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Pick up to 3 compounds to see protocols, mechanisms, study endpoints and safety findings side by side.
Peptijournal · GHK-Cu vs Tesamorelin · https://peptijournal.com/compare?c=ghk-cu,tesamorelin · Printed
01Protocol
GHK-Cu
- Start
- 1 mg
- Range
- 1–2 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Cycle
- 4–8 weeks
- Vials
- 50 / 100 mg
Tesamorelin
- Vials
- 10 / 20 mg
- Dosing data
- Lab reference — not listed
02Quick calculator
GHK-Cu
Tesamorelin
03Mechanism of action
GHK-Cu
GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is an endogenous tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva and urine that binds Cu(II) with high affinity. The GHK-Cu complex is studied as a copper-delivery and signaling molecule: in fibroblast cultures it stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, modulates metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, and gene-expression analyses associate GHK with shifts in many genes linked to tissue remodeling, antioxidant response and inflammation.
Tesamorelin
Tesamorelin is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH 1-44) with an N-terminal trans-3-hexenoyl modification that improves stability against dipeptidyl peptidase-4 cleavage. It binds GHRH receptors on anterior pituitary somatotrophs, activating Gs/cAMP signaling to stimulate pulsatile endogenous growth hormone release, which in turn raises circulating IGF-1.
04Study endpoints
GHK-Cu
- Increased collagen synthesis in cultured human fibroblasts at nanomolar concentrations (in vitro).
- Enhanced wound contraction, angiogenesis and extracellular-matrix deposition in animal wound models.
- Connectivity Map analyses link GHK to reversal of gene-expression signatures associated with tissue damage and aging.
- Topical cosmetic studies report changes in skin density, elasticity and fine-line measurements.
Tesamorelin
- Reduced visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measured by CT in phase 3 trials in HIV-infected adults with abdominal fat accumulation.
- Increased IGF-1 levels while largely preserving physiological pulsatile GH secretion.
- Reduced hepatic fat fraction in HIV-associated fatty liver studies.
- VAT reductions were not maintained after treatment discontinuation in trial extension phases.
05Safety & regulatory findings
GHK-Cu
- Used as an ingredient in topical cosmetic products; not approved by the FDA as a drug for any indication.
- Most mechanistic evidence is from cell culture and animal models; controlled human data are largely limited to topical cosmetic studies.
- Plasma GHK levels are reported to decline with age, a basis for its study in aging research.
Tesamorelin
- FDA-approved in 2010 (Egrifta) specifically for reducing excess abdominal fat in HIV-infected adults with lipodystrophy.
- Label notes that long-term cardiovascular benefit and safety have not been established, and it is not indicated for weight loss.
- Use outside the approved indication is investigational.