GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) vs Larazotide
A neutral, side-by-side comparison of two healing & recovery peptides — their mechanisms, dosing ranges, administration routes, side effects, and research evidence. For research and educational purposes only.
GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
The free tripeptide component of GHK-Cu before copper complexation. GHK naturally occurs in human plasma, saliva, and urine and promotes wound healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. While it readily chelates copper to form GHK-Cu in vivo, research distinguishes the independent effects of free GHK from the copper-complexed form on gene expression and tissue remodeling.
Full profileLarazotide
Larazotide (AT-1001) is a synthetic octapeptide that acts as a tight junction regulator — it competitively blocks zonulin, the primary physiological driver of intestinal permeability ('leaky gut'). It is one of the few compounds studied in human clinical trials specifically for tight junction dysfunction, with Phase 2 data in celiac disease demonstrating reduced intestinal permeability and symptom improvement even in the presence of ongoing gluten exposure.
Full profile| GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) | Larazotide | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Healing & Recovery | Healing & Recovery |
| Also known as | GHK tripeptide, Gly-His-Lys, copper chelating tripeptide, GHK free tripeptide | Larazotide acetate, AT-1001, INN-202 |
| Evidence | Research-stage | FDA-approved |
| Dosing range | 0.5mg–2mg mg, Daily or every other day (topical or SC) | 0.25mg–1mg mg, 3x daily (before meals) |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum) | Oral (capsule), Subcutaneous injection (research use) |
| Key side effects | Minimal reported side effects, Mild injection site irritation, Rare topical sensitization, No significant systemic effects at research doses | Headache (most commonly reported adverse event in trials), Nausea (mild), Generally well-tolerated — adverse event rate similar to placebo in clinical trials |
| Cited sources | 2 references | 3 references |
Key differences
- Evidence level differs: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is research-stage, while Larazotide is fda-approved.
- Administration: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) — Subcutaneous injection, Topical (cream/serum); Larazotide — Oral (capsule), Subcutaneous injection (research use).
- Frequency: GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) is typically Daily or every other day (topical or SC); Larazotide is 3x daily (before meals).
- Research depth: this profile cites 2 sources for GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide) vs 3 for Larazotide.
How each works
GHK (Glycine-Histidine-Lysine Tripeptide)
Free GHK directly upregulates collagen, elastin, and laminin synthesis in fibroblasts through TGF-β pathway activation and metalloproteinase modulation. Loren Pickart's decades of research identified GHK as a potent tissue remodeling signal whose plasma concentrations decline with age. At physiologic concentrations, GHK resets approximately 31% of dysregulated gene expression associated with aging back toward a younger phenotype.
Larazotide
Zonulin upregulation disrupts the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin, allowing paracellular passage of antigens, LPS, and inflammatory triggers into systemic circulation. Larazotide acts as a tight junction agonist by competitively displacing zonulin from its receptor and directly stabilizing tight junction complexes. The Phase 2b CeD trial (N=342) showed larazotide reduced the ratio of lactulose/mannitol (L/M ratio, standard intestinal permeability marker) and improved GI symptom scores versus placebo in actively-challenged celiac patients.
This comparison aggregates public research and structured profile data for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not recommend either compound for human use. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before considering any peptide.