GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) vs Retatrutide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It plays important roles in wound healing, tissue repair, and has shown anti-aging properties in research.
Full details →Retatrutide
Retatrutide is an investigational triple agonist targeting GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon receptors. Phase 2 trials showed unprecedented weight loss of up to 24% at 48 weeks, making it potentially the most effective obesity treatment studied.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) | Retatrutide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Attracts immune cells and fibroblasts to wound sites, stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, promotes angiogenesis, and has antioxidant effects. Modulates gene expression related to tissue repair. | Triple receptor activation provides complementary metabolic effects: GLP-1 and GIP reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity, while glucagon receptor activation increases energy expenditure and promotes hepatic fat oxidation. |
| Typical Dosage | Topical: Applied as serum or cream 1-2 times daily. Injectable: 1-2mg daily for research purposes. Microneedling protocols often use 0.5-1%. | Clinical trials used doses from 1mg to 12mg weekly. Optimal dosing still being determined in ongoing Phase 3 trials. |
| Administration | Most commonly used topically for skin applications. Can be injected subcutaneously for systemic effects. Often combined with microneedling for enhanced skin penetration. | Subcutaneous injection once weekly. Currently only available through clinical trials - not yet FDA approved. |
| Side Effects | Topical use is generally well-tolerated. May cause temporary skin irritation or redness in sensitive individuals. Injectable use may cause injection site reactions. | Similar GI effects to other incretin-based therapies: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation. Dose-dependent severity. |
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