Target Solvent
Bacteriostatic Water USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Clear, colorless aqueous solution. Inspect against dark backdrop for optical clarity.
Validated Laboratory Standard
Revision 1 · Lyophilized Solid Powder
Ala-His-Lys-Cu(II) Complex · Dermal Papilla & Hair Follicle Standard. Formulated for in-vitro research and laboratory analytical validation.
Ala-His-Lys-Cu(II) Complex · Dermal Papilla & Hair Follicle Standard. Formulated for in-vitro research and laboratory analytical validation.
What it is: AHK-Cu is a synthetic copper complex pairing the tripeptide L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine with copper(II), structurally distinct from GHK-Cu and specifically optimized for dermal papilla cell stimulation.
How it works: AHK-Cu upregulates Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) in dermal papilla cells while suppressing TGF-beta-induced follicle miniaturization, stimulating hair follicle elongation and dermal capillary density.
Why researchers study it: Researched as a targeted cosmetic and analytical agent in androgenetic alopecia, hair density enhancement, and scalp microcirculation.
Target Solvent
Bacteriostatic Water USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol)
Clear, colorless aqueous solution. Inspect against dark backdrop for optical clarity.
Diluent Ratio
5 mL per 50 mg (10 mg/mL)
Direct diluent stream gently against inner glass vial wall. Swirl in slow circular motions. Do not shake.
Lyophilized Storage
-20°C in dry desiccated container (24 months)
Desiccated and protected from thermal spikes
Liquid Stability
2°C–8°C refrigerated; use within 28 days
Refrigerated and light-protected
Pharmacokinetics / Half-Life
Localized dermal retention (~24 Hours)
Typical protocol duration: 12 to 24 Weeks; Washout: 4 Weeks between research cohorts
| Standard Compound Mass | 50 mg active per vial |
| Recommended Diluent | Bacteriostatic Water USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) |
| Diluent Volume Added | 2.0 mL |
| Resulting Concentration | 25.0 mg/mL |
| Syringe Volumetric Scale | U-100 Syringe (100 units = 1.0 mL | 1 unit = 250.0 mcg (0.01 mL)) |
| Handling Rule | Clear, colorless aqueous solution. Inspect against dark backdrop for optical clarity. |
Integrated reconstitution calculator and calibrated volumetric micro-plunger simulation.
Benchmark protocols from peer-reviewed clinical trials & institutional investigational programs.
| Escalation Stage & Phase | Target Dose | U-100 Mark (50mg / 5.0mL) | Cadence | Syringe Sync |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Vitro Assay Titration Schedule (Weeks 1–2) | 2.5 mg | 25.0 Units(0.25 mL) | 1x Daily | |
| In-Vitro Assay Titration Schedule (Weeks 3–12) | 5 mg | 50.0 Units(0.50 mL) | 1x Daily | |
| In-Vitro Assay Titration Schedule (Weeks 13+) | 10 mg | 100.0 Units(1.00 mL) | 1x Daily |
| Research Dose | Volume (mL) | U-100 Syringe Graduation Mark |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg Topical | 0.25 mL | 25 Units 25.0 units (0.25 mL) on U-100 syringe |
| 5.0 mg Topical | 0.50 mL | 50 Units 50.0 units (0.50 mL) on U-100 syringe |
| 10.0 mg Topical | 1.00 mL | 100 Units 100.0 units (1.00 mL) on U-100 syringe |
| Research Dose | Calibrated Volume | U-100 Syringe Units | Graduation Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg Topical | 0.1 mL (100 µL) | 10 Units | 25.0 units (0.25 mL) on U-100 syringe |
| 5.0 mg Topical | 0.2 mL (200 µL) | 20 Units | 50.0 units (0.50 mL) on U-100 syringe |
| 10.0 mg Topical | 0.4 mL (400 µL) | 40 Units | 100.0 units (1.00 mL) on U-100 syringe |
ISO 8537 Sterile Insulin Syringe Standard · Optical Meniscus Resolution & Volumetric Parallax Engineering
Detachable needles leave significant fluid trapped in the plastic hub collar. In peptide protocols, this causes substantial loss of active ingredient per administration.
| Barrel Capacity | Graduation Interval | Volume per Tick | Hub Dead-Space | Needle Spec | Suitability for 25 Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 mL (30 Units)BEST FIT | 0.5 Unit | 5 µL (0.005 mL) | < 0.4 µL | 31G × 5/16" (8mm) Integrated Ultra-Fine | ✓ Accommodates 25 units |
| 0.5 mL (50 Units) | 1 Unit | 10 µL (0.010 mL) | < 0.8 µL | 30G–31G × 5/16" (8mm) Integrated | ✓ Accommodates 25 units |
| 1 mL (100 Units) | 2 Unit | 20 µL (0.020 mL) | < 2.1 µL | 29G–30G × 1/2" (12.7mm) Integrated | ✓ Accommodates 25 units |
Viewing the syringe from an angle introduces a 1.0–2.5 unit parallax error. Always raise the barrel to direct eye level against a high-contrast white background. Align the front edge of the top black plunger seal ring with the target line.
Standard 5/16" (8mm) laboratory dispensing needles are calibrated for direct 90° fluid transfer into target analytical matrix vials. If utilizing 1/2" (12.7mm) cannulas in deep laboratory vessels, introduce at a 45° angle to avoid contact with vessel sidewalls.
