At a glance
- GHK (copper-free tripeptide) is not an FDA-approved drug: Drugs@FDA has no record of it.
- PubMed lists 163 publications mentioning it, including 0 randomized controlled trials and 41 animal-only studies.
- ClinicalTrials.gov lists 4 registered studies testing it (3 active).
- FDA's adverse event system (FAERS) holds 2 reports mentioning it; 2 classified as serious. Reports do not prove causation.
Research topics
Most frequent MeSH subject headings in the latest PubMed records (English, as indexed).
Regulatory status
Drugs@FDA applications
No application found in Drugs@FDA, FDA's database of approved drugs.
Source: Drugs@FDA (openFDA) · verified October 30, 2026 · API query
FDA compounding safety list
Not on FDA's list of bulk drug substances that may present significant safety risks in compounding.
Source: FDA.gov — Category 2 bulk drug substances · verified October 30, 2026
Removal of a substance from a regulatory list does not mean it has been approved. A "research use only" label does not make a product safe or legal for human use.
Scientific publications
Counts are PubMed records that mention the peptide in the title or abstract. Categories overlap, and a mention is not the same as testing the peptide as a treatment. Each number opens the exact PubMed search. Effects seen in laboratory or animal studies may not occur in humans. A registered clinical trial does not show that a substance is effective or safe.
Latest publications
- Peptide-Activated ECM-Mimicking Channeled OPF Cryogel Scaffold for Spinal Cord Lesion Bridging: Development and Pilot Study in Minipigs.
- Permeation behaviour of cosmetic actives into the human stratum corneum.
- EGCG-Biotin-Pal-GHK composition modulates TGF-β and BMP pathways in scalp microenvironment for treating stress-induced alopecia.
- Redox-Responsive GHK-Conjugated Sponge Spicules for Sustained Dermal Delivery and Enhanced Collagen Synthesis.
- Extracellular matrix-derived matrikines as emerging modulators of neuroinflammation and central nervous system signaling.
- Peptide-enriched hydrogel formulation for sensitive and damaged skin: from design to application testing.
- Extracellular Matrix-Derived Matrikines: Circulating Peptides as Candidate Mediators of Lung-to-Brain Signaling.
- Design, synthesis and applications of a dual-mode peptidyl probe for sequential determination of Cu2+ and S2- in food and biological systems.
- Carbonless amino acids and a carbonless GHK peptide.
- Elastic cationic liposomal nanogels: a novel platform for topical nicotinamide mononucleotide delivery.
Source: PubMed (NCBI) · verified October 30, 2026
Clinical trials
- Registered
- 4
- Active
- 3
- With posted results
- 0
Conditions studied
| Study | Status | Phase | Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Part Study of the Effects of the X39 Patch on Circulating GHK and GHK-Cu Levels in Healthy Adults | Not yet recruiting | N/A | Jan 2027 |
| Systemic and Topical Geroprotective Rejuvenation Assessed by START/REST Aging Clocks | Enrolling by invitation | Early phase 1 | October 21, 2026 |
| Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing | Recruiting | Phase 2 | February 2, 2026 |
| Trial Assessing the Impact on Facial Skin Quality, Hydration, and Skin Barrier of Three (3) Hydrafacial Treatments in Adults of All Skin Types. | Completed | Phase 4 | November 20, 2023 |
All 4 studies on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · verified October 30, 2026
Adverse event reports
- Reports
- 2
- Serious
- 2
- With death outcome
- 0
Most reported reactions
Adverse event reports do not prove that the substance caused these effects. Side effects not listed here may still occur. Reaction terms are MedDRA terms as reported to FAERS.
Source: FDA FAERS (FAERS data as of July 30, 2026) · verified October 30, 2026 · API query
FDA prescribing information
Official US prescribing information. Dosing sections are intentionally not shown.
Source: DailyMed / openFDA
Change history
No changes since monitoring began on October 30, 2026.