GHK-Cu Pen

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring metallopeptide, chemically a coordination complex of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with a copper(II) ion. In scientific research, it is studied as a model compound for metal-peptide coordination chemistry and as a reference standard in analytical work. This compound is offered as a 3 ml pre-filled injection pen, exclusively for laboratory and research purposes.

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-copper(II), also referred to in the literature as copper tripeptide-1 or prezatide-copper) consists of a short chain of glycine, histidine, and lysine that jointly coordinate a single copper(II) ion. The metal ion is fixed via the imidazole ring of histidine, the terminal amino group of glycine, and the intervening peptide bond. This defined geometry makes the compound reproducible and thus useful as a model in the coordination chemistry of short peptides.

In research models, the complex functions as an exchangeable reservoir for copper(II): the peptide portion holds the metal ion in a fixed coordination, allowing transfer to copper-binding proteins and enzymes to be quantitatively monitored in vitro. In addition, the influence on gene expression around the extracellular matrix is ​​studied in cell models. Consequently, GHK-Cu is used as a model compound and reference substance within scientific research.

Research areas

In a laboratory context, GHK-Cu occurs in the following research areas, among others:

• Metal-peptide coordination chemistry — determination of bond constants and coordination geometry of Cu(II) to short peptide chains.
• Copper transfer in vitro — study of the exchange between the complex and copper-binding proteins in buffer systems.
• Extracellular matrix models — gene expression assays regarding collagen and elastin synthesis in cultured fibroblasts.
• Structure-activity analysis — comparison with related tripeptide-copper complexes to determine the role of the N-terminal residue.
• Analytical method development — application as a reference standard in HPLC and mass spectrometric separations.
• Stability and solubility studies — behavior of the complex at varying pH, ionic strength, and storage temperature.

Each of these applications involves controlled laboratory or preclinical model research.

GHK-Cu within our research assortment

This version belongs to the line of pre-filled injection pens: compounds contained in dissolved form in a sealed cartridge, so that a researcher does not need to go through their own dissolution step. The same compound is available elsewhere in the range as freeze-dried lyophilisate in a vial, as a kit, and in an aqueous base for topical modeling. Other compounds within the pen line act on a completely different biochemical system; the form indicates nothing about the substance class.

Specifications

Shape, handling and storage

The compound is dissolved in a sealed 3 ml glass cartridge in a pen with a click mechanism. A separate dissolution step is not required with this version; the cartridge remains closed until a needle is inserted. The label includes a table showing the relationship between click settings and dispensed volume, allowing sample collections to be reproducibly recorded in a protocol.

Store the pen refrigerated between 2 and 8 °C, protected from light and in the original packaging. Handle the pen in a clean working environment, use a new sterile needle for each draw to prevent cross-contamination, and wear standard personal protective equipment. Keep the material out of reach of unauthorized persons.

Composition and lab results

The raw material used has a controlled purity of ≥ 99% (HPLC). The pen contains GHK-Cu in a sterile aqueous base; the total amount of active substance is stated on the label for each version.

Analysis certificates of the relevant parties are on our lab results page.

Frequently Asked Questions

To which class of substances does GHK-Cu belong?
GHK-Cu is a metallopeptide: a complex of the naturally occurring tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with a copper(II) ion. This distinguishes it from ordinary peptides, which do not contain a coordinated metal ion.

Why is the copper ion decisive in the research?
In research models, the complex serves as an exchangeable reservoir for copper(II). The peptide portion binds the metal ion in a defined coordination, allowing the transfer to copper-binding proteins and enzymes to be quantitatively monitored in vitro.

In what form is the compound supplied?
As a pre-filled injection pen with a sealed 3 ml cartridge containing 100 mg. The box also contains ten sterile pen needles and alcohol wipes.

How do I store the pen?
Refrigerated between 2 and 8 °C, in a dark place and in the original packaging. Do not freeze.