Stoichiometric supply planning, sequential reconstitution cadence, and itemized consumables BOM for AHK-Cu.
Do NOT reconstitute all 9 vials simultaneously. Reconstitute one vial at a time as the active protocol requires. Once reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water USP, a vial maintains stability for 28 days at +2°C to +8°C. Remaining unopened vials should be preserved in solid lyophilized cake form at -20°C to prevent hydrolysis and oxidation.
| Week | Study / Assay Phase | Weekly Target Dose | Syringe Draw (U-100) | Active Vial # | Cumulative Active Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Stage 1: Dermal Calibration (Weeks 1–2) | 2.5 mg(7x/wk) | 10 Units(0.10 mL) | Vial #1(32.5mg rem) | 17.5 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 2 | Stage 1: Dermal Calibration (Weeks 1–2) | 2.5 mg(7x/wk) | 10 Units(0.10 mL) | Vial #1(15mg rem) | 35.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 3 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #2(15mg rem) | 70.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 4 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #3(15mg rem) | 105.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 5 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #4(15mg rem) | 140.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 6 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #5(15mg rem) | 175.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 7 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #6(15mg rem) | 210.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 8 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #7(15mg rem) | 245.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 9 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #8(15mg rem) | 280.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 10 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #9(15mg rem) | 315.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 11 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #10(15mg rem) | 350.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
| Week 12 | Stage 2: Follicle Activation (Weeks 3–12) | 5.0 mg(7x/wk) | 20 Units(0.20 mL) | Vial #11(15mg rem) | 385.0 mg / 385.0 mg |
Study duration: 12 to 24 Weeks · Washout: 4 Weeks between research cohorts
| Period / Phase | Target Amount | Frequency | Notes & Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2Starting Baseline | 2.5 mg | 1x Daily | Stage 1: Dermal Calibration: Scalp tolerance & capillary priming (0.25 mL solution at 10.0 mg/mL) |
| Weeks 3–12 | 5 mg | 1x Daily | Stage 2: Follicle Activation: VEGF and bFGF transcription (0.50 mL solution) |
| Weeks 13+ | 10 mg | 1x Daily | Stage 3: Hair Matrix Sustained: Anagen phase prolongation (1.00 mL solution) |
4-phase stability timeline, RP-HPLC degradation benchmarks, and storage SOPs for AHK-Cu
Operating Window: +2°C to +8°C (36°F to 46°F)
Active working solution dissolved in Bacteriostatic Water USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol).
| Storage Condition | Temperature Boundary | Physical Form | Valid Duration | Degradation Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ❄️Deep Freeze Cryo-Archive | -20°C | Lyophilized Solid | 24 to 36 Months | Negligible (<0.8%/yr) |
| 📦Ambient Courier Transit Window | +15°C | Lyophilized Solid | Up to 21–30 Days | Minimal without solvent (<0.5%) |
| 💧Reconstituted Refrigerated Storage (2°C–8°C) | +2°C | Reconstituted Solution | 28 to 35 Days | Gradual deamidation >28 days |
| 🚫Critical Degradation Thresholds | >37°C | Degradation Hazard | Immediate Degradation Hazard | Rapid peptide cleavage & aggregation |
Direct diluent stream gently against inner glass vial wall. Swirl in slow circular motions. Do not shake.
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3) displays an estimated half-life of Localized dermal retention (~24 Hours). Typical study protocols run for 12 to 24 Weeks followed by a washout period of 4 Weeks between research cohorts.
Standard Lyophilized Monograph
Ala-His-Lys-Cu(II) Complex · Dermal Papilla & Hair Follicle Standard. Formulated for in-vitro research and laboratory analytical validation.
Store desiccated at -20°C upon receipt. Reconstitute strictly in a certified laminar airflow hood utilizing sterile disposable instruments. Avoid direct exposure to UV or fluorescent radiation.
| Net Active Mass | Target Solvent | Diluent Volume | Resulting Concentration | Syringe Graduation Scale |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 mg Lyophilized Cake | Bacteriostatic Water USP (0.9% Benzyl Alcohol) | 5.0 mL | 10.00 mg/mL | 1 Unit = 100.0 mcg (0.01 mL) |
Swab vial septum with sterile 70% IPA pad. Inspect cake for vacuum seal integrity.
Introduce 5.0 mL solvent slowly down inner glass wall. Never spray directly on cake.
Swirl gently in horizontal circles until fully dissolved. Never shake or invert aggressively.
Rest at +2°C to +8°C for 10 minutes until solution is crystal clear before drawing.
| Phase | Target Active Dose | U-100 Syringe Graduation | Cadence & Pharmacological Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–7 (Priming) | 2.5 mg | 25.0 Units (0.250 mL) | Initial receptor priming; evaluate baseline physiological tolerance. |
| Weeks 2–4 (Saturation) | 3.8 mg | 37.5 Units (0.375 mL) | Target assay maintenance; peak neurotrophic / metabolic response. |
| Weeks 5–6 (Taper & Washout) | 2.5 mg | 25.0 Units (0.250 mL) | Receptor consolidation prior to mandatory 4-week washout cycle. |
RP-HPLC / LC-MS In-Vitro Assay
Purity Spec: ≥