Acetyl tetrapeptide-5
is used in cosmetic eye formulations to decrease puffiness, eye bags, and dark circles by reducing edema and protecting proteins such as SOD from glycation
Alanine
Ala / A · hydrophobic residue · neutral charge
AOD-9604
is studied as an anti-obesity peptide that can reduce weight gain and increase fat oxidation in obese animal models with generally neutral effects on IGF-1 and glucose metabolism in early human trials
Arginine
Arg / R · basic residue · positive charge
Argireline
is a topical cosmetic peptide reported to decrease dynamic wrinkles by partially mimicking the mechanism of botulinum toxin in a non-invasive manner
Asparagine
Asn / N · polar residue · neutral charge
Aspartic acid
Asp / D · acidic residue · negative charge
BPC-157
is investigated for accelerating healing of gastrointestinal mucosa, tendons, ligaments, bone, and nervous tissue in preclinical models, with anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic effects
Comparison
While GHK-Cu acts as a tissue-remodeling and wound-healing signal, enhancing skin regeneration, angiogenesis, and repair while reducing inflammation and oxidative damage in experimental models31383, Semax is used clinically in Russia for ischemic stroke and cognitive disorders; in models it improves learning, protects dopaminergic neurons, and modulates stress responses without significant endocrine ACTH-like effects166174.
While GHK-Cu works as an endogenous tripeptide, Gly-His-Lys, that chelates Cu²⁺ and modulates gene expression, stimulating collagen, elastin, proteoglycan, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis while exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects31383, Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide, Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro (MEHFPGP), that is an analog of ACTH(4–10) with a Pro-Gly-Pro extension and exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions partly via upregulation of BDNF and modulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems40162165174.
GHK-Cu
Not clearly established in the current dataset.
Semax
Targets are not fully defined; interacts with melanocortin-related pathways and inhibits certain peptidases, but no single dominant receptor has been established174
GHK-Cu
Not assigned in the current dataset.
Semax
POMC
The clearest overlap between GHK-Cu and Semax is that both converge around Signaling modulator. Their typical research and application settings separate fairly clearly: GHK-Cu is more often discussed in the realm of Dermatology and aesthetics and Aging and longevity, whereas Semax is more often associated with the realm of Neurology and brain health and Ophthalmology. Both appear to work through Signaling modulator, but the functional emphasis still separates, with GHK-Cu leaning toward Collagen and elastin stimulation, Tissue repair and healing, and Antioxidant activity and Semax leaning toward Neuroprotection and cognition. GHK-Cu has a more natural endogenous origin, while Semax is closer to synthetic analog background and their development context also differs, with GHK-Cu cosmetic grade while Semax is approved for Research use only. They share some route overlap through subcutaneous injection, while the remaining routes diverge.