What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex, written as Gly-His-Lys·Cu²⁺) is a naturally occurring copper tripeptide first isolated from human plasma in the early 1970s by Dr. Loren Pickart at the University of California. It is found endogenously in human plasma at concentrations around 200 ng/mL at age 20, declining to approximately 80 ng/mL by age 60 — a decline pattern that has drawn research interest in longevity and tissue maintenance biology.
GHK-Cu's biological significance lies in its capacity as a gene expression modulator. Research has demonstrated that GHK-Cu can activate or suppress over 4,000 human genes, with particular upregulatory effects on extracellular matrix components including collagen I and III, elastin, and fibronectin. It also activates components of the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) antioxidant system and has been studied for effects on wound healing, nerve regeneration, and anti-inflammatory signalling.
ClaraScience supplies GHK-Cu in 100mg vials (higher concentration than most competitors at 100mg vs typical 10mg offerings) independently HPLC-tested to ≥98.6% purity. For laboratory research use only.
Natural origin. Endogenously occurring human plasma tripeptide — not a synthetic analogue.
Gene activation. Activates/suppresses 4,000+ human genes — primarily tissue remodelling, ECM synthesis, and antioxidant pathways.
100mg vials. Higher concentration format for extended research programmes. Protected from light.
Research Background
GHK-Cu research spans over four decades, beginning with Dr. Loren Pickart's identification and characterisation of the peptide in 1973. A landmark genomic study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences by Pickart et al. (2012) used Broad Institute gene expression datasets to catalogue the extensive gene modulation profile of GHK-Cu, identifying its upregulatory effects on collagen synthesis, antioxidant enzymes, and neurotrophin signalling genes.
Research has examined GHK-Cu across multiple tissue contexts including skin wound healing models, bone regeneration studies, peripheral nerve repair models, and hair follicle biology. The peptide's copper coordination chemistry — which allows it to bind and transport copper ions across cell membranes — is believed to be central to its role in activating copper-dependent enzyme systems including CuZn-SOD and cytochrome c oxidase.
In skin biology research, GHK-Cu has been studied for its effects on collagen I and III synthesis ratios (with implications for tissue tensile strength vs elasticity), decorin expression (involved in collagen fibril organisation), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) balance. It is commonly studied alongside BPC-157 in regenerative research contexts.
Key citation Pickart L et al. "GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health." Biomed Res Int. 2012;2012:151062. Also: Pickart L et al., Int J Mol Sci 2012;13:6226–6239.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide) |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys · Cu²⁺ complex |
| Molecular Weight |
401.93 g/mol |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥98.6% — independently verified (batch 98.60%) |
| Vial Size |
100mg (higher concentration format) |
| Storage |
2–8°C · Protect from light |
| Primary Reference |
Pickart L et al., Int J Mol Sci 2012;13:6226–6239 |
Storage & Handling
GHK-Cu requires light protection in addition to standard cool, dry storage. The copper complex is sensitive to oxidation under UV exposure.
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C. Protect from direct light. −20°C for longer-term storage.
- After reconstitution: Store at 2–8°C protected from light. Use within 28 days.
- Reconstitution: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator.
Full protocols: Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$79.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$69.95 AUD |
Save 12% |
| 10+ vials |
$64.95 AUD |
Save 19% |
Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Dispatched within 24 hours. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring human plasma tripeptide that has been extensively studied for its gene-activating properties in tissue remodelling, wound healing, and antioxidant biology. Over 4,000 human genes have been identified as regulated by GHK-Cu. For laboratory research use only.
Is GHK-Cu natural or synthetic?
GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys) is the same tripeptide as found naturally in human plasma — it is not a modified or synthetic analogue, but a reproduced natural peptide complexed with copper. Research-grade GHK-Cu is synthesised via solid-phase peptide synthesis at pharmaceutical-grade purity for research consistency and sterility.
Why is ClaraScience GHK-Cu supplied at 100mg?
GHK-Cu is a smaller molecular weight tripeptide (401.93 g/mol vs 1419 g/mol for BPC-157) and is often used at lower molar concentrations in research. The 100mg format provides a more economical and practical research quantity for extended study designs compared to the 10mg formats typical for larger peptides.
Is GHK-Cu available in Australia?
ClaraScience stocks GHK-Cu in our Australian warehouse. 100mg vials, research-grade, dispatched within 24 hours. For laboratory research use only.
Does GHK-Cu need to be kept away from light?
Yes. GHK-Cu's copper coordination is light-sensitive. Store protected from direct light at 2–8°C. Once reconstituted, use amber-coloured vials if possible and continue to protect from light.
