDA for therapeutic use in humans and is supplied strictly for research purposes.

  • Full name: Glycine-L-Histidine-L-Lysine:copper(II) — also written GHK·Cu or GHK-Cu²⁺
  • Discovery: First isolated from human plasma albumin in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart at the University of California, San Francisco
  • Endogenous distribution: Found in plasma, saliva, and urine; plasma concentrations decline with age (from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL by age 60 in published estimates)
  • Molecular weight: 340.38 g/mol (free tripeptide); copper-chelated form: approximately 402.93 g/mol
  • Classification: Research compound — for licensed professionals and qualified researchers only

Research use only. GHK-Cu is supplied by Sequence Labs strictly as a research compound for qualified researchers and licensed practitioners. It is not intended for human consumption, self-administration, or any therapeutic application.

Section 02

Research Background

GHK-Cu has one of the most extensive peer-reviewed research profiles of any research peptide — with over 200 published studies spanning several decades. The volume and depth of published literature distinguishes it from most other copper peptides.

200+
Published peer-reviewed studies
More than almost any other research peptide

Key research areas documented in the peer-reviewed literature include:

Skin Biology
Research on fibroblast activation, collagen synthesis stimulation, and dermal matrix studies
Wound Healing Models
Studies on tissue remodeling, MMP activity, and wound healing biology in research settings
Antioxidant Activity
Research on oxidative stress markers and antioxidant defense mechanisms in biological models
Nerve Research
Published studies on nerve growth factor stimulation and neurotrophic activity in research models
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms
Research on cytokine modulation and inflammatory pathway activity in cell and animal models
Regenerative Biology
Studies on stem cell activation, extracellular matrix remodeling, and regenerative signaling pathways

Notable research includes studies on fibroblast activation, collagen synthesis stimulation, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. All published findings cited here are from peer-reviewed sources and are presented as research results — not as therapeutic claims.

Search GHK-Cu studies on PubMed

Section 03

GHK-Cu in Research Context

GHK-Cu has been employed across a variety of research disciplines. The following reflects applications as reported in published peer-reviewed literature — not as clinical claims or indications for human use.

  • Dermatology research: Used in published studies examining skin cell biology, fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix dynamics under laboratory conditions
  • Wound healing models: Research applications in tissue repair biology, including studies on MMP expression, angiogenesis markers, and cellular migration in model systems
  • Regenerative biology: Published research on gene expression profiles, with studies suggesting GHK-Cu modulates hundreds of human genes in cell studies
  • Concentration-dependent activity: Published research demonstrates different activity profiles at varying concentrations — a subject of active investigation in the literature

Storage parameters (lyophilized form): Typically stored at −20°C in lyophilized form for long-term stability. Reconstituted solutions are generally stored at 2–8°C. Researchers should follow their institutional protocols and refer to batch-specific COA documentation.

  • Physical form: Lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder — requires reconstitution prior to use in research protocols
  • Storage (lyophilized): −20°C, protected from light and moisture
  • Typical research concentrations: Varies by study protocol — refer to specific published methods for concentration guidance
  • Reconstitution solvent: Bacteriostatic water recommended for multi-use research protocols

Section 04

Sequence Labs GHK-Cu Supply

Sequence Labs supplies GHK-Cu as a research compound for licensed professionals and qualified researchers. All products are independently tested and carry batch-specific Certificates of Analysis.

Specification Sequence Labs Standard
Available sizes 50mg vial, 100mg vial
Physical form Lyophilized powder
Purity testing ✓ HPLC + mass spectrometry
Testing laboratory Krause Analytical, Austin TX
COA availability ✓ Batch-specific, publicly accessible
COA verification ✓ Verifiable via Finnrick Pulse
Catalog review ✓ Reviewed by licensed PA-C
DEA registration ✓ DEA-registered practitioner oversight
Eligible purchasers Licensed practitioners, qualified researchers
Wholesale / B2B ✓ Available — see wholesale page

Section 05

Reconstitution Reference

The following is provided as a general reference for researchers working with lyophilized peptide compounds. Researchers should follow their own institutional protocols and consult applicable regulatory guidelines. This is not medical or clinical instruction.

  1. Verify compound identity and COA. Confirm the batch COA from Krause Analytical prior to use. Verify via Finnrick Pulse if needed. Check storage conditions have been maintained.
  2. Prepare bacteriostatic water. Bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol preserved) is the standard reconstitution solvent for multi-use research protocols. Use sterile technique throughout.
  3. Add solvent slowly to vial. Direct the bacteriostatic water gently down the side of the vial to minimize foaming. Do not introduce solvent directly onto the lyophilized cake. Allow to dissolve without agitation — do not shake.
  4. Roll to mix. Gently roll the vial between your palms to aid dissolution. GHK-Cu dissolves readily in aqueous solvents at standard laboratory temperatures.
  5. Label the vial. Record compound name, concentration (mg/mL), reconstitution date, and researcher/protocol identifier.
  6. Store at 2–8°C. Refrigerate reconstituted solution. Do not freeze reconstituted vials. Use within the timeframe specified in your research protocol documentation.

For a full reconstitution reference guide applicable to all Sequence Labs research compounds, visit sequencelabs.health/resources.html.

Section 06

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from licensed researchers and practitioners regarding GHK-Cu research documentation, supply, and purity standards.

GHK is the tripeptide sequence (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine). GHK-Cu refers to the copper-chelated form — GHK bound to a copper ion. Research consistently uses the copper-chelated form as it is the biologically active variant studied in peer-reviewed literature. Studies using unconjugated GHK alone are significantly less common and show attenuated activity profiles in published comparisons.
GHK-Cu is the most extensively studied copper peptide in peer-reviewed literature, with 200+ published studies across multiple decades and research disciplines. Other copper peptides exist — AHK-Cu and GHK analogs among them — but have substantially less research documentation and smaller bodies of independently replicated findings.
All Sequence Labs GHK-Cu is independently tested by Krause Analytical (Austin, TX) using HPLC and mass spectrometry for identity, purity, and potency. Batch-specific COAs are publicly accessible via our COA library and independently verifiable via Finnrick Pulse. We do not publish claimed purity without third-party documentation to support it.
Yes — licensed practitioners, medical spas, and research institutions can access wholesale pricing through the Sequence Labs wholesale program. Tiers are based on per-order spend with no monthly commitments. Contact Team@SequenceLabs.Health or visit the wholesale page to apply.
The National Library of Medicine's PubMed database indexes the majority of peer-reviewed GHK-Cu research. A direct search is available at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Key researchers in the GHK-Cu literature include Dr. Loren Pickart and colleagues who contributed substantially to the foundational body of work.
No. GHK-Cu has not been approved by the FDA for any therapeutic indication in humans. Sequence Labs supplies GHK-Cu strictly as a research compound for licensed professionals and qualified researchers. It is not intended for human consumption, self-administration, or off-label clinical use.

Sequence Labs

GHK-Cu — available now for licensed researchers

50mg and 100mg vials. Batch-specific COA via Krause Analytical. Verifiable via Finnrick Pulse. Reviewed by a licensed PA-C. For licensed professionals and qualified researchers only.

View GHK-Cu Pricing Partner / Wholesale