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AHK-Cu
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99%+ HPLC Purity — Independently verified by accredited US laboratory -
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GMP-Certified Manufacturing — USA facility, ISO 9001:2015
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Lyophilized for Stability — Shipped cold-packed, intact for reconstitution
Molecular Weight
Third Party Tested
APPLICATION
For Research Use only
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C Long Term
Purity (HPLC)
99%+ Third Party Verified
Manufacture
USA / GMP
4.9 847 verified reviews
AHK-Cu
Total Price
$135.00
Discounted Price
$112.05
Vials
3 vials
You Save
$22.95
17% OFF
Select Strength (mg)
99% HPLC Purity
Select Vials
Bulk pricing applied
📈 Upgrade to 10 vials and save an extra vs. buying 5 — nearly 3 free vials.
Select Purchase Option:
-
99%+ HPLC Purity —
Independently verified by accredited US laboratory
-
Endotoxin-Screened —
LAL tested, LPS-free, endotoxin report available
-
GMP-Certified Manufacturing —
USA facility, ISO 9001:2015
-
Lyophilized for Stability —
Shipped cold-packed, intact for reconstitution
Molecular Weight
Third Party Tested
APPLICATION
For Research Use only
Form
Lyophilized Powder
Storage
-20°C Long Term
Purity (HPLC)
99%+ Third Party Verified
Manufacture
USA / GMP
AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-associated tripeptide consisting of three amino acids—alanine, histidine, and lysine—that form a complex with a copper ion. It is commonly identified in research literature as AHK-Cu or Copper Tripeptide-3.
In contrast to GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1), a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide that has been detected in biological fluids such as plasma, saliva, and urine, AHK-Cu is a synthetically produced peptide developed for experimental research. Its alanine–histidine–lysine sequence has been investigated for its interactions with cellular signaling pathways, particularly those associated with dermal papilla cell activity, hair follicle biology, and cellular survival mechanisms. Preclinical research has explored its potential effects on follicular tissue and related signaling processes, although these findings remain primarily based on laboratory and ex-vivo studies.
AHK-Cu at a glance
| Molecular formula | C15H24CuN6O4 |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 415.93 g/mol |
| CAS number | 767286-83-9 |
| Application | Research use only |
Why is AHK-Cu studied?
AHK-Cu has a much thinner published literature than GHK-Cu, and that is stated here rather than papered over. It appears principally in dermatological and hair-follicle research and in copper-peptide structure-activity comparisons, where it is used alongside GHK-Cu to test how sensitive the observed effects are to the N-terminal residue. Investigators sourcing AHK-Cu are usually doing exactly that comparison.
How is AHK-Cu studied in the lab?
As with GHK-Cu, the research focus is copper coordination and delivery. The substitution of alanine for glycine at position 1 changes the geometry of the copper-binding site, and comparative work examines whether that alters copper affinity, transport behaviour and downstream effects on dermal papilla and follicle models.
Reported work on this copper-peptide uses cultured human cells and ex vivo follicle culture, with cell proliferation, viability and transcript-level readouts; copper coordination itself is measured in cell-free spectroscopic assays.4, 5
What has preclinical research reported?
The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro
Pyo HK et al. (2007) examined L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu²⁺ (AHK-Cu) using cultured dermal papilla cells and isolated human hair follicles.
The researchers reported that AHK-Cu:
• stimulated proliferation of cultured dermal papilla cells;
• promoted elongation of human hair follicles in an ex-vivo model;
• increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio;
• reduced levels of cleaved caspase-3 and PARP in treated cells;
• was associated with changes consistent with reduced apoptotic signaling.
AHK-Cu should not automatically be assumed to have all of the biological effects reported for GHK-Cu. Although the two compounds are closely related copper tripeptides, AHK-Cu has an alanine residue at the N-terminus whereas GHK-Cu has glycine. The direct evidence base for AHK-Cu is considerably smaller.
Research Applications
AHK-Cu may be used in laboratory studies involving:
- Copper-peptide structure-activity comparison
- Dermal papilla and hair-follicle research
- Copper coordination chemistry
- Extracellular-matrix research
- Comparative tripeptide method development
All uses are limited to research settings only. This product is not intended for human or animal use.
Preclinical Literature Coverage
The published safety literature for AHK-Cu specifically is limited. Most of what is written about copper tripeptides concerns GHK-Cu, and applying those observations to AHK-Cu is an inference rather than a finding. Nothing here is a claim of safety, effectiveness or suitability for human or veterinary use.
Tripeptide-copper complex (in vitro)
A tripeptide-copper complex was examined in an in vitro human hair-follicle system, with proliferation and viability of follicle cells as the reported endpoints.4
Copper coordination chemistry
Copper-binding tripeptides hold copper(II) in a defined coordination geometry, which is what distinguishes them from free copper salts in cell-culture work.5
Forms studied and handling
Supplied as a lyophilised powder in a sealed vial. Published handling practice for research peptides of this class is cold, dry, light-protected storage of the lyophilised solid, with reconstituted material kept refrigerated and used within the stability window established by the laboratory. For laboratory research use only.
Who publishes on AHK-Cu?
Research Focus: Copper-Peptide Comparative Research
Title: The Human Tripeptide GHK-Cu in Prevention of Oxidative Stress and Degenerative Conditions of Aging (Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2012)
Authors: Loren Pickart, Jessica M. Vasquez-Soltero, Anna Margolina
Research Focus: Cellular Pathway Research
Title: GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration (BioMed Research International, 2015)
Authors: Loren Pickart, Anna Margolina
References
- Pyo, H. K., Yoo, H. G., Won, C. H., Lee, S. H., Kang, Y. J., Eun, H. C., Cho, K. H., & Kim, K. H. (2007). The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Archives of pharmacal research, 30(7), 834–839. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978833. PMID 17703734
- doi:10.1155/2012/324832
- doi:10.1155/2015/648108
- Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834-839. doi:10.1007/BF02978833
- Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and protective actions of the GHK-Cu peptide in the light of the new gene data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. doi:10.3390/ijms19071987
For laboratory research use only. Products on this website are intended solely for in-vitro research. They are not medicines, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any administration to humans or animals is strictly prohibited.
What are these peptides made for?
Our peptides are produced exclusively for laboratory and scientific research purposes.
Licensed Peptides™ products are developed using industry-standard synthesis and purification protocols, making them suitable for in vitro research, analytical testing, and experimental models.
Research-grade standards
- Synthesized via Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
- Purified using advanced HPLC methods
- Verified through analytical quality control processes
- Screened for heavy metals and endotoxins
Consistency across batches
Strict process controls ensure reproducibility, allowing researchers to work with confidence across experiments.
Applications
Our peptides are commonly used in research involving:
- Cellular signaling pathways
- Tissue remodeling and repair mechanisms
- Extracellular matrix regulation
- Molecular biology and biochemical studies
All products are intended for research use only and are not for human or animal consumption, therapeutic use, or clinical application.
Why buy from Licensed Peptides
At Licensed Peptides™, quality isn’t a claim — it’s a controlled, repeatable process.
Every peptide we produce follows a strict, pharma-grade workflow designed to ensure purity, stability, and consistency from synthesis to delivery.
What sets us apart
ISO-certified cleanroom manufacturing
All peptides are synthesized in sterile, controlled environments to eliminate contamination risk and ensure batch consistency.
>99% verified purity (HPLC tested)
We use advanced High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to separate and verify peptide purity with precision.
Comprehensive safety testing
Each batch undergoes heavy metal and endotoxin screening to ensure it is free from hidden contaminants.
Pharma-grade raw materials
We start with rigorously tested amino acids and reagents, ensuring integrity at the molecular level.
Lyophilized for stability
Freeze-dried peptides maintain long-term stability, potency, and reliability for research applications.
Nitrogen-sealed vials
Every vial is protected from oxygen and moisture, preserving structural integrity during storage and transit.
Built for serious research
From synthesis to delivery, every step is engineered to meet the expectations of professionals who require accuracy, consistency, and reliability.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
How orders ship
We understand that timing and product integrity are critical for research.
| Ships to | United States (including minor outlying islands) |
|---|---|
| Processing days | Monday to Friday, excluding holidays |
| Daily cut-off | Paid orders placed before 4:00 PM PST are typically shipped the same business day |
| Free shipping | FedEx 2-Day Express on orders over $200 and for VIP members |
| Standard | USPS Ground Advantage, 3–7 business days (not guaranteed) — $8.95 |
| Expedited | FedEx 2-Day $11.95 · UPS 2-Day $19.95 · FedEx Next Day $44.99 |
| Signature | Required on delivery for orders of $1,000 or more |
How orders are handled
Cold chain protection
Products are stored in industrial-grade freezers prior to shipment to maintain stability and purity.
Secure & protective packaging
Each order is carefully packed to protect against temperature fluctuations, moisture exposure, and physical damage during transit.
Tracking
Once your order has shipped you will receive a tracking number by email, so you can monitor delivery progress.
Shipped from the United States
Orders are dispatched domestically from a U.S.-based operation, so there are no international customs steps.
Delivery times
Shipping times are estimates and begin after order processing. Delays may occur due to carrier issues, weather, or other unforeseen factors, and delivery dates are not guaranteed. Full terms are in our Shipping & Delivery Policy.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
Storage conditions at a glance
| Lyophilized, in transit | Stable for shipping for up to 3–4 months |
|---|---|
| Lyophilized, short term | Room temperature is usually adequate for several weeks; refrigeration under 4°C (39°F) is generally acceptable |
| Lyophilized, long term | Freezer at -80°C (-112°F) for several months to years |
| After reconstitution | Refrigerated; stable for up to 30 days |
| Light and moisture | Keep cold and away from light in the original sealed vial |
Why the powder is stable
All of our products are manufactured using the lyophilization (freeze drying) process, which keeps them stable for shipping for up to 3–4 months.
Lyophilization is a unique dehydration process, also known as cryodesiccation, where the peptides are frozen and then subjected to low pressure. This causes the water in the peptide vial to sublimate directly from solid to gas, leaving behind a stable, crystalline white structure known as lyophilized peptide. The puffy white powder can be stored at room temperature until it is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water.
Storing vials on arrival
Once peptides have been received, it is imperative that they are kept cold and away from light. If the peptides will be used in the next several days, weeks or months, short-term refrigeration under 4°C (39°F) is generally acceptable. Lyophilized peptides are usually stable at room temperatures for several weeks or more, so if they will be utilized within weeks or months such storage is typically adequate.
For longer term storage (several months to years) it is more preferable to store peptides in a freezer at -80°C (-112°F). When storing peptides for months or even years, freezing is optimal in order to preserve the peptide’s stability.
After reconstitution
Once the peptides are reconstituted with bacteriostatic water, they must be stored in the fridge to maintain stability. After reconstitution, the peptides will remain stable for up to 30 days.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use.
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