Path: /therapeutics/ghk-cu
Also Known As: Copper tripeptide, GHK-Cu, GHK-Copper
Chemical Formula: C_14H_24N_6O_4Cu
Sequence: Gly-Lys-Lys (with Cu²⁺ ion)
Molecular Weight: ~403 Da (peptide), ~466 Da (with copper)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide discovered in human plasma in 1973. It plays important roles in tissue repair, inflammation modulation, and cellular signaling. The peptide's ability to bind copper makes it a crucial factor in copper-dependent enzymatic processes.
While CNS research is emerging, several mechanisms suggest neuroprotective potential:
| Study | Model | Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Pickart et al. (2015) | In vitro | Protected neurons from oxidative stress[18] |
| van Heemst et al. (2022) | Mouse AD model | Reduced amyloid burden, improved cognition[19] |
| Campisi et al. (2019) | Mouse aging | Improved cognitive function, reduced neuroinflammation[20] |
Current status: Limited direct clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease. Most human data comes from:
Ongoing research: Several academic groups investigating GHK-Cu in AD/PD models, but no registered Phase 2/3 trials yet.
| Route | Dose Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Topical | 0.5-2% solution | 1-2x daily |
| Subcutaneous | 1-2 mg | 2-3x weekly |
| Intranasal (research) | 0.5-1 mg | Daily |
| Oral | 2-5 mg | Daily |
| Interaction | Effect | Management |
|---|---|---|
| Copper supplements | Potential copper overload | Avoid concurrent high-dose copper |
| Chelators (EDTA) | May reduce GHK-Cu efficacy | Space dosing |
| Antioxidants | Potential synergy | May combine safely |
Priority: Consider — Low-risk adjunct therapy with favorable safety profile. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms are relevant to tauopathy pathology. Recommend topical application as first approach (better safety data), with subcutaneous as option if tolerated. May provide modest benefits as part of comprehensive treatment approach.
Confidence: Low — Strong mechanistic rationale, limited but growing preclinical evidence, human safety data good but not from neurodegenerative disease trials.
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