Peptide Library

Research statistics

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) research: publications and trials

What has been published on GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide): PubMed publications, the kind of evidence they report and registered clinical trials. These are counts of research, not a judgment of whether GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) works or is safe. For what it is and what the studies found, see the GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) profile.
Automated weekly refresh · data through November 1, 2026

At a glance

Publications, all years

143

Since 1977

Publications in 2026 so far

22

Through November 1, 2026

Human clinical research

5.6%

8 of 142 classified

Registered clinical trials

1

ClinicalTrials.gov

Randomized controlled trials

2

Publications reporting an RCT in people

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses

2

Preclinical studies

81.7%

45 animal · 67 in vitro · 4 computational

Records that only mention it

26

Not counted above

Status in the library: Research only. Groups: Tissue-repair peptides. 1 publications are not yet classified by study type.

What to keep in mind

  • Fewer than three randomized controlled trials are indexed.
  • More than 70% of the indexed publications are animal, cell or computational studies.

Publications by year

GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) publications by year and evidence

1977, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11980, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11981, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11982, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 21983, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11987, Other and not yet classified: 1 of 11988, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11989, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11990, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 21991, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11992, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11993, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 21994, Human clinical research: 1 of 11995, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 4 of 41997, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 11999, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 3 of 32000, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 22001, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 3 of 32003, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 12004, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 12005, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 22006, Human clinical research: 1 of 22006, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 22007, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 22008, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 22008, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 22009, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 12010, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 22011, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 3 of 32012, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 32012, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 32013, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 12014, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 22015, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 32015, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 32016, Human clinical research: 1 of 32016, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 2 of 32017, Human clinical research: 1 of 52017, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 3 of 52017, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 52018, Human clinical research: 1 of 32018, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 1 of 32018, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 32019, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 5 of 52020, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 10 of 112020, Reviews and meta-analyses: 1 of 112021, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 4 of 42022, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 4 of 42023, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 12 of 122024, Human clinical research: 1 of 92024, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 6 of 92024, Reviews and meta-analyses: 2 of 92025, Human clinical research: 1 of 112025, Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 8 of 112025, Reviews and meta-analyses: 2 of 112026 (to date), Human clinical research: 1 of 222026 (to date), Preclinical (animal, in vitro, computational): 13 of 222026 (to date), Reviews and meta-analyses: 8 of 22Human clinical researchPreclinical (animal, in vitro, computational)Reviews and meta-analysesOther and not yet classified010203019771991200320122026*
Counted PubMed publications by year of first publication. * 2026 runs to November 1, 2026. A larger bar is more publications, not stronger evidence.
Show the data
YearHuman clinical researchPreclinical (animal, in vitro, computational)Reviews and meta-analysesOther and not yet classifiedTotal
197701001
198001001
198101001
198202002
198301001
198700011
198801001
198901001
199002002
199101001
199201001
199302002
199410001
199504004
199701001
199903003
200002002
200103003
200301001
200401001
200502002
200611002
200702002
200801102
200901001
201002002
201103003
201202103
201301001
201402002
201502103
201612003
201713105
201811103
201905005
20200101011
202104004
202204004
20230120012
202416209
2025182011
2026 (to date)1138022

Study types

In vitro study67
Animal study45
Review16
Other clinical trial4
Computational study4
Randomized controlled trial2
Systematic review2
Case report1
Observational human study1
Not yet classified1

Research areas

From MeSH major topics. A paper can be in several areas.

Tissue repair63
Dermatology48
Immune system24
Longevity and aging14
Cardiovascular10
Neurological and mental health9
Metabolic health8
Musculoskeletal8
Cognitive health6
Endocrinology4
Antimicrobial and infectious disease3
Oncology3

Registered clinical trials

A registration is not a result.

Recruiting: 1
Phase 2: 1

TrialStatusPhaseStartedResults
Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound HealingNCT07437586 · 60 enrolledRecruitingPhase 22026-02—

Human trials and evidence reviews

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and trials in people, newest first.

  1. The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine.

    Aesthetic surgery journal · August 20, 2026 · Systematic review · cited 0 times

    PMID 42619529 · DOI 10.1093/asj/sjag169 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  2. A 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 Trials.

    Archives of internal medicine research · July 1, 2026 · Systematic review · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42787770 · DOI 10.26502/aimr.0255 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  3. Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin.

    Archives of facial plastic surgery · July 1, 2006 · Randomized controlled trial · cited 15 times

    PMID 16847171 · DOI 10.1001/archfaci.8.4.252 · Human clinical research

  4. Enhanced healing of ulcers in patients with diabetes by topical treatment with glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine copper.

    Wound repair and regeneration : official publication of the Wound Healing Society [and] the European Tissue Repair Society · October 1, 1994 · Randomized controlled trial · cited 53 times

    PMID 17147644 · DOI 10.1046/j.1524-475x.1994.20406.x · Human clinical research

  5. Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu.

    Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · August 1, 2026 · Other clinical trial · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42573538 · DOI 10.1111/srt.70360 · Human clinical research

  6. Efficacy and Safety Assessment of ThriveCo Scar Fader Gel With Scarcede™ in the Treatment of Skin Scars.

    Cureus · August 25, 2025 · Other clinical trial · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 41001334 · DOI 10.7759/cureus.90934 · Human clinical research

  7. An Assessment of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of a Novel Scalp Treatment Regimen Combining a Hydroxy Acid-Based Scrub and Copper Tripeptide Serum in the Management of Seborrheic Dermatitis in Adults.

