Prezatide

Summary

Prezatide copper acetate (GHK-Cu) is a synthetic tripeptide-copper complex originally developed for wound healing and skin repair. It has been investigated in topical formulations for oral mucosal healing and wound repair. The compound occurs naturally in human plasma and has a broad range of biological activities including collagen stimulation, angiogenesis, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanism of Action

Prezatide (GHK-Cu) is a copper-chelating tripeptide that binds copper(II) ions. It activates wound healing processes by stimulating collagen synthesis, promoting angiogenesis, activating antioxidant defenses, and modulating matrix metalloproteinase activity. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and promotes tissue remodeling.

Routes of Administration

Goals & Uses

• Hair growth promotionDermatology / TrichologyLow
• Oral mucosal wound healingOral MedicineModerate
• Collagen synthesis stimulationDermatology / Anti AgingModerate
• Wound healing accelerationRegenerative MedicineModerate
• Skin repair and anti-agingDermatologyModerate
• Anti-inflammatory effectsInflammationLow

Contraindications

• Active infection at application siteInfectiousModerate
• Hypersensitivity to copper or peptide componentsAllergyHigh
• Wilson's diseaseMetabolic DisorderHigh

Adverse Effects

• Local skin irritationDermatologicalUncommon
• Contact dermatitisDermatologicalRare
• Copper accumulation (theoretical)MetabolicRare

Drug Interactions

• PenicillamineModerate
• Zinc supplementsLow

Population Constraints

• PregnancyReproductive SafetyRelative
• Pediatric patientsAgeRelative
• Patients with copper metabolism disordersMetabolicAbsolute

Regulatory Status

• European UnionUnapprovedNot approved as a drug in the EU; used as a cosmetic ingredient under INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1.
• United StatesInvestigationalInvestigated by FDA as a topical drug for oral mucosal wound healing; not broadly approved as a pharmaceutical. Present in OTC cosmetics as Copper Tripeptide-1.
• United KingdomUnapprovedNo regulatory drug approval in the UK; available as a cosmetic ingredient.

Prezatide copper acetate was investigated as a topical wound healing agent. It received some regulatory attention in the US for oral mucosal injuries. It is present in some cosmetic and dermatological products under the INCI name Copper Tripeptide-1. Its regulatory status as a drug is limited; it is not broadly FDA-approved as a pharmaceutical drug for systemic use.

Evidence & Sources

No sources recorded yet.