AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (alanyl-histidyl-lysine, copper-bound) is a copper-binding tripeptide related in structure and mechanism to GHK-Cu, but built on a distinct amino-acid sequence. It's studied primarily in dermatological research alongside GHK-Cu, with a comparable focus on antioxidant activity and skin regeneration.
Mechanism
- Copper delivery. Like GHK-Cu, binds and delivers Cu²⁺ to tissue sites, supporting copper-dependent enzymatic processes involved in tissue repair.
- Antioxidant & regenerative signaling. Studied for free-radical scavenging activity and for supporting fibroblast proliferation in skin-regeneration research models.
Common research protocols
Dosing information below reflects published research literature. It is not medical advice and is not a treatment plan.
- Route. Subcutaneous injection.
- Research context. Topical and subcutaneous research formulations have both been studied; findings are generally discussed alongside GHK-Cu research given the structural and mechanistic overlap.
Evidence at a glance
- Regulatory status. Not FDA-approved. Investigational; less extensively studied in the literature than GHK-Cu.
- What we do not know. Comparative potency data against GHK-Cu; optimal research dosing for systemic use.
Reconstitution & handling
Lyophilized peptides ship as freeze-dried powder. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate the reconstituted vial. Use the reconstitution calculator to get syringe-unit readings for your target dose. General reconstitution and syringe guidance in the How We Work page.
Primary-literature list for this guide available on request via contact.