AHK-Cu
Alanyl-Histidyl-Lysine copper peptide / Copper tripeptide-3
A copper-binding tripeptide in the same family as GHK-Cu but with a different amino acid sequence (Ala-His-Lys versus Gly-His-Lys). AHK-Cu is specifically studied for hair follicle stimulation, scalp health, and hair loss research — a more targeted application than GHK-Cu's broader skin and wound healing profile. Sometimes called Copper Peptide-3.
Mechanism of action
Binds copper ions similarly to GHK-Cu but with different receptor affinity and tissue specificity. Stimulates hair follicle keratinocyte proliferation. Activates hair growth factors including VEGF at the follicle level. Reduces DHT-related signaling at the follicle. Promotes anagen (growth) phase extension. The copper-peptide mechanism is the same class as GHK-Cu — but AHK-Cu's three amino acid composition produces different tissue selectivity, with stronger affinity for hair follicle tissue specifically.
Effects in the body
AHK-Cu sits in a narrow but genuinely interesting research niche — copper peptides specifically targeting hair follicle biology rather than the broader wound healing and skin regeneration applications of GHK-Cu. Research has documented follicle keratinocyte proliferation and VEGF activation at the follicle level. Comparative data suggests AHK-Cu may produce stronger hair-specific effects than GHK-Cu while GHK-Cu shows broader skin regeneration effects. Often researched in combination with GHK-Cu.
Pros & cons (from the literature)
- More targeted hair follicle affinity than GHK-Cu
- VEGF activation at follicle level documented
- Keratinocyte proliferation data published
- Copper peptide class with established safety profile from GHK-Cu research
- Complementary to GHK-Cu rather than redundant
- Topical application — no injection required for primary research use
- RUO status
- Limited published human clinical trials specifically for AHK-Cu
- Smaller evidence base than GHK-Cu
- Hair loss research is a heavily marketed area with many unsupported claims — distinguish AHK-Cu's actual evidence from marketing
- Long-term scalp safety not established in peer-reviewed literature
Protocol summary (from published research)
Dosing ranges reproduced from published research literature. Not a prescription, not medical advice.
FDA & regulatory status
Evidence base
Keratinocyte proliferation studies published. VEGF follicle activation documented. Comparative data with GHK-Cu available. No large controlled human RCTs specifically for AHK-Cu alone.
Primary research sources
Peer-reviewed literature referenced throughout this profile is drawn from PubMed, Cell Metabolism, and clinical trial registries cited in the evidence base above.