    Cureus · September 24, 2024 · Other clinical trial · cited 4 times · open access

    PMID 39449909 · DOI 10.7759/cureus.70108 · Human clinical research

  8. The effects of hydroporation on melasma with anti-aging cocktail.

    Journal of cosmetic dermatology · January 29, 2017 · Other clinical trial · cited 5 times

    PMID 28133891 · DOI 10.1111/jocd.12313 · Human clinical research

Most cited

By OpenAlex citation count. Citations measure attention, not quality or correctness.

  1. Ceruloplasmin, copper ions, and angiogenesis.

    Journal of the National Cancer Institute · November 1, 1982 · Animal study · cited 240 times

    PMID 6182332 · DOI 10.1093/jnci/69.5.1183 · Animal studies

  2. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling.

    Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer edition · January 1, 2008 · Review · cited 218 times

    PMID 18644225 · DOI 10.1163/156856208784909435 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  3. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+.

    FEBS letters · October 1, 1988 · In vitro study · cited 181 times

    PMID 3169264 · DOI 10.1016/0014-5793(88)80509-x · In vitro studies

  4. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.

    International journal of molecular sciences · July 7, 2018 · Review · cited 157 times · open access

    PMID 29986520 · DOI 10.3390/ijms19071987 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  5. GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration.

    BioMed research international · July 7, 2015 · Review · cited 143 times · open access

    PMID 26236730 · DOI 10.1155/2015/648108 · Reviews and meta-analyses

Latest publications

  1. Characterization of copper tripeptide-loaded lipid carriers and their stability in complex cosmetic matrices.

    Journal of chromatography. A · October 10, 2026 · In vitro study · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42887096 · DOI 10.1016/j.chroma.2026.467540 · In vitro studies

  2. Water-Soluble, Enzyme-Degradable, and Hydrolyzable STAR Particles for Enhanced Drug Delivery to Skin.

    Advanced healthcare materials · September 9, 2026 · Animal study · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42712263 · DOI 10.1002/adhm.71569 · Animal studies

  3. GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational Roadmap.

    Pharmaceutics · August 27, 2026 · Review · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42797253 · DOI 10.3390/pharmaceutics18091077 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  4. Peptides in Regenerative Medicine: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Applications in Tissue Repair and Chronic Pain Management.

    Current pain and headache reports · August 24, 2026 · Review · cited 0 times

    PMID 42635865 · DOI 10.1007/s11916-026-01542-z · Reviews and meta-analyses

  5. The Regenerative Potential of GHK-Cu in Aesthetic Medicine.

    Aesthetic surgery journal · August 20, 2026 · Systematic review · cited 0 times

    PMID 42619529 · DOI 10.1093/asj/sjag169 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  6. Peptide Supplements and Their Therapeutic Applications in Sports Medicine.

    The American journal of sports medicine · August 11, 2026 · Review · cited 1 times · open access

    PMID 42578445 · DOI 10.1177/03635465261464420 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  7. Augmented Skin Beneficial Effects of Thermus Thermophilus and Bacillus Subtilis Mixed-Culture Ferment Extract by Tripeptide GHK-Cu.

    Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · August 1, 2026 · Other clinical trial · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42573538 · DOI 10.1111/srt.70360 · Human clinical research

  8. A tea exosome-integrated self‑oxygenating cascade chitosan/oxidized alginate hydrogel for remodeling the hyperglycemic and hypoxic microenvironment in diabetic wound healing.

    Carbohydrate polymers · July 8, 2026 · Animal study · cited 0 times

    PMID 42586657 · DOI 10.1016/j.carbpol.2026.125628 · Animal studies

  9. A 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 Trials.

    Archives of internal medicine research · July 1, 2026 · Systematic review · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42787770 · DOI 10.26502/aimr.0255 · Reviews and meta-analyses

  10. A <i>Torilis japonica</i> Extract-GHK-Cu Complex Attenuates Th2 Cytokines and Promotes Keratinocyte Recovery: A Potential Antioxidant Strategy for Atopic Dermatitis.

    Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) · June 29, 2026 · In vitro study · cited 0 times · open access

    PMID 42510549 · DOI 10.3390/antiox15070818 · In vitro studies

Browse all 143 publications in the dashboard

How this is counted

PubMed records matched by the names below, counted when the peptide is in the title, indexed by MeSH, or confirmed from the abstract. The exact query can be rerun on Europe PMC. Methodology

Search terms: Copper tripeptide-1; GHK (with copper or cu or cu 2); GHK-copper; GHK-Cu; Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine; Prezatide copper

((TITLE_ABS:"Copper tripeptide-1" OR CHEM:"Copper tripeptide-1" OR TITLE_ABS:"Copper tripeptide1" OR CHEM:"Copper tripeptide1") OR (TITLE_ABS:"GHK" AND (TITLE_ABS:"copper" OR TITLE_ABS:"cu" OR TITLE_ABS:"cu 2")) OR (TITLE_ABS:"GHK-copper" OR CHEM:"GHK-copper") OR (TITLE_ABS:"GHK-Cu" OR CHEM:"GHK-Cu") OR (TITLE_ABS:"Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine" OR CHEM:"Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine") OR (TITLE_ABS:"Prezatide copper" OR CHEM:"Prezatide copper")) AND SRC:MED

Cite this page

Peptide Library. (2026, November 2). GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) research statistics (Version weekly-2026-11-01) [Statistic]. Peptide Library. https://peptidelibrary.app/research/peptides/ghk-cu