GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1)
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide researched for tissue repair, skin biology, hair biology, and extracellular-matrix signaling.
OVERVIEW
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Research has examined tissue repair, collagen signaling, skin, hair, and wound-healing pathways. Injectable therapeutic use is not FDA-approved.
Proposed Mechanisms
• Copper transport and utilization • Collagen and elastin signaling • Fibroblast activity • Angiogenesis • Antioxidant and inflammatory signaling • Extracellular-matrix remodeling
Potential Applications
• Skin and photoaging research • Hair-follicle and scalp research • Soft-tissue and post-procedure recovery research • Connective-tissue research
Pharmacokinetics
The source draft described subcutaneous, topical, microneedling, and hair-restoration routes. Plasma exposure is expected to be brief, while downstream signaling may persist; robust route-specific human data are limited.
Dosing
No FDA-approved therapeutic dosing. The source draft listed 1–2 mg daily subcutaneously for 6–12 weeks and daily topical use; these are investigational or cosmetic protocol references, not prescribing recommendations.
Monitoring
No standardized clinical protocol. Monitor local reactions, systemic adverse effects, and product-specific tolerability.
Side Effects
Human safety information is limited, especially for injectable use; injection-site and immunogenicity risks require consideration.
Contraindications
No FDA-approved injectable label or established contraindication profile; clinician review is required.
FDA/Investigational Status
No FDA-approved systemic therapeutic indication. FDA states that compounded injectable GHK-Cu may present immunogenicity and impurity concerns and that human safety data are limited.
Disclaimer/Notes
Distinguish topical cosmetic discussion from injectable therapeutic claims. Educational resource only.
Clinical Review Status
Clinical + legal review required before publishing