Topical GHK-Cu Gel for Acute Skin Wound Healing

This study will evaluate whether a topical gel containing GHK-Cu (a copper(II)-peptide complex) can safely speed up healing of small, standardized skin wounds in healthy adults compared with a matching vehicle gel. Participants will receive two small punch-biopsy wounds on the upper arm; each wound will be randomly assigned to receive GHK-Cu gel or vehicle gel under identical dressings. Wounds will be photographed and assessed over 3 weeks, with a follow-up visit to evaluate scar quality.

GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) is a naturally occurring human peptide that can form a stable complex with copper(II) (GHK-Cu). Preclinical and mechanistic literature suggests GHK-Cu may influence processes relevant to tissue repair such as extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and inflammation. This proof-of-concept study uses a standardized acute wound model (paired punch-biopsy wounds) to reduce variability and enable a controlled comparison. Study objectives Primary objective: Determine whether topical GHK-Cu gel reduces time to complete re-epithelialization versus vehicle. Secondary objectives: Evaluate wound area reduction over time, local symptoms (pain/itch), infection rate, scar quality at 12 weeks, and safety/tolerability. Study procedures (overview) Day 0: Two 5-mm punch-biopsy wounds will be created under local anesthetic on the non-dominant upper arm. Wounds will be randomized (1:1) to receive GHK-Cu gel or vehicle gel. Study products will be applied once daily for 14 days under standardized non-adherent dressings. Follow-up: In-clinic assessments with standardized digital photography and clinical evaluation on Days 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 (or until healed). Remote check-ins may be used for interim safety and adherence. Week 12: Scar assessment (POSAS) and final safety review.