GHK-Cu: what the research says

Also known as Copper peptide, copper tripeptide-1, prezatide copper.

Cosmetic ingredient, not a medicine GHK-Cu is studied mostly in animals or the lab and not approved as a medicine.

Key facts

What it is

A tiny peptide of three amino acids bound to copper, found naturally in blood. First described by Dr Loren Pickart in 1973.

Levels with age

Pickart's work reports that blood levels fall with age, from about 200 ng/mL at age 20 to about 80 ng/mL at 60.

Gene claims

In lab data on human cancer cells, GHK changed the activity of many genes. This was a computer reanalysis by its discoverer, whose company sells GHK products. It does not show the same effects in people.

Human evidence

Mainly lab and animal studies, plus a few small 12-week skin-cream studies in women. Evidence for hair growth in people is weak. FDA notes limited human data for injectable GHK-Cu.

Anti-doping (WADA) status

Not named on the WADA list, and USADA lists GHK in cosmetics as not prohibited. Injected GHK-Cu is not approved anywhere, so it may fall under WADA's S0 rule. Athletes should check with their anti-doping agency.

Status in Nepal

Used as a cosmetic ingredient. Not approved as a medicine anywhere, so injectable forms are not expected to be registered with Nepal's Department of Drug Administration.

Sources

• Pickart & Margolina, Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data (Int J Mol Sci 2018, PubMed 29986520)
• Pickart et al., GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health (BioMed Res Int 2014, PubMed 25302294; authors affiliated with Skin Biology)
• FDA: Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks (GHK-Cu, injectable)
• USADA: Peptides and growth hormones in cosmetics

This page explains research. It is not a recommendation to use GHK-Cu. Talk to a doctor before using any medicine.