GHK vs FOXO4-DRI
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- GHK is the natural tripeptide (Gly-His-Lys) released from human albumin that activates tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging gene expression. The copper-free form is the biological signaling molecule; it chelates copper in tissue to form GHK-Cu but also has independent biological activity.
- FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide derived from the FOXO4 protein that selectively induces apoptosis in senescent cells. By disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction that keeps senescent cells alive, it triggers programmed cell death specifically in these aging, pro-inflammatory cells while sparing healthy tissue.
- Half-Life
- Extremely short as free peptide; tissue binding extends local effects
- Estimated 2-4 hours (D-amino acid confers resistance to proteolysis)
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Topical, Oral
- Subcutaneous, Intraperitoneal (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 100–500 mcg
- 5 mg/kg in rodent studies; human equivalent approximately 0.5-1 mg/kg
- Frequency
- Daily or 5x per week
- 3 consecutive days per cycle
- Key Benefits
- Stimulates collagen and extracellular matrix synthesis
- Activates tissue repair gene expression programs
- Anti-aging: reverses 57% of age-related gene changes
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
- Wound healing and skin barrier repair
- Improves skin laxity, texture, and radiance
- Neuroprotective (stimulates NGF, BDNF)
- Anti-fibrotic in liver and lung models
- Selectively clears senescent cells (senolytics)
- Reduces senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and chronic inflammation
- Demonstrated restoration of physical fitness in aged mice
- May improve healthspan and reduce age-related tissue dysfunction
- Potential for treatment of age-related pathologies driven by cellular senescence
- Does not affect healthy non-senescent cells at therapeutic doses
- Side Effects
- Excellent safety profile (naturally occurring peptide)
- Rare: mild injection site reaction (SC)
- No significant adverse effects identified in research
- Limited human data; largely preclinical evidence
- Possible temporary inflammatory response as senescent cells are cleared (senolytic effect)
- Weight loss observed at high doses in rodent studies
- Unknown long-term safety profile in humans
- Stacks With
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