Study tracker · Skin · Wounds
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
Updated 19 Oct 2026 · Peptilex evidence grade C (A = approved, large trials · D = mainly animal studies)
One of the best-studied skincare peptides: 12-week cream studies improved firmness, skin density and fine lines, and in diabetic foot ulcers a GHK-Cu gel reached 98.5% median wound closure vs 60.8%.
178PubMed papers
67Human studies
1Randomized trials
1Registered studies
1Ongoing / starting
0Phase 3+
Registered trials
From ClinicalTrials.gov, matched by name in the study title.
| Study | Phase | Status | Participants | Start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy Adults NCT07706361 · LifeWave, Inc. | – | Starting soon | 100 | 2027-01 |
1 further registry entry from a sponsor we could not verify is not listed.
Latest randomized trials & key papers
From PubMed. The full story – mechanism, all results, risks – is in the GHK-Cu profile of the book.
- 2026A Systematic Review of the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Applications of GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper Complex) in Topical Microneedle Delivery: A Case for Expanded Clinical TrialsNajafi N et al. · Archives of internal medicine research · PMID 42787770
- 2026GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational RoadmapMateescu DM et al. · Pharmaceutics · PMID 42797253
- 2006Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skinMiller TR et al. · Archives of facial plastic surgery · PMID 16847171
