Recovery · In Clinical Trials
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine)
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
GHK is a naturally occurring tripeptide (glycyl-histidyl-lysine) with high affinity for copper ions, forming the GHK-Cu complex (PMID 18644225). It is present in human plasma, saliva, and urine at levels that decline with age (PMID 26236730).
The peptide modulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis and the activity of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, processes involved in wound healing and tissue repair (PMID 26236730).
02 · Research summary & key findings
Laboratory studies report that GHK-Cu increases synthesis of collagen, elastin, and growth factors and promotes fibroblast proliferation and angiogenesis, and it has stimulated wound healing in multiple animal models (PMID 18644225). Small cosmetic studies on aged skin have reported improvements in elasticity, firmness, and fine lines (PMID 18644225), but a 2026 evidence review concluded that clinical evidence remains sparse, with one small post-laser study negative on objective endpoints, and that controlled clinical efficacy has not been demonstrated (PMID 42797253). A phase 2 wound healing trial is ongoing without published results (PMID 42797253).
03 · Regulatory status
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is currently undergoing clinical trials. It is not yet FDA-approved and is available only through clinical research settings or investigational protocols.
No lawful pathway today
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.
See the 3 FDA-approved compounds in Recovery
Tell me if the status changes
One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for injury recovery and tissue repair?
GHK (Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine) is still in clinical trials, is not FDA-approved, and has no lawful US compounding pathway, so we do not offer it and no clinician we work with will prescribe it. Products sold online as “research chemicals” are not made or tested to the standards required of medicines. If you are working on injury recovery and tissue repair, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
Explore lawful options (free intake)About 3 minutes. If a protocol is prescribed through our provider, we earn 10% of the sale. See the receipts.
04 · Administration routes
- Topical
- Subcutaneous injection
References
- [1]The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling J Biomater Sci Polym Ed, 2008. PMID 18644225
- [2]GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration Biomed Res Int, 2015. PMID 26236730
- [3]GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational Roadmap Pharmaceutics, 2026. PMID 42797253
Primary literature
- PubMed: "GHK"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "GHK"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "GHK"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Related peptides in Recovery
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.