GHK-Cu

Naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide

Technical datasheetLZH-008

Code: Copper tripeptide
Formula: C14H24N6O4·Cu
Molecular weight: 402.9 Da
Half-life: Plasma minutes; bound copper retained tissue-locally
Research route: Topical / SC (research)
Molecular targets: Copper-dependent enzymes (LOX, SOD1) · decorin / matrix gene network
Discovery / disclosure: Identified by Pickart, 1973 (human plasma)
Target purity: ≥ 98%
Recommended storage: −20°C, light protected. 2 to 8°C after reconstitution.

Aliases

Copper tripeptide-1, Cu-GHK, Prezatide copper acetate

Appearance

Deep blue lyophilized powder (Cu(II) chromophore)

Solubility

Freely soluble in water (deep blue solution)

Sequence

Gly-His-Lys · Cu(II)

Analysts reviewing the HPLC chromatogram for the current batch — FIG. 201Analytical Lab
Identity, purity and main-peak area are checked by reversed-phase HPLC against an in-house reference standard for this sequence. The chromatogram you see on the certificate of analysis is generated at this exact bench, by the analysts who release the batch.

Technician monitoring a stainless steel reactor during scale-up — FIG. 202Scale-up Operations
When a sequence moves from milligram research lots to multi-gram research supply, the same chemistry is transferred onto jacketed stainless reactors. Temperature, agitation and reagent equivalents are logged in real time so that the larger batch matches the analytical fingerprint of the small one.

Overview

GHK-Cu is the complex of the naturally occurring glycyl-histidyl-lysine tripeptide with copper, a classical tool in skin and connective tissue biology research.

Pharmacology and mechanism

Modulates copper-dependent enzyme activity, influences extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen and elastin synthesis, with antioxidant and gene expression effects.