GHK-Cu
Copper tripeptide. Wound healing. Tissue remodeling. Coat and skin regeneration.
Weight
340 Da
Half-life
Under 30 minutes
Chain
Tripeptide plus copper
Studies
13 referenced. Latest 2018.
Full monograph, dosing tables, and prescribing rationale are available to verified veterinarians with an active license and documented VCPR workflow. Request access to unlock the complete formulary library. Request access.
Overview
GHK-Cu is one of the most studied regenerative peptides in the world. Four decades of research. Over four thousand gene expression changes documented. Direct canine wound healing evidence published in Veterinary Surgery.
The copper matters. It is the cofactor for lysyl oxidase and superoxide dismutase. That is why GHK-Cu outperforms GHK alone.
Mechanism of action
- 01Regulates expression of over 4,000 genes tied to wound repair and tissue remodeling.
- 02Activates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in fibroblasts.
- 03Accelerates re-epithelialization at wound margins.
- 04Delivers copper as cofactor for lysyl oxidase in collagen cross-linking.
- 05Provides antioxidant defense via superoxide dismutase support.
Molecular data
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 340 Da |
| Chain length | 3 amino acids plus copper |
| Type | Endogenous copper-binding tripeptide |
| Route | Subcutaneous injection or topical |
Species applicability
Dog
Canapp 2003 in Veterinary Surgery documented accelerated ischemic wound healing in dogs with topical GHK-Cu. That is the single strongest direct canine peptide citation in the entire formulary.
Horse
Widely used in equine practice for wound healing, tendon injury adjunct, and coat quality in show and performance horses.
Cat
Cats are excluded from the current GHK-Cu formulary indication given copper metabolism differences and the risk of copper accumulation in susceptible breeds. Breed contraindications flagged.
Prescribing indications
Chronic non-healing wounds in dogs.
Post-surgical dermal recovery.
Coat quality and skin remodeling in senior dogs.
Dosing framework
Full monograph, dosing tables, and prescribing rationale are available to verified veterinarians with an active license and documented VCPR workflow. Request access to unlock the complete formulary library.
Request accessReconstitution and administration
Full monograph, dosing tables, and prescribing rationale are available to verified veterinarians with an active license and documented VCPR workflow. Request access to unlock the complete formulary library.
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What to expect
Safety profile
Endogenous peptide. Excellent safety margin. Copper accumulation is the primary consideration in copper-storage susceptible breeds. Bedlington Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Dalmatian, and Doberman Pinscher require caution. Serum copper monitoring recommended for extended courses.
Research library
Related peptides
Regulatory footing
This monograph describes a compounded veterinary medication available by prescription only through a licensed veterinarian inside an active veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Not FDA-approved for animal or human use. Compounded on a patient-specific basis under FDA Guidance for Industry #256. For educational use by licensed veterinarians. Not intended for consumer self-prescribing.
For licensed veterinarians only. Compounded under FDA GFI 256. Not FDA-approved.