GHK-Cu is unusual among research peptides in that it occurs naturally in human plasma. It is a tripeptide — glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine — complexed with copper(II), and it was first isolated from human plasma in the 1970s.
The age-related decline
What drew sustained research interest is that plasma GHK concentration is reported to decline substantially with age. This observation prompted investigation into whether the peptide has a functional role that diminishes over time.
What the literature examines
Research has focused on several areas:
- Collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis — studies examining the peptide's relationship to extracellular matrix production
- Extracellular matrix remodelling — including the balance between matrix production and breakdown
- Wound-repair signalling — a substantial body of preclinical work
- Hair follicle biology — a frequent focus of dermatological literature
The copper-transport function is central to most of these lines of investigation. Copper is a cofactor for enzymes involved in collagen cross-linking, and GHK's affinity for copper(II) is the mechanism most often proposed to explain its activity.
Why formulation matters
GHK-Cu is the copper complex specifically. GHK without copper is a different molecule with a different research profile. When comparing sources, confirm which form is being supplied.
Handling and availability
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a factory-sealed vial, stored at −20 °C and protected from light. Space Pep supplies GHK-Cu in Egypt in 100 mg and 40 mg four-vial presentations. See the full skin and aesthetics collection.
All products supplied by Space Pep are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics, or medical devices, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.