For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption. Not for clinical or therapeutic use. Not evaluated by the FDA.
Research Comparison
AHK-Cu vs GHK-Cu
AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu are copper(II) complexes of closely related tripeptides that differ only in the first residue: L-alanine in AHK (Ala-His-Lys) versus glycine in GHK (Gly-His-Lys). AHK-Cu is indexed as the monohydrochloride (C15H24ClCuN6O4, 451.39 g/mol, CAS 682809-81-0); GHK-Cu is C14H22CuN6O4 at ~401.9 g/mol (CAS 89030-95-5).
| Attribute | AHK-Cu | GHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Peptide class / structure | Copper(II)–tripeptide complex | Copper(II)–tripeptide complex |
| Sequence | Ala-His-Lys + Cu²⁺ | Gly-His-Lys + Cu²⁺ |
| First residue | L-alanine (methyl side chain) | Glycine (no side chain) |
| Length (residues) | 3 aa + Cu | 3 aa + Cu |
| Molecular formula | C15H24ClCuN6O4 (monohydrochloride) | C14H22CuN6O4 |
| Molecular weight | 451.39 g/mol | ~401.9 g/mol |
| CAS number | 682809-81-0 | 89030-95-5 |
| Free tripeptide (no copper) | AHK: C15H26N6O4, 354.41 g/mol | GHK: CAS 49557-75-7 |
| Supplied as | Lyophilized powder, 50 mg vial | Lyophilized powder, 50 mg or 100 mg vial |
| COA on file | Not yet | Yes (Kovera Labs) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the structural difference between AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu?+
Only the first residue differs. AHK starts with L-alanine, which carries a methyl side chain; GHK starts with glycine, which has none. The histidine and lysine residues and the copper(II) complex are common to both.
Why is AHK-Cu's listed molecular weight higher?+
The difference reflects both alanine's extra methyl group and the chloride in AHK-Cu's indexed monohydrochloride form (C15H24ClCuN6O4, 451.39 g/mol), compared with GHK-Cu at C14H22CuN6O4 (~401.9 g/mol). On a free-peptide basis, AHK without copper is C15H26N6O4 at 354.41 g/mol.
Are both supplied lyophilized?+
Yes — both are supplied as lyophilized powder. Store unopened vials at −20 °C for the long term, protected from light and moisture, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw once in solution.