Side-by-side · Research reference

GHK-CuvsTesofensine

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AHuman-MechanisticReviewed8/47 cited

BPhase 3Draft10/40 cited

GHK-Cu

Tripeptide · Skin / Hair / Wound Healing

1–2 mgSQ dosePickart 2018

HumanMechanisticPickart 2018 Zink 2003

HoursHalf-life

SQ or topical · Local · Daily or 2-3×/week

Tesofensine

SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate

0.25–0.5 mgDaily doseAstrup 2008

9.2 kgWeight ↓ (24 wk)Astrup 2008

Phase 3Evidence levelAstrup 2008

Oral · Once daily morning

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Primary target

Copper-dependent enzymes (lysyl oxidase, SOD); regulator of >4000 human genesPickart 2018

Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008

Pathway

Cu(II) delivery via GHK chelation → ↑collagen / elastin / GAG synthesis; ↓inflammatory cytokines; ↑hair follicle growth-factor signalingPickart 2018

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008

Downstream effect

Skin firmness + texture improvement, accelerated wound healing, hair regrowth, anti-inflammatory actionPickart 2018 Zink 2003

Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008

Feedback intact?

Replaces declining endogenous levels

—

Origin

Endogenous tripeptide first isolated from human plasma; declines from ~200 ng/mL at age 20 to ~80 ng/mL at age 60Pickart 2018

Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Standard SQ dose

1–2 mg / dayPickart 2018

Anecdotal injectable range; topical creams use 0.1–2% solutions.

—

Topical concentration

0.1–2.0% in serum / cream

—

Frequency

Daily or 2–3× per week (SQ)

Once daily, morning

Lower / starter dose

0.5 mg / day SQ

0.125 mg / day

Evidence basis

Human-mechanistic + topical clinical studiesPickart 2018

Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008

Duration

8–12 weeks for visible skin / hair effect

24 weeks per studied cycle

Reconstitution

Bacteriostatic water; light-protected

—

Timing

No specific time; evening preferred for topicals

Morning to avoid sleep disruption

Half-life

Hours (estimated; rapid tissue uptake)

~9 days (very long)

Standard dose

—

0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008

Form

—

Oral capsule

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Injection site reaction

Erythema, mild pruritus (common)

—

Topical irritation

Mild redness, transient stinging

—

Copper accumulation

Theoretical with very high chronic doses

—

Allergic reaction

Rare hypersensitivity to copper

—

Pregnancy / OB

Avoid topical and SQ — insufficient data

Contraindicated

Wilson disease

Contraindicated

—

Heart rate / BP

—

Dose-dependent ↑ HR + BPAstrup 2008

Insomnia

—

Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing

Dry mouth

—

Common

Nausea

—

Common

Mood changes

—

Anxiety / agitation possible

Cardiovascular events

—

Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared

Absolute Contraindications

GHK-Cu

·Wilson disease (copper-overload disorder)
·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Known copper hypersensitivity

Tesofensine

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Severe cardiovascular disease
·Concurrent MAOI use

Relative Contraindications

GHK-Cu

·Hemochromatosis (copper-iron crosstalk theoretical)
·Concurrent copper-chelator therapy

Tesofensine

·Hypertension
·Anxiety disorder
·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

GHK-Cu

Tesofensine

1. Reconstitution

Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to a 50 mg vial → 25–50 mg/mL. Use within 30 days, refrigerated.

Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).

2. Injection site

SQ — local to the area of interest (face, scalp) for skin / hair indications. Rotate sites.

Swallow whole with water, morning only.

3. Timing

Anytime; evening preferred. Topical: apply to clean dry skin.

Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.

4. Storage

Lyophilised: room temp, light-protected. Reconstituted: refrigerate, light-protected, ≤30 days.

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

5. Needle

30–31G, short (4–6 mm) for shallow SQ. Topical: clean fingertips, no needle.

Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.

06Stack Synergy

GHK-Cu

+ BPC-157

Moderate

View BPC-157 →

GHK-Cu drives ECM remodelling and copper-dependent enzymes; BPC-157 upregulates VEGFR2 angiogenesis and fibroblast migration. The pathways are non-overlapping and complementary — together they accelerate wound healing more than either alone in anecdotal protocols.

GHK-Cu: 1–2 mg SQ · daily near wound
BPC-157: 250–500 mcg SQ · daily near wound
Primary benefit: Combined ECM rebuilding + angiogenesis for tissue repair

Tesofensine

— no documented stacks