AHK-Cu
Stocked in 100mg at MontanaPep in Great Falls, Montana. Sold for laboratory research use only.
| Size | Catalog no. | Price per vial |
|---|---|---|
| 100mg | AU100 | $30 |
Classification
Copper-binding tripeptide complex; a cosmetic-research analogue of GHK-Cu
Structure and chemistry
AHK-Cu is the tripeptide alanyl-histidyl-lysine (Ala-His-Lys) complexed with copper(II). It differs from the far better studied GHK-Cu at a single position: alanine replaces glycine at the N-terminus. As with GHK, the copper ion is co-ordinated largely through the histidine imidazole nitrogen and the peptide backbone, giving a stable, intensely blue complex.
What the published research shows
The published record for AHK-Cu is substantially thinner than for GHK-Cu. Most of it sits in cosmetic science and hair-biology contexts rather than clinical medicine, and is dominated by in-vitro work on dermal papilla cells and ex-vivo hair follicle organ culture, where reported endpoints include cell proliferation and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. There are no large independent randomised controlled trials.
Mechanism of action
Copper tripeptides are generally understood to act as copper-delivery vehicles. Copper is a required cofactor for lysyl oxidase, which cross-links collagen and elastin, and for superoxide dismutase. Whether AHK-Cu has any receptor-level activity distinct from simple copper delivery has not been established.
Development history
AHK-Cu emerged from the cosmetic-ingredient sector rather than a pharmaceutical development programme. It has no investigational new drug history and no clinical trial registry presence.
Current regulatory status
Not an FDA-approved drug. It appears in cosmetic formulation contexts internationally. Material supplied here is for laboratory research use only.
Analytical testing
Two things need confirming rather than one: peptide identity and purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry, and copper content by the manufacturer. A peptide-only COA does not establish that the complex was correctly formed.
Ordering from Great Falls
MontanaPep, also known as Montana Peptides, is an independently owned supplier based at 715 13th Ave S, Great Falls, Montana. Local pickup is available by arrangement, and we ship to research addresses across Montana including Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, Butte, Kalispell and Havre. Call (406) 799-0812 or email customerservice@montanapep.com.