AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-2)

AHK-Cu is a copper-binding tripeptide comprising the amino acid sequence alanine-histidine-lysine, chelated to copper in the same chemical class as the better-characterised GHK-Cu (glycine-histidine-lysine copper). Like GHK-Cu, it utilises the histidine residue for copper coordination, but its different flanking amino acids produce a distinct biological activity profile with particular relevance to follicular biology.

In vitro research using dermal papilla cells has examined AHK-Cu's potential to activate the cellular populations responsible for hair follicle cycling and growth. Dermal papilla cells are the dermal signalling centres of hair follicles — their activation is considered a research target for follicular support applications. Most AHK-Cu research involves topical application rather than systemic administration.

Evidence for AHK-Cu effects is limited primarily to in vitro cell culture studies and some topical formulation research. Unlike GHK-Cu, which has a broader research base spanning wound healing, skin remodelling, and anti-ageing applications, AHK-Cu's research literature is narrower and more specifically directed toward follicular biology.