GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a tripeptide. GHK-Cu, also called prezatide copper or copper tripeptide-1, is the same tripeptide chelated with copper(II). The two are different substances with different identity data, so a COA must state which form was tested.
| Property | GHK-Cu (copper complex) | GHK (free tripeptide) |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys, Cu(II) complex | Gly-His-Lys [2] |
| Molecular formula | C14H22CuN6O4 (neutral complex) [1] | C14H24N6O4 [2] |
| Molecular weight (g/mol) | 401.91 (neutral complex) [3] | 340.38 [2] |
| CAS number | 89030-95-5 [1] | 49557-75-7 [2] |
| FDA UNII | 6BJQ43T1I9 [1] | - |
| PubChem CID | 71587328 (shown there as the +1 cation, C14H23CuN6O4+, 402.92) [4] | 73587 [2] |
| FDA | No approved drug indication; listed among withdrawn compounding nominations for certain routes of administration [5] | Not named on FDA's compounding safety-risk list [5] |
| Health Canada | "GHK-Cu" named among unauthorized peptide drugs seized by Health Canada [6] | Not named in the advisory [6] |
| WADA 2026 | Not named on the Prohibited List [7] | Not named on the Prohibited List [7] |
| Supplied by Ageless Peptides | Yes | No |
Why two molecular weights appear for GHK-Cu
FDA's substance registry records prezatide copper as the neutral copper(II) complex, C14H22N6O4·Cu, about 401.91 g/mol. [1][3] PubChem's main record for the same CAS number depicts the singly charged cation, C14H23CuN6O4+, 402.92 g/mol. [4] Both describe the same copper complex; the difference is one proton and the charge state shown. The Ageless Peptides product page uses the neutral complex value.
What to check on a COA
- The stated form (GHK-Cu or GHK) matches the label.
- The observed mass in the mass-spectrometry result matches the form stated, not the other form.
- Copper content, where reported, is consistent with the copper complex.
Full reference: GHK-Cu research reference
Research use only
Ageless Peptides supplies this compound as lyophilized material for laboratory research only. It is not a drug, food, cosmetic or dietary supplement, is not for human or veterinary use, and nothing on this page is medical advice or a statement of safety or effectiveness for any human or veterinary use.
