AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Ala-His-Lys). It differs from GHK-Cu by a single residue: alanine instead of glycine at the first position.[1][5] Pepit...
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Certificate of Analysis included with every order.
Technical Specifications
Purity
≥99%
Form
Lyophilized powder
Storage
-20°C
Molecular Weight
AHK-Cu·HCl 451.39 g/mol; AHK peptide 354.41 g/mol; form per COA
Sequence
Ala-His-Lys · Cu²⁺ (copper complex)
CAS Number
682809-81-0 (AHK-Cu) · 126828-32-8 (AHK)
About AHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine (Ala-His-Lys). It differs from GHK-Cu by a single residue: alanine instead of glycine at the first position.[1][5] Pepitiva supplies AHK-Cu as a lyophilized powder (50 mg and 100 mg vials, ≥99% purity) for in vitro and preclinical research.
AHK-Cu molecular weight and CAS number
AHK-Cu (copper complex, monohydrochloride as listed in PubChem): formula C15H24ClCuN6O4⁻, molecular weight 451.39 g/mol, CAS 682809-81-0.[5]
AHK (the peptide without copper): formula C15H26N6O4, molecular weight 354.41 g/mol, CAS 126828-32-8.[6]
As with other copper peptides, the exact weight depends on the salt and copper form, which is documented in each batch's Certificate of Analysis.
How much is known
Published research on AHK-Cu itself is limited. The main primary study we found tested it on human hair follicles and dermal papilla cells.[1] Much more work exists on the related copper tripeptide GHK-Cu, and early structure-function studies found that several tripeptides with a histidyl-lysyl linkage were nearly as active as GHK.[2]
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
Quality & Storage
≥99% purity. Lyophilized powder. Storage: -20°C. For research purposes only.
Mechanism of Action
Copper binding
GHK, the best-studied member of this family, readily forms complexes with copper(II) and enhances copper uptake into cultured cells; its binding site resembles the copper transport sites of albumin, where copper is bound to a histidine next to a basic residue. AHK shares the same histidyl-lysyl sequence.[2]
Hair follicle and dermal papilla cells
Follicle elongation: AHK-Cu at 10⁻¹² to 10⁻⁹ M stimulated the elongation of human hair follicles cultured ex vivo.[1]
Dermal papilla proliferation: it increased the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, the specialized fibroblasts that control follicle growth.[1]
Apoptosis markers: at 10⁻⁹ M it raised the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and lowered cleaved caspase-3 and PARP; the reduction in apoptotic cells measured by flow cytometry was not statistically significant.[1]
Comparison with GHK-Cu
In fibroblast cultures, GHK-Cu stimulated collagen synthesis from 10⁻¹² to 10⁻¹¹ M with a peak at 10⁻⁹ M.[3] Whether AHK-Cu has the same matrix effects has not been established in the studies we found, so side-by-side experiments are needed.
Research Applications
Laboratory research applications
Hair follicle biology: ex vivo follicle organ culture and dermal papilla cell proliferation and survival.[1]
Copper peptide structure-activity: AHK-Cu as a comparator for GHK-Cu, differing only in the N-terminal residue.[2]
Fibroblast and matrix assays: collagen synthesis and remodeling, using GHK-Cu as a reference compound.[3]
Peptide conjugates: a vitamin C-linked AHK conjugate (without copper) enhanced BMP-2-induced osteoblast differentiation of C2C12 cells, showing interest in AHK as a scaffold; that molecule is different from AHK-Cu.[4]
Tissue repair blends: GHK-Cu is included in the GLOW and KLOW research blends.
AHK-Cu is not approved by health authorities for human or veterinary use. This product is sold for laboratory research only.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Proper storage and handling are essential to maintain peptide integrity and ensure reliable research results. All Pepitiva Biolabs peptides are supplied as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder, which provides excellent long-term stability when stored correctly. Store lyophilized peptides at -20°C for long-term storage or 2-8°C for short-term use. Once reconstituted, peptide solutions should be stored at 2-8°C and used within the timeframe specified in the product documentation. Always use sterile bacteriostatic water for reconstitution and handle peptides in a clean laboratory environment to prevent contamination. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, as thermal stress can cause peptide degradation and loss of biological activity.
Quality Control & Certification
This product is manufactured under strict quality control protocols and has been verified through comprehensive analytical testing. Each batch undergoes reverse-phase HPLC analysis for purity determination and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) for molecular identity confirmation. A detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA) is available for download, documenting purity percentage, molecular weight verification, appearance, and recommended storage conditions. Pepitiva Biolabs maintains batch-level traceability from synthesis through delivery, ensuring complete transparency and quality assurance for your research.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AHK-Cu?
AHK-Cu is the copper(II) complex of the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys (L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine). It is a research copper peptide related to GHK-Cu.
What is the difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?
They differ in the first amino acid: alanine in AHK-Cu, glycine in GHK-Cu. GHK-Cu has a much larger body of published research. See GHK-Cu.
What is the molecular weight and CAS number of AHK-Cu?
PubChem lists AHK-Cu (monohydrochloride copper complex) as C15H24ClCuN6O4⁻, 451.39 g/mol, CAS 682809-81-0. The AHK peptide without copper is 354.41 g/mol, CAS 126828-32-8.
Has AHK-Cu been studied for hair growth?
In one laboratory study, AHK-Cu stimulated the elongation of human hair follicles ex vivo and the proliferation of dermal papilla cells in vitro. We found no clinical trial.
Is AHK-Cu approved?
No. AHK-Cu is not approved for human or veterinary use and is sold for laboratory research only.
How should AHK-Cu be stored?
Keep the lyophilized powder at −20 °C, protected from light and moisture.
Is this product approved for human use?
No. This product is intended exclusively for in vitro scientific research and laboratory use. It is not approved for human or veterinary use, not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, and should not be administered to humans or animals under any circumstances.
How do I reconstitute this peptide?
Add sterile bacteriostatic water slowly to the vial, directing the stream against the glass wall rather than directly onto the lyophilized powder. Gently swirl the vial until the powder is fully dissolved — do not shake vigorously. The recommended reconstitution volume depends on your desired concentration. Refer to the product documentation for specific guidance.
Can I get a Certificate of Analysis (COA)?
Yes. A Certificate of Analysis is included with every order and is also available for download from the product page. The COA documents HPLC purity, mass spectrometry identity confirmation, batch number, production date, and storage recommendations.
Scientific References
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. PubMed
Pickart L, Freedman JH, Loker WJ, et al. Growth-modulating plasma tripeptide may function by facilitating copper uptake into cells. Nature. 1980;288(5792):715-717. PubMed
Maquart FX, Pickart L, Laurent M, et al. Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+. FEBS Lett. 1988;238(2):343-346. PubMed
Jung JI, Park KY, Lee Y, et al. Vitamin C-linker-conjugated tripeptide AHK stimulates BMP-2-induced osteogenic differentiation of mouse myoblast C2C12 cells. Differentiation. 2018;101:1-7. PubMed
Sources are peer-reviewed publications indexed in PubMed and trial registrations on ClinicalTrials.gov. Each citation was checked against its PubMed record.
For research use only. Not for human consumption.
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