Skin & Regeneration

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that promotes wound healing through keratinocyte migration, increased VEGF/bFGF expression, decorin and collagen production, elastin and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, while remodeling tissue via MMP-2/MMP-9 activation and TIMP-1/TIMP-2 modulation to organize collagen and elastin fibers.

AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide that demonstrates targeted activity on dermal papilla cells and hair follicles, stimulating hair growth and skin regeneration.

Melanotan I is a synthetic α-MSH analog that selectively targets MC1 receptors to stimulate melanin production. FDA-approved implant (SCENESSE®) exists for erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Melanotan II is a synthetic cyclic α-MSH analog with non-selective melanocortin receptor activity: MC1R (melanogenesis via cAMP/MITF/tyrosinase), MC4R (CNS sexual/appetite effects), MC3R (energy homeostasis). NOT approved for human use; regulatory agencies have issued warnings due to safety concerns.

SNAP-8 is a synthetic octapeptide that inhibits SNARE complex formation to reduce muscle contractions and expression lines, achieving up to 63% wrinkle depth reduction.

KPV is the C-terminal tripeptide (Lys-Pro-Val) of α-MSH that exerts anti-inflammatory effects primarily through intracellular mechanisms independent of melanocortin receptors. It is transported into cells via PepT1, where it inhibits NF-κB signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12) while not affecting anti-inflammatory IL-10.