GHK-Cu as a Bioactive Metallopeptide and Drug-Delivery Cargo: Coordination Chemistry, Formulation Science, Therapeutic Evidence, and a Translational Roadmap

Plain-language summary

This structured systematic evidence-mapping review examined GHK-Cu simultaneously as a bioactive metallopeptide and as a drug-delivery vehicle, critically evaluating coordination chemistry, formulation science, pharmacokinetics, and therapeutic evidence across PubMed, Europe PMC, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Preclinical data consistently supported effects on matrix remodeling, epithelial repair, inflammatory and redox regulation, and angiogenesis across multiple tissue types. The authors highlight that GHK-Cu's activity is formulation-dependent, noting that variation in coordination state, speciation, and stability must be considered in translational development.