AHK-CU

Scientific identity: AHK-Cu is the established shorthand for the tripeptide Ala-His-Lys complexed with copper(II). The peptide backbone — alanine, histidine, lysine — coordinates Cu²⁺ primarily through the histidine imidazole nitrogen and the N-terminal amine, forming a stable square-planar or distorted coordination complex characteristic of copper(II) peptide chemistry. This copper-binding architecture is shared with GHK-Cu and defines AHK-Cu's classification as a copper metallopeptide.

Product quantities: 50mg and 100mg per vial.

Purity: Greater than 99%, confirmed by HPLC and LC-MS analysis at the batch level.

Analytical documentation: A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is available on the Longevia Research website, covering compound identity, purity, and lot traceability.

Research-use classification: For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, clinical diagnostics, or any in-vivo application in humans.

Copper Metallopeptide Chemistry

AHK-Cu belongs to a class of synthetic copper(II)-coordinating tripeptides that have attracted research interest for their metal-binding properties and proposed roles in copper-dependent biological processes. The histidine-lysine dipeptide motif — shared with GHK-Cu — provides a well-characterised coordination environment for Cu²⁺, forming stable complexes studied in metallopeptide chemistry and copper transport biology. Research has examined how the N-terminal residue (alanine in AHK-Cu, glycine in GHK-Cu) influences coordination geometry, copper affinity, and biological activity in experimental systems.

Relationship to GHK-Cu

GHK-Cu (Gly-His-Lys·Cu²⁺) is the most extensively characterised member of the His-Lys copper peptide family and the compound against which AHK-Cu is most commonly benchmarked in the research literature. GHK-Cu has an established scientific literature spanning extracellular matrix remodelling, copper-dependent signalling, and tissue biology research across cell-based, animal, and some human studies. AHK-Cu shares structural features with GHK-Cu but has a distinct and more limited published research profile. Findings from GHK-Cu research should not be attributed to AHK-Cu without direct experimental evidence.

Extracellular Matrix and Tissue Biology Research

Research has examined copper peptides of the His-Lys class in experimental models involving extracellular matrix components — including collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans — and in cell-based systems investigating fibroblast activity and matrix remodelling pathways. These studies have explored copper peptide interactions with matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in experimental contexts. Findings are model-specific and represent preclinical research observations.

Copper-Dependent Signalling Research

Copper(II) ions play established roles in the activity of several metalloenzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD1), lysyl oxidase (LOX), and ceruloplasmin. Research has investigated whether copper peptide complexes such as AHK-Cu serve as copper donors or modulators in copper-dependent enzymatic contexts. These are experimental research questions; no established mechanism has been confirmed for AHK-Cu independent of its copper coordination chemistry.

Reliable research begins with accurately characterised material: For a metallopeptide such as AHK-Cu, that means confirming peptide sequence, copper coordination, and purity at the batch level — because sequence errors or incomplete copper complexation can confound binding assays, enzyme activity studies, and cell-based experiments.

Purity assessment: Each production lot is characterised to greater than 99% purity by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Chromatographic purity data is reported on the batch Certificate of Analysis.

Identity confirmation: Peptide identity and copper complexation are confirmed by mass spectrometry (LC-MS), providing molecular-weight verification consistent with the copper-coordinated form. HPLC and LC-MS data together confirm that the material supplied corresponds to the labelled compound at the labelled purity.

Batch traceability and Certificate of Analysis: Every vial of AHK-Cu 50mg and 100mg is traceable to a specific production lot. A batch-specific Certificate of Analysis is accessible directly on the Longevia Research website, covering purity, identity, and lot information. Researchers evaluating this material for assay work are encouraged to review the current batch documentation before use, since analytical specifications are applied at the lot level.

Handling: This material should be handled by qualified personnel using appropriate laboratory technique and personal protective equipment, consistent with institutional protocols for research-grade metallopeptide compounds.

Longevia Research supplies AHK-Cu 50mg and 100mg for laboratory and in-vitro research use only. The product is intended for use by qualified researchers and trained laboratory personnel in appropriate controlled research environments.

AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper-binding research peptide supplied strictly as a research tool. It is not a drug, not a dietary supplement, not a food or food ingredient, and not a cosmetic. No regulatory authority has approved this compound for human or veterinary therapeutic use, and Longevia does not supply it for administration to humans or animals, for clinical diagnostics, or for any therapeutic purpose.

Longevia provides no dosing instructions, administration guidance, treatment protocols, or reconstitution recommendations for this compound. The scientific literature summarised on this product page describes experimental observations in defined cell-based, tissue, and animal model systems. Those findings are not medical claims and should not be interpreted as evidence of human efficacy, human safety, or fitness for any clinical application.

The purchaser assumes full responsibility for lawful acquisition, handling, storage, use, and disposal of this material, and for compliance with all applicable local, state, federal, and institutional regulations. By purchasing this product, the buyer confirms that it will be used solely for legitimate laboratory research purposes by qualified personnel, and that its acquisition and intended use comply with applicable laws in the buyer's jurisdiction.