Description
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine, a close relative of GHK-Cu that swaps glycine for alanine. It is best known from hair-follicle and dermal papilla research. Pure Peptides Canada supplies it as a lyophilized research reagent in generous 100 mg vials, with an independent Janoshik HPLC and mass-spectrometry report, CAD pricing and tracked shipping from inside Canada.
AHK-Cu at a glance
- What it is: the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys bound to a copper(II) ion, a structural analogue of GHK-Cu with alanine in place of glycine.
- What researchers study: hair-follicle growth and dermal papilla cells in culture, fibroblast activity, and how one amino-acid change alters copper-peptide behaviour.
- Evidence level: cell and organ-culture studies. No controlled human trials.
- Supplied as: sealed lyophilized powder, 100 mg, single vial or box of 10.
- Delivery: ships from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
AHK-Cu
Alanyl-histidyl-lysine copper(II) · copper tripeptide · GHK-Cu analogue
- A
- H
- K
- Cu²⁺
Blue: alanine, the one residue that differs from GHK. Dashed: coordinated copper(II) ion.
- Peptide
- Ala-His-Lys (AHK), 3 amino acids
- AHK formula
- C15H26N6O4, ≈ 354.4 g/mol
- Copper complex
- Mass depends on peptide-to-copper ratio and salt form; see the lab report
- Form
- Lyophilized powder, sealed vial
- Sizes
- 100 mg (single or box of 10)
- SKU
- PP-AHKCU
Where the evidence stands
- Cell studies
- Organ culture
- Controlled human trials
- Approved medicine
AHK-Cu research is preclinical. It is not an approved drug anywhere.
What is AHK-Cu?
After GHK-Cu was found in human plasma, researchers began testing close analogues to see which parts of the molecule mattered. AHK-Cu keeps the histidine and lysine that coordinate copper but replaces the N-terminal glycine with alanine. That single methyl group changes how the peptide sits around the copper ion and how cells respond to it.
AHK-Cu is best known from hair-follicle research. A 2007 study in Archives of Pharmacal Research reported that it promoted elongation of isolated human hair follicles in organ culture and increased proliferation of dermal papilla cells, with reduced markers of cell death. Those are lab findings in tissue and cells, which is why AHK-Cu is often studied side by side with GHK-Cu.
What AHK-Cu research looks at
- Hair-follicle biology: follicle elongation in organ culture and dermal papilla cell proliferation.
- Apoptosis signalling: Bcl-2 and Bax balance in follicle cells.
- Fibroblast activity: extracellular-matrix production compared with GHK-Cu.
- Copper coordination: how changing one residue alters metal binding and stability.
- Structure-activity comparisons: AHK-Cu versus GHK-Cu in the same model.
Regulatory status: AHK-Cu is not an authorized drug in Canada. It is sold here as a laboratory reagent, not a cosmetic, and only for in-vitro research.
Why researchers order AHK-Cu from Pure Peptides Canada
Add a 100 mg vial or a box of 10 above. Orders over $299 ship free across Canada.
See lab resultsAHK-Cu FAQ
Where can I buy AHK-Cu in Canada?
Pure Peptides Canada stocks AHK-Cu as a lyophilized research reagent in 100 mg vials and ships it from inside Canada by tracked Xpresspost in 3–7 days ($25 CAD), or free in 4–12 days on orders over $299.
What is the difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?
One amino acid. GHK-Cu starts with glycine, AHK-Cu with alanine. Both bind copper(II) through histidine and lysine, but they behave differently in cell models and are usually studied side by side.
Why is AHK-Cu associated with hair research?
A 2007 organ-culture study reported that AHK-Cu promoted elongation of isolated human hair follicles and proliferation of dermal papilla cells. That work is preclinical and has not been confirmed in controlled human trials.
Is this AHK-Cu third-party tested?
Yes. A certificate of analysis is available on request through our Lab Testing page. Our COA guide explains how to read it.
Is AHK-Cu approved in Canada?
No. It is not an authorized drug in Canada and this vial is not a cosmetic. It is sold only as a laboratory reagent for in-vitro research.
Can AHK-Cu be used in people or animals?
No. It is for in-vitro laboratory research only, including no topical use. We do not provide dosing or administration information.
For laboratory research use only. Not a drug, supplement, food or cosmetic, not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Mike Beasley –
Definitely works for hair really really well. I have lots of new growth and its worked better than off the shelf options i’ve tried for years with not much effect.