Research grade

COA available

Research Peptide

GHK-CU 50mg

Copper Tripeptide-1 (Gly-His-Lys:Cu²⁺) — naturally occurring copper-peptide complex Over 150 published studies in dermatological and biochemical research Research-grade · Copper content verified via ICP-MS For in vitro ECM remodeling research only

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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. SKU CU50.

Overview

Product details.

GHK-Cu 50mg — Copper Tripeptide-1

Loren Pickart was not looking for a peptide when he found GHK-Cu. He was studying age-related differences in liver tissue in 1973 and noticed that a small molecule in human plasma — just three amino acids complexed with a copper ion — could shift old tissue toward a younger functional profile. Five decades and over 150 peer-reviewed studies later, GHK-Cu remains one of the most thoroughly investigated copper-peptide complexes in the research literature.

Research-Grade Compounds

Manufactured to research-grade standards for laboratory research use only.

Discreet Shipping

Every order ships in plain, protective packaging.

In-House Fulfillment

Orders are inspected, packed, and shipped directly by the Heritage Labs team.

A molecule that programs genes

The Broad Institute’s Connectivity Map database revealed something striking: GHK-Cu affects the expression of roughly 4,048 human genes, approximately 6% of the genome. The pattern is consistent — upregulation of collagen, growth factors, integrins, elastin, decorin, and glycosaminoglycans, alongside downregulation of inflammatory mediators and excess metalloproteinases (Pickart & Margolina, Int J Mol Sci, 2018; PMC6073405).

Plasma levels tell their own story: roughly 200 ng/mL at age 20, dropping to about 80 ng/mL by age 60. The copper(II) ion is not just structural scaffolding — it is functionally active in roughly 30 copper-dependent enzyme systems.

Specifications

Sequence	Gly-His-Lys:Cu²⁺
Molecular Formula	C₁₄H₂₄CuN₆O₄
Molecular Weight	403.92 g/mol
CAS Number (GHK)	49557-75-7
CAS Number (GHK-Cu)	89030-95-5
Form	Lyophilized powder
Appearance	Blue to blue-purple powder
Solubility	Soluble in water
Quantity	50mg per vial

Research areas

Extracellular matrix remodeling

Pickart’s original work in rat wound models established the foundation — GHK-Cu influences collagen synthesis, decorin production, and glycosaminoglycan expression in fibroblast cultures (Nature, 1980; PubMed 7453802).

MMP regulation

Research has examined GHK-Cu’s effects on MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP balance — the metalloproteinase system that governs ECM turnover and remodeling.

Antioxidant interactions

Flow cytometry and ESR spin-trapping studies have characterized interactions with SOD activity, glutathione peroxidase pathways, and hydroxyl/peroxyl radical species.

Anti-inflammatory pathways

Preclinical work in cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation models documented NF-κB pathway modulation and Nrf2 activation effects on inflammatory mediator expression (Pickart & Margolina, 2018).

GHK-Cu vs BPC-157

Different compounds, different mechanisms. GHK-Cu works through copper-dependent enzymatic pathways and gene expression modulation. BPC-157 works through connective tissue models and nitric oxide signaling. Heritage Labs USA carries both individually and together in the Glow 50/10/10 blend (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-500).

Research applications

Peptide-metal complex characterization via LC-MS
Fibroblast and keratinocyte cell culture studies
ECM remodeling and collagen expression analysis
Copper-dependent enzyme pathway research
Gene expression profiling and Connectivity Map analysis
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway screening

Quality and testing

Every Heritage Labs compound is manufactured to research-grade standards and shipped in protective packaging.

Storage

Lyophilized: -20°C for long-term stability
Reconstituted: 2-8°C, use within 30 days
Protection: Shield from light and moisture

Frequently paired with

BPC-157 5mg — Also available in Glow 50/10/10.
Epithalon 10mg — Telomerase-focused research.
SNAP-8 10mg — SNARE complex studies.

References

Pickart L, et al. “Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells.” Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717. PubMed 7453802
Pickart L, 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. PMC6073405
Park JR, et al. “The tri-peptide GHK-Cu complex ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice.” Oncotarget. 2016;7(36):58405-58417.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.

For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This product is not a drug or supplement and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Disclaimer. All products are for research use only (RUO) as defined by the FDA — not for diagnostic, human, or veterinary use. These products have not been evaluated and have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Heritage Labs is a chemical supplier providing products strictly for laboratory research, analytical, and in-vitro purposes; it is not a compounding pharmacy or compounding facility under Section 503A, nor an outsourcing facility under Section 503B, of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.