Recovery · Research Phase
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3)
No lawful US pathway
01 · Overview
AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-binding tripeptide consisting of alanine-histidine-lysine complexed with copper ions (PMID 17703734). It is structurally similar to GHK-Cu but contains alanine in place of glycine at the N-terminus.
It is used mainly as a cosmetic ingredient and is proposed to support skin and hair follicle health.
02 · Research summary & key findings
In laboratory work, AHK-Cu stimulated the elongation of human hair follicles grown ex vivo and the proliferation of cultured dermal papilla cells, with changes in markers suggesting reduced apoptosis (PMID 17703734). No peer-reviewed animal wound studies or controlled human trials of AHK-Cu were identified, so its clinical effects remain unestablished.
03 · Regulatory status
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is in the research phase with limited clinical data in humans. Current evidence is primarily derived from preclinical (animal or in vitro) studies.
No lawful pathway today
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is not FDA-approved and does not currently have a lawful prescription or compounding pathway in the United States, so we do not sell it and will not book a consultation for it. That can change: in 2026 FDA began reviewing several peptides for compounding. If you are working on the goal it is studied for, a licensed clinician can tell you what is lawfully available, which may be something else.
See the 3 FDA-approved compounds in Recovery
Tell me if the status changes
One email, only if this compound's regulatory standing actually moves. Not a newsletter, not a sales sequence.
Looking for a lawful, clinician-prescribed option for injury recovery and tissue repair?
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) is a research compound, is not FDA-approved, and has no lawful US compounding pathway, so we do not offer it and no clinician we work with will prescribe it. Products sold online as “research chemicals” are not made or tested to the standards required of medicines. If you are working on injury recovery and tissue repair, a licensed clinician can tell you at a free consultation whether an FDA-approved or lawfully compounded treatment fits you, or whether nothing does.
Explore lawful options (free intake)About 3 minutes. If a protocol is prescribed through our provider, we earn 10% of the sale. See the receipts.
04 · Administration routes
- Topical
References
- [1]The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro Arch Pharm Res, 2007. PMID 17703734
Primary literature
- PubMed: "AHK-Cu"
Peer-reviewed literature indexed by the National Library of Medicine.
- ClinicalTrials.gov: "AHK-Cu"
Registered interventional and observational studies, including status and phase.
- PubChem: "AHK-Cu"
Chemical structure, molecular properties, and bioactivity data.
Related peptides in Recovery
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and research purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. The Peptide Association does not endorse or recommend any specific treatment protocol. See our editorial policy for how this content is produced and reviewed. Clinicians: join the network.