{
  "schemaVersion": "2.1",
  "datasetVersion": "2026-09-11.1",
  "generatedAt": "2026-09-11",
  "reviewStatus": "Editorial source review is complete. This edition has not been independently medically reviewed.",
  "editorialBoundary": "Source-checked educational summaries. Topics require evidence and editorial review. This dataset is not a personal treatment plan.",
  "citation": "When you cite a record, include The Peptide Field, its canonicalPath, this dataset version, and every source used for the claim.",
  "reuse": "This endpoint grants no additional reuse license. Keep the verdict, scope, evidence basis, review date, and source links together. Do not present a record as medical advice or medical review.",
  "changeLogPath": "/corrections#correction-ledger",
  "contactPath": "/corrections",
  "dataset": "peptide-evidence-checker-record",
  "canonicalPath": "/peptides/ghk-cu",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://thepeptidefield.com/peptides/ghk-cu",
  "record": {
    "slug": "ghk-cu",
    "name": "GHK-Cu",
    "aliases": [
      "copper tripeptide-1",
      "glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper",
      "GHK copper"
    ],
    "className": "Copper-binding tripeptide complex",
    "family": "Recovery and repair claims",
    "sequenceLabel": "3 amino acids complexed with copper",
    "tier": "Emerging",
    "evidenceContext": "Preclinical or formulation evidence",
    "statusLine": "No FDA-approved injectable GHK-Cu drug product",
    "productContext": "A topical product and an injectable product are not the same evidence question. Topical formulations, compounded non-injectable products, and injectable products are different evidence questions. FDA separately flags injectable GHK-Cu risks.",
    "approvedProducts": [],
    "indications": [
      "No FDA-approved drug indication"
    ],
    "profile": {
      "humanOutcomes": {
        "level": "Limited",
        "note": "Small formulation-specific human studies exist, but broad regenerative and anti-aging outcomes are not established."
      },
      "humanPharmacology": {
        "level": "Limited",
        "note": "Copper binding and cell-level signaling are biologically plausible but not equivalent to clinical benefit."
      },
      "safetyKnowledge": {
        "level": "Limited",
        "note": "Human information is limited, and FDA identifies injectable immunogenicity and impurity concerns."
      },
      "productCertainty": {
        "level": "Unclear",
        "note": "Formulation and route strongly affect what evidence can be transferred."
      }
    },
    "oneLine": "A three-amino-acid copper complex with topical and laboratory research. That research does not validate injectable, whole-body, or longevity claims.",
    "reviewedAt": "July 23, 2026",
    "reviewedAtISO": "2026-07-23",
    "reviewHistory": [
      {
        "date": "2026-07-23",
        "note": "Initial brief separates topical formulation studies from injectable-product claims."
      }
    ],
    "whatItIs": "GHK-Cu is a copper complex of a three-amino-acid peptide. Cosmetic ingredients, topical study products, and compounded injections are different evidence categories.",
    "whatWeKnow": "One small randomized topical study after laser resurfacing had 13 people who completed it. It found no significant between-group improvement in erythema, wrinkles, or objectively assessed skin quality, although questionnaire-reported satisfaction was higher in the GHK-Cu group. FDA says human data are limited and flags potential immunogenicity from aggregates and peptide-related impurities for injectable routes.",
    "whatWeDoNotKnow": "The evidence does not establish that injected GHK-Cu rejuvenates organs, repairs injury throughout the body, reverses aging, or produces the same effects as a studied topical formulation.",
    "antiDoping": null,
    "safetyBoundary": "Route and formulation are part of the claim. This guide does not provide injectable-use, compounding, cosmetic-treatment, or wound-care instructions.",
    "relatedSlugs": [
      "tb-500",
      "bpc-157",
      "epitalon"
    ],
    "claims": [
      {
        "claim": "“GHK-Cu has been studied in people.”",
        "verdict": "Supported with scope",
        "explanation": "Yes, but the cited topical trial had 13 completers, found no significant objective improvement in erythema, wrinkles, or skin quality, and reported higher patient satisfaction. It does not establish broader outcomes or other routes.",
        "category": "Clinical outcomes",
        "evidenceBasis": "Randomized human outcomes",
        "scope": "A specific topical copper-tripeptide formulation after CO2 laser resurfacing.",
        "sourceUrls": [
          "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16847171/"
        ]
      },
      {
        "claim": "“Topical GHK-Cu evidence proves injectable GHK-Cu works systemically.”",
        "verdict": "Misleading",
        "explanation": "Route, formulation, exposure, product quality, and endpoint differ. Evidence cannot be transferred by ingredient name alone.",
        "category": "Product equivalence",
        "evidenceBasis": "Regulatory or product record",
        "scope": "Topical study formulations versus compounded injectable products.",
        "sourceUrls": [
          "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks"
        ]
      },
      {
        "claim": "“Injectable GHK-Cu is proven safe.”",
        "verdict": "Not established",
        "explanation": "FDA identifies limited human data and potential immunogenicity related to aggregation and peptide impurities.",
        "category": "Safety",
        "evidenceBasis": "Regulatory or product record",
        "scope": "Compounded injectable GHK-Cu.",
        "sourceUrls": [
          "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks"
        ]
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "label": "Bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/certain-bulk-drug-substances-use-compounding-may-present-significant-safety-risks",
        "kind": "Regulatory",
        "year": 2026,
        "accessedAt": "2026-07-23"
      },
      {
        "label": "Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin",
        "publisher": "PubMed · Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery",
        "url": "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16847171/",
        "kind": "Randomized trial",
        "year": 2006,
        "accessedAt": "2026-07-23"
      },
      {
        "label": "503A bulk drug substances under evaluation",
        "publisher": "U.S. Food and Drug Administration",
        "url": "https://www.fda.gov/media/94155/download?attachment=",
        "kind": "Regulatory",
        "year": 2026,
        "accessedAt": "2026-07-23"
      }
    ],
    "productRecords": [],
    "antiDopingReview": {
      "status": "Not assessed",
      "detail": "This editorial review did not determine sport eligibility. Athletes must check the current prohibited list, Global DRO, and their governing body.",
      "sourceUrl": null,
      "reviewedAtISO": "2026-07-23"
    }
  }
}