GHK-Cu 50 mg — reference profile

What this compound is

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide — glycine, histidine, lysine — with a copper ion bound to it. The copper is not an impurity or an additive; it is part of the molecule and is responsible for its characteristic blue colour in solution.

Molecular profile

Composition: Copper tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) with bound Cu²⁺. Molecular weight ≈ 340 Da (peptide) + Cu²⁺.

Molecular weight is the figure used to confirm identity by mass spectrometry: the measured mass is compared against the value calculated from the sequence, and agreement within instrument tolerance is what establishes that the material is the intended molecule rather than merely a pure one.

What published research has examined

The literature covers copper coordination chemistry, effects on gene expression in cultured cells (the frequently quoted figure concerning thousands of genes comes from expression profiling work), and extracellular-matrix and collagen-related research.

This is a description of what has been studied, not a claim about outcomes and not a suggestion that anyone should use it. Research findings in cell culture or animal models do not transfer directly to any other setting.

Format and handling

Single vial of lyophilized material.

Supplied as a blue lyophilized powder — the colour is expected and comes from the copper complex. Reconstitution guidance differs from that of uncomplexed peptides because the copper complex is sensitive to some solvent conditions.

Storage conditions and the expiry date on the label describe material kept as specified. A vial left at ambient temperature has not been stored as specified, whatever the date says.

Documentation and verification

Each batch carries a Certificate of Analysis stating purity, identity and the methods used. The outer box carries a printed RVL code which resolves against production records and returns the item, strength, batch number and dates.

The batch number should read the same on the vial, on the box and on the certificate. Where it does not, treat the material as undocumented until the discrepancy is explained.