GHK-Cu — Research Guide
GHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys complexed with Cu²⁺) that occurs naturally in human plasma. It is extensively studied in dermatological signaling, wound-model, and extracellular-matrix research, and is one of the most-cited compounds in copper-peptide gene-expression literature.
Research Use Only — Not FDA-Approved
Orion compounds are for in-vitro laboratory research only and are not for human consumption.
Product
GHK-Cu 50mg
Purity
99.3%
CAS
49557-75-7
Single
$19.99
10-pack/vial
$14.99
Chemistry & identity
GHK-Cu (CAS 49557-75-7, MW 403.93 g/mol) is the copper complex of the Gly-His-Lys tripeptide. The copper coordination is essential to its observed biological activity in published research; non-copper-bound GHK behaves differently in assays. Per-batch HPLC + MS confirmation on every Orion lot.
Research applications
- Copper-coordination chemistry and copper-transport studies
- Collagen-synthesis gene expression in fibroblast culture
- Anti-oxidant assays involving inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α)
- Wound-model extracellular-matrix research
- Dermal-fibroblast and keratinocyte gene-expression profiling
Stability & storage
Lyophilized GHK-Cu is stable at −20°C protected from light. Cu²⁺-coordination is sensitive to extreme pH; reconstitution in neutral-pH bacteriostatic water is standard. The 50mg vial is the most cost-efficient size on a per-mg basis in our catalog.
Published half-life range
3h midpoint (lit. 2h – 4h)
Source: Pickart et al., Skin Pharmacol 2008 reviews. See the half-life calculator for predicted in-solution decay over time.
Related research guides
FAQ
Why is the copper coordination important?
GHK alone (without Cu²⁺) has distinct, generally weaker activity in published assays. The Cu²⁺ coordination is integral to the cell-signaling and gene-expression effects characterized in the literature.
What's the difference between the 50mg and 100mg vial?
Just size. Same compound, same purity. The 50mg is currently in stock; the 100mg is incoming.
Is it stable to light?
Cu²⁺-peptide complexes are generally photosensitive. Store the lyophilized vial protected from light; reconstituted solution should be refrigerated and shielded from UV.
Is this for human use?
No. In-vitro research use only.