Tripeptide-copper complex GHK-Cu (II) transiently improved healing outcome in a rat model of ACL reconstruction

Fu SC, Cheuk YC, Chiu WY, et al. · Journal of Orthopaedic Research

Reduced knee laxity at 6 weeks (p=0.009) but the benefit disappeared by 12 weeks — a transient effect only, and the closest GHK-Cu has come to joint evidence.

Population

72 rats undergoing ACL reconstruction

Intervention

Intra-articular GHK-Cu 0.3 or 3 mg/mL weekly for 4 weeks

Comparator

Saline injection

Limitations

Benefit not sustained; single study; no follow-up work in a decade.