GHK-Cu (50 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine:copper complex) is a naturally occurring copper peptide with documented roles in wound healing, tissue remodeling, and skin regeneration[1][2]. Research demonstrates activity in gene regulation related to collagen synthesis, antioxidant defense, and anti-inflammatory pathways[3][4]. This educational protocol presents practical subcutaneous administration approaches based on clinical practice patterns.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL sterile water → 16.67 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical range: 1.0–2.0 mg per injection (most common protocols use 5 days/week or 3×/week).
- Easy measuring: At 16.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 167 mcg on a U‑100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or below; reconstituted: refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 30 days.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and common dosing patterns
Standard / Conservative Approach (3 mL = 16.67 mg/mL; 5 days/week)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–4 | 1.0 mg (1000 mcg) | 6 units (0.06 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | 9 units (0.09 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily, 5 days per week subcutaneously[5][6]. This gradual titration allows assessment of individual tolerance while maintaining practical injection volumes. For ≤10‑unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations, consider 30‑ or 50‑unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL sterile or bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall to minimize foaming.
- Gently swirl or roll the vial until the peptide fully dissolves (do not shake vigorously).
- Label with reconstitution date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Alternative Protocol (3 mL = 16.67 mg/mL; 3× weekly)
| Week/Phase | Dose per Injection | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–12+ | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 12 units (0.12 mL) |
Frequency: Inject 2 mg three times per week (e.g., Monday/Wednesday/Friday)[6]. This protocol maintains consistent weekly dosing (~6 mg/week) with less frequent injections.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–16 week protocol. Calculations shown for both 5 days/week and 3×/week protocols.
-
Peptide Vials (GHK-Cu, 50 mg each):
- 5 days/week (1.0–2.0 mg/day):
- 8 weeks (~50 mg total) ≈ 1 vial
- 12 weeks (~90 mg total) ≈ 2 vials
- 16 weeks (~130 mg total) ≈ 3 vials
- 3×/week (2 mg each):
- 8 weeks (~48 mg) ≈ 1 vial
- 12 weeks (~72 mg) ≈ 2 vials
- 16 weeks (~96 mg) ≈ 2 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U‑100, 29–31 gauge):
- 5 days/week:
- Per week: 5 syringes
- 8 weeks: 40 syringes
- 12 weeks: 60 syringes
- 16 weeks: 80 syringes
- 3×/week:
- Per week: 3 syringes
- 8 weeks: 24 syringes
- 12 weeks: 36 syringes
- 16 weeks: 48 syringes
-
Sterile or Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- 1 vial protocols: 3 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- 2 vial protocols: 6 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- 3 vial protocols: 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
-
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each administration.
- 5 days/week:
- Per week: 10 swabs (2 per injection)
- 8 weeks: 80 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
- 12 weeks: 120 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- 16 weeks: 160 swabs → recommend 2 × 100‑count boxes
- 3×/week:
- Per week: 6 swabs
- 8 weeks: 48 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
- 12 weeks: 72 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
- 16 weeks: 96 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of common GHK-Cu administration patterns.
- Goal: Support tissue remodeling, wound healing, and skin regeneration through documented biological pathways[1][2].
- Schedule: Subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if desired).
- Dose Range: 1.0–2.0 mg per injection; frequency 3–5 days per week.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 50 mg vial (16.67 mg/mL) provides practical unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated and used within 30 days.
Dosing Protocol
Flexible approaches based on clinical practice patterns.
- Conservative (5 days/week): Start 1.0 mg daily; titrate to 1.5–2.0 mg over 4–8 weeks.
- Alternative (3×/week): Consistent 2.0 mg per injection for simplified scheduling.
- Route: Subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thighs, or upper arms).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks typical; may extend to 16 weeks based on individual goals.
- Timing: Any consistent time of day; rotate injection sites systematically.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage maintains peptide stability and potency.
- Lyophilized (dry powder): Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) or lower in dry, dark conditions[7][8]. Keep vial tightly sealed with desiccant if possible to minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted (in solution): Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within 30 days for optimal potency[9]. Bacteriostatic water helps inhibit bacterial growth.
- Aliquoting: For longer storage, divide solution into sterile vials and freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F)[10]. Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles as they degrade peptides over time[11].
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for safe and consistent administration.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes for each injection; dispose in proper sharps containers.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen at least 1 inch from navel, outer thighs, upper arms) to prevent irritation and lipodystrophy[12][13].
- Clean injection site with alcohol swab and allow to air-dry completely before injecting[14].
- Inject slowly and steadily; withdraw needle at same angle as insertion.
- Document dose, date, and injection site to maintain consistency and track rotation.
