Can a patch boost key repair peptides in the blood?
NCT ID NCT07706361
First seen Jul 15, 2026 · Last updated Jul 16, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial investigates whether the X39 patch, worn daily on the neck or belly, can change blood levels of GHK and GHK-Cu — peptides involved in tissue repair and aging. Healthy adults aged 35 and older will use either the X39 patch or a placebo patch for about a week. Researchers will measure peptide levels before and after use to see if the patch has any effect.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a wearable patch applied to acupuncture points on the neck or belly
- What this could lead to
- If the patch measurably raises GHK or GHK-Cu levels, it could point toward a non-invasive way to influence these peptides, which are linked to tissue repair and aging.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in healthy people, so results may not show a clear effect or translate to any health benefit. The patch's mechanism is unproven.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 100 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jan 2027
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Apr 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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35 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Males and females 35 years and older 2. Females not of child-bearing potential, defined as those who have undergone a sterilization procedure (e.g. hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral tubal ligation, complete endometrial ablation) or have been post-menopausal for at least 1 year prior to screening Or, Individuals of child-bearing potential must have a negative baseline urine pregnancy test and agree to use a medically approved method of birth control for the duration of the study. All hormonal birth control must have been in use for a minimum of three months. Acceptable methods of birth control include: * Hormonal contraceptives including oral contraceptives, hormone birth control patch (Ortho Evra), vaginal contraceptive ring (NuvaRing), injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera, Lunelle), or hormone implant (Nexplanon) * Double-barrier method * Intrauterine devices * Non-heterosexual lifestyle and agrees to use contraception if planning on changing to heterosexual partner(s) * Vasectomy of partner at least 6 months prior to screening * Abstinence and agrees to use contraception if planning on becoming sexually active during the study 3. Agrees to refrain from vigorous physical activity, alcohol consumption, and taking NSAIDs 24 hours prior to study visits 4. Agrees to maintain current lifestyle habits (diet, physical activity, medications, supplements, and sleep) as much as possible throughout the study 5. Willingness to complete questionnaires, diaries and to complete all clinic visits 6. Provided voluntary, written, informed consent to participate in the study 7. Healthy as determined by medical history as assessed by the Qualified Investigator (QI) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals who are pregnant, breast feeding, or planning to become pregnant during the study 2. Allergy or sensitivity to the adhesive used for wearing the investigational patch 3. Self-reported tattoos, skin conditions, or sensitive skin at or around the area of application 4. Diagnosis with Wilson's disease 5. Current use of prescribed and/or over-the-counter (OTC) medications, supplements, and/or consumption of food/drinks that may impact the efficacy of the investigational product (Sections 7.3.1 and 7.3.2) 6. Unstable metabolic disease or chronic diseases as assessed by the QI 7. Current or history of any significant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract as assessed by the QI 8. Unstable hypertension. Treatment on a stable dose of medication for at least 3 months will be considered by the QI (See Section 7.3) 9. Type I or Type II diabetes 10. Significant cardiovascular event in the past 6 months. Participants with no significant cardiovascular event on stable medication may be included after assessment by the QI on a case by-case basis 11. History of or current diagnosis with kidney and/or liver diseases as assessed by the QI on a case by-case basis, with the exception of history of kidney stones in participants who are symptom free for 6 months 12. Self-reported confirmation of current or pre-existing thyroid condition. Treatment on a stable dose of medication for at least 3 months will be considered by the QI 13. Major surgery in the past 3 months or individuals who have planned surgery during the course of the study. Participants with minor surgery will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the QI 14. Cancer, except skin basal cell carcinoma completely excised with no chemotherapy or radiation with a follow up that is negative. Volunteers with cancer in full remission for more than five years after diagnosis are acceptable 15. Individuals with an autoimmune disease or are immune compromised as assessed by the QI 16. Self-reported confirmation of a HIV-, Hepatitis B- and/or C-positive diagnosis as assessed by the QI 17. Self-reported confirmation of blood/bleeding disorders as assessed by the QI 18. Use of prescribed medical cannabinoid products 19. Chronic use of cannabinoid products (\>2 times/week). Occasional users will be required to washout and abstain for the duration of the study period 20. Regular use of tobacco or nicotine products in the past six months, as assessed by the QI. Occasional users will be required to washout and abstain for the duration of the study period 21. Alcohol intake average of \>2 standard drinks per day as assessed by the QI 22. Alcohol or drug abuse within the last 12 months 23. Participation in other clinical research studies 30 days prior to baseline, as assessed by the QI 24. Individuals who are unable to give informed consent 25. Any other condition or lifestyle factor, that, in the opinion of the QI, may adversely affect the participant's ability to complete the study or its measures or pose significant risk to the participant
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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KGK Science Inc.
London, Ontario, N5Y 5V6, Canada