Copper histidinate

Copper histidinate, sold under the brand name Zycubo, is a medication used for the treatment of Menkes disease. Copper histidinate is a copper replacement therapy given by subcutaneous injection.
The most common side effects include infections, respiratory problems, seizures, vomiting, fever, anemia and injection site reactions.
Copper histidinate was approved for medical use in the United States in January 2026.

Medical uses

Copper histidinate is indicated for the treatment of Menkes disease in children.
Menkes disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a genetic defect that impairs a child's ability to absorb copper. The disease is characterized by seizures, failure to gain weight and grow, developmental delays, and intellectual disability. It leads to abnormalities of the vascular system, bladder, bowel, bones, muscles, and nervous system.

The most common side effects include infections, respiratory problems, seizures, vomiting, fever, anemia and injection site reactions.

Copper histidinate was approved for medical use in the United States in January 2026. The US Food and Drug Administration granted the application for copper histidinate priority review, fast track, breakthrough therapy, and orphan drug designations. The FDA granted approval of Zycubo to Sentynl Therapeutics.

Copper histidinate is the international nonproprietary name and the United States Adopted Name.
Copper histidinate is sold under the brand name Zycubo.