AHK-Cu
Also known as: Copper Peptide AHK
A copper peptide variant with tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. Also supports hair growth and collagen synthesis. Can be used topically or via subcutaneous injection.
Research Status
Limited Clinical Data
For research purposes only. Not approved for human use. Not medical advice.
Research Areas
Side Effects
Typically resolves within 1-2 hours. Caused by needle trauma or minor inflammatory response. Minimize by rotating sites, using proper injection technique, and allowing solution to reach room temperature before injection.
Usually brief and self-resolving. Reduce by allowing peptide to warm to room temperature and injecting slowly over 3-5 seconds.
May occur in sensitive individuals. Discontinue use and allow skin to recover. Patch test on a small area first if prone to irritation.
Copper is essential but toxic in excess. Adhere strictly to recommended dosage (50-200 mcg daily). Symptoms of copper toxicity include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and neurological effects. Seek medical attention if suspected.
Anaphylaxis or severe allergic response is extremely rare but possible. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of face/throat, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat. Seek emergency medical care immediately if suspected.
Results from repeated injections at the same site. Prevent by rotating injection sites systematically with each dose. Allow at least 1 inch between injection points.
Uncommon; may be related to individual sensitivity or rapid absorption. Ensure adequate hydration and rest after injection.
Dosing Reference
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose range | 50-200 mcg |
| Frequency | 1x daily |
| Timing | Any time of day; evening application may be preferred for topical use |
| Route | Subcutaneous |
Dosage varies by route: topical application typically 50-100 mcg per application; subcutaneous injection 100-200 mcg daily. Start at lower end and assess response. For research purposes only.
Research disclaimer
Figures drawn from published research literature and community logs. Not clinical recommendations. Consult a qualified professional. Research use only.
Reconstitution Guide
Do not use saline or bacteriostatic saline — use only bacteriostatic water for reconstitution
Do not shake the vial vigorously; gentle swirling prevents peptide degradation
Discard immediately if the solution appears cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles
Use within 30 days of reconstitution when stored at 2–8°C
Do not freeze the reconstituted solution; freezing may denature the peptide
Use the PeptideVolt reconstitution calculator for your exact concentration
Molecular and Pharmacological Data
| Molecular weight | 408 Da (GHK-Cu complex) |
| Half-life | 30-60 minutes in plasma (short half-life; local tissue retention extends effects) |
| Sequence | Gly-His-Lys (GHK) with copper coordination |
AHK-Cu (copper-bound tripeptide GHK) functions as a tissue repair and regeneration signal. The copper complex enhances collagen and elastin synthesis by upregulating gene expression in fibroblasts, promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and modulates inflammatory cytokine production. It also stimulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in a controlled manner to facilitate tissue remodeling and wound healing.
Collagen and Elastin Synthesis
GHK-Cu increases mRNA expression of type I and III collagen and elastin in dermal fibroblasts, directly supporting skin firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity
Angiogenesis and Vascularization
The peptide promotes new blood vessel formation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to healing tissues and supporting faster wound closure
Anti-Inflammatory Signaling
GHK-Cu modulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and promotes anti-inflammatory responses, reducing tissue inflammation and supporting immune homeostasis
Matrix Metalloproteinase Regulation
The peptide regulates MMP activity to balance tissue remodeling — promoting controlled breakdown of damaged matrix while supporting new collagen deposition
Hair Follicle Health
GHK-Cu stimulates growth factors and improves blood flow to hair follicles, supporting hair growth phase and reducing hair loss
- GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring tripeptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine; levels decline with age
- Copper is essential for cross-linking collagen and elastin; the copper-peptide complex is more bioactive than the peptide alone
- The peptide works through cell surface receptors and intracellular signaling pathways, not through systemic hormone mechanisms
- Topical and subcutaneous routes both show efficacy; topical penetration is enhanced by formulation (liposomes, nanoparticles)
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View all peptidesResearch Use Only. All content on this page is provided for informational and educational purposes related to scientific research. AHK-Cu is not approved for human use by the FDA or any equivalent regulatory body. This is not medical advice. Do not use any substance discussed here for therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventative purposes. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The Peptide Volt does not endorse the use of any research chemicals. 18+ only.