Comparison
FOXO4-DRI vs. GHK-Cu
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Cosmetic
CAS no.
2074706-72-8
49557-75-7
Molecular weight
3735 g/mol
340.4 g/mol
Half-life
0.5 h
no data
Sequence
D-Retro-Inverso-Variante eines FOXO4-Peptid-Fragments (LTLRKEPASEIAQSILEAYSQNGWANRRSGGKR — D-Aminosäuren in umgekehrter Sequenz)GHKMechanism of action
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the D-retro-inverso variant of a peptide fragment of the FOXO4 transcription factor. In senescent cells, FOXO4 is bound to p53, which suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis — the cells survive in a secreting 'zombie-like' state (senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP). The DRI peptide disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, freeing p53, and the senescent cell initiates apoptosis. Healthy cells are largely unaffected because p53 is not held back by FOXO4 in them. This selectivity was the central finding of the original 2017 publication.
GHK-Cu
Endogenous tripeptide (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) that chelates copper(II) ions. In skin-cell models and skin biopsies an influence on collagen synthesis, antioxidant markers, gene-expression profiles and wound-healing processes has been described. In topical use in cosmetic studies, changes in various skin parameters have been reported.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Animal model
Human trial
Studies
3
3
of which in humans
0
1
Effects recorded
3
4
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
2