CAS: 89030-95-5 · MW: 404 Da (copper complex) · Purity: ≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC · Format: 50 mg powder · Identity: ESI-MS confirmed
GHK-Cu is a tiny peptide carrying a copper ion, and that copper is central to what it does. The peptide part, glycyl-histidyl-lysine, occurs naturally in blood and binds copper tightly, forming the blue-tinged complex researchers study. Each vial holds 50 mg of freeze-dried powder. It is one of the most-studied “copper peptides,” turning up across tissue-repair, antioxidant, and skin-biology research.
Structure & Identity
GHK-Cu is a copper complex of a tripeptide: three amino acids, glycine, L-histidine, and L-lysine (Gly-His-Lys), bound to a copper(II) ion. The histidine in the middle is the key, because it provides the anchor point that grips the copper. Take the copper away and you have plain GHK; add it back and you get the active complex that gives this material its identity.
Research Background
GHK-Cu has one of the longer research histories among small peptides, and the copper is woven through most of it.
- Copper complex. GHK-Cu is the tripeptide glycyl-histidyl-lysine bound to copper(II), and the copper is central to its activity [PMID: 22666519].
- Oxidative stress. It has been studied for protection against oxidative stress and aging-related change [PMID: 22666519].
- Tissue repair. In a rat model it was linked to improved healing outcomes [PMID: 25731775].
- Inflammation and fibrosis. It has been examined in lung inflammation and fibrosis models [PMID: 38879894].
- Aging model. Recent work studied GHK-Cu and lifespan regulation in C. elegans [PMID: 42084774].
These are research findings rather than approved uses, and the material is intended to support continued laboratory study.
Specifications
| Attribute |
Value |
| Chemical name |
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine : copper(II)) |
| Also Known As |
Copper peptide, GHK-copper |
| Sequence |
Gly-His-Lys (copper complex) |
| CAS number |
89030-95-5 |
| Molecular formula |
C14H24CuN6O4 (complex) |
| Molecular weight |
404 g/mol (complex) |
| Purity |
≥99% by reverse-phase HPLC |
| Length |
3 amino acids (Tripeptide) |
| Identity |
Confirmed by ESI mass spectrometry |
| Physical form |
Lyophilized powder |
| Appearance |
Blue to blue-violet solid |
| Quantity |
50 mg per vial |
| Storage |
-20°C, protected from light |
| Solubility |
Soluble in sterile water (blue-tinged solution) |
| Classification |
Research use only |
Storage & Handling
Store the sealed vial frozen at -20°C and away from light. After you reconstitute it, keep the blue solution refrigerated at 2-8°C and use it within about two weeks. As with other peptides, letting the vial reach room temperature before opening reduces condensation, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles are best avoided so the copper complex stays intact.
Storage and Handling Guide
Quality Assurance
GHK-Cu is produced to research-grade manufacturing standards and verified by an independent lab before release. Reverse-phase HPLC establishes purity and mass spectrometry confirms identity, with the analysis carried out by third-party laboratories, including Janoshik Analytical and domestic US labs. A certificate of analysis is generated for each batch, so the purity and identity data belong to the vial you actually receive.
Quality & Testing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) bound to a copper ion. This “copper peptide” is studied in tissue-repair, antioxidant, and skin-biology research and is supplied for research use only.
Why does GHK-Cu contain copper?
The tripeptide GHK binds copper naturally, and the copper is part of what researchers study, from redox activity to tissue-repair signaling. Without the copper it is just GHK; the complex is the active research subject.
What color is GHK-Cu, and why?
It is blue to blue-violet. The color comes from the copper(II) ion held by the peptide, so a genuine GHK-Cu powder or solution carries that characteristic tint.
What is GHK-Cu’s structure?
It is a copper complex of the tripeptide Gly-His-Lys, with CAS number 89030-95-5 and a molecular weight around 404 g/mol for the complex.
Is GHK-Cu FDA approved?
No, GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved drug or supplement. It is a research-use-only material and is not intended for human or veterinary use.
How is GHK-Cu different from plain GHK?
GHK is the peptide on its own; GHK-Cu is that same peptide holding a copper ion. Most of the research interest is in the copper complex rather than the bare peptide.
How should GHK-Cu be stored?
Keep the powder frozen at -20°C and protected from light. Once reconstituted for research, store it at 2-8°C and use within about two weeks.
How do I confirm this GHK-Cu is what it claims?
Each batch is tested to ≥99% purity by reverse-phase HPLC with mass-spec identity confirmation by an independent lab and ships with a batch-specific certificate of analysis.
References
- Pickart L, et al. The human tripeptide GHK-Cu in prevention of oxidative stress and degenerative conditions of aging. 2012. PMID: 22666519.
- Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu(II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL injury. 2015. PMID: 25731775.
- The glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+) tripeptide complex attenuates lung inflammation and fibrosis. 2024. PMID: 38879894.