How This Works
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide that complexes with copper ions to modulate numerous biological processes. Research has demonstrated its involvement in wound healing through enhanced collagen and decorin gene expression[1], activation of tissue remodeling pathways[2], and regulation of genes associated with antioxidant defense and anti-inflammatory responses[3][4]. Preclinical studies show GHK-Cu is active at very low doses in animals (approximately 0.5 mcg/kg in rodent models)[15], while clinical practice employs milligram-range dosing in humans to achieve systemic effects[5][6]. The peptide demonstrates multifunctional activity across skin, nervous system, and vascular tissue, with documented gene-regulatory effects that extend beyond simple wound healing[3][16].
Potential Benefits & Observed Effects
Documented effects from research literature and clinical observations.
- Supports wound healing and tissue repair through collagen synthesis and remodeling pathways[1][2].
- Demonstrates positive regulatory effects on genes related to antioxidant enzymes, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory signaling[3][4].
- Shows activity in nervous system function and cognitive pathways in preclinical models[16].
- Generally well tolerated; most common side effects are mild injection-site reactions (temporary redness, itching) with subcutaneous administration.
- No official human dosing guidelines exist as GHK-Cu is not FDA-approved; protocols are based on clinical practice and empirical use[5].
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary approaches to support tissue health and regeneration.
- Maintain adequate protein intake to support collagen synthesis and tissue repair processes.
- Ensure sufficient hydration and micronutrient status (particularly copper, zinc, vitamin C) for optimal connective tissue metabolism.
- Prioritize sleep quality and stress management to support regenerative biological processes.
- Consider combining with appropriate skincare or wound-care protocols as relevant to individual goals.
Injection Technique
Standard subcutaneous injection guidance from clinical best practices[17][18].
- Clean the vial stopper and injection site with alcohol swabs; allow both to air-dry completely[14].
- Pinch a fold of skin and insert the needle at 45–90° angle into subcutaneous tissue[17][18].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[17].
- Withdraw the needle at the same angle as insertion; if needed, gently press site with cotton swab (do not rub)[19].
- Rotate injection sites systematically to prevent lipohypertrophy and local irritation[12][13].
- Dispose of used syringes immediately in a proper sharps container[19].
Recommended Source
We recommend Pure Lab Peptides for high‑purity GHK-Cu (50 mg).
Why Pure Lab Peptides?
- High‑purity peptides with third‑party testing and batch-specific Certificates of Analysis.
- Consistent quality control and documentation aligned with research-grade standards.
- Reliable fulfillment with proper cold‑chain handling to maintain peptide integrity.
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
-
Journal of Dermatological Science
— GHK-Cu stimulates collagen synthesis in dermal fibroblasts and wound healing processes -
Wound Repair and Regeneration (Wiley)
— Copper peptides in wound healing: tissue remodeling and collagen gene expression -
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMC)
— Regenerative and protective actions of GHK-Cu: gene regulation analysis -
Biomaterials (Elsevier)
— GHK modulation of metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors in wound healing -
Dr Oracle AI
— Clinical dosing patterns for GHK-Cu (1–2 mg subcutaneous protocols) -
Salhab Pharmacy (Compounding Guidelines)
— GHK-Cu injection protocols: 5 days/week and 3×/week dosing patterns -
GenScript
— Peptide storage and handling guidelines: lyophilized storage at −20 °C (−4 °F) -
Peptide Sciences
— Peptide storage best practices: temperature, humidity, and light protection -
Happy Hormones MD (PDF)
— GHK-Cu patient information: reconstituted storage at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), 30-day use window -
Tocris Bioscience
— Stability and storage: aliquoting peptide solutions to minimize freeze-thaw damage -
GenScript
— Avoiding repeated freeze-thaw cycles to prevent peptide degradation -
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
— Injection site rotation to prevent lipodystrophy and local irritation -
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
— Subcutaneous injection site selection: abdomen, thighs, upper arms -
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
— Proper skin preparation: alcohol swab cleaning and air-drying before injection -
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (PMC)
— Preclinical studies: GHK-Cu activity at low doses (~0.5 mcg/kg in rats) -
Brain Sciences (MDPI)
— GHK effect on gene expression relevant to nervous system function and cognitive decline -
CDC
— Vaccine administration: subcutaneous injection technique (angle, no aspiration) -
CDC (Subcutaneous Injection PDF)
— Technique diagram and site guidance for subcutaneous injections -
NCBI Bookshelf
— Best practices for injection: asepsis, preparation, administration, and sharps disposal -
Pure Lab Peptides
— GHK-Cu (50 mg) product page: quality documentation and batch testing