OK - I needed to do a little research on this as its completely new to me… so here are my results:
AI Summary on the “Glow Protocol”
Short version:
- There are no peer-reviewed human trials of the Glow Protocol (the specific subcutaneous blend GHK-Cu + TB-500 + BPC-157).
- All “Glow” protocols come from commercial clinics and research-chemical vendors, not from formal clinical pharmacology work.
- Each peptide has some independent data, but almost all of the promising biology comes from animal and in-vitro studies, with very sparse human data, often via other routes and in different indications than “skin glow” or general longevity.
- BPC-157 and TB-500 (thymosin-β4 fragment) are unapproved drugs, banned in sport, and their long-term safety in humans—especially in combination—is unknown. ([AP News][1])
Below is a structured run-through of what actually exists.
1. What the “Glow Protocol” is
Commercial formulations sold as “Glow” / “GLOW Protocol” typically contain roughly:
- GHK-Cu: ~50 mg
- TB-500 (thymosin-β4 fragment): ~10 mg
- BPC-157: ~5–10 mg
per multi-use vial, marketed explicitly as a research blend for “cell healing, recovery, and skin rejuvenation,” and labeled not for human use by peptide suppliers. ([Polaris Peptides][2])
Some aesthetic/“regenerative” clinics rebrand this as a subcutaneous anti-aging injection protocol for skin quality and joint recovery. These clinic write-ups list putative benefits (firmer skin, reduced pain, faster recovery) but do not cite clinical trials; they are essentially marketing summaries. ([bluemednc.com][3])
Bottom line: “Glow” is a post-hoc commercial stack; it is not a regimen that has been prospectively tested or standardized in the literature.
2. GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine–copper)
Mechanistic and preclinical data
- Endogenous tripeptide that binds copper; regulates a large set of genes involved in tissue remodeling, antioxidant defenses, and ECM production. ([PMC][4])
- In animal models, GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing, increases angiogenesis, boosts antioxidant enzymes, and improves healing of diabetic/ischemic wounds. ([PMC][5])
- Recent murine data: in DSS-induced colitis, systemic GHK-Cu reduced inflammation and promoted mucosal healing via SIRT1/STAT3 modulation and reduction of Th17 cells. ([Frontiers][6])
Human data (mostly topical, not injectable)
-
Multiple placebo-controlled studies of topical GHK-Cu creams/serums in women with photo-aged skin:
- 12-week facial treatment increased skin density and thickness, improved laxity and clarity, and reduced wrinkles vs placebo or vitamin C/retinoic acid comparators. ([PMC][4])
-
Reviews summarize consistent cosmetic benefit on skin structure and appearance with topical use. ([PMC][4])
Subcutaneous/systemic GHK-Cu data
- A clinician monograph cites injection studies in which GHK-Cu administration increased collagen production, angiogenesis, and wound closure systemically, but underlying trials are small, old, and not well-characterized in the public domain. ([Paulina Medical Clinic][7])
- No modern, dose-finding subcutaneous human trials (PK/PD, safety, or aesthetics) comparable to GLP-1 programs. Claims about “systemic anti-aging via subQ GHK-Cu” in recent clinic/marketing articles are extrapolations from animal and topical human data. ([Pulse & Remedy][8])
Take-home: GHK-Cu has the strongest human evidence for topical skin benefits, plus plausible systemic biology from animals; subQ anti-aging protocols are essentially untested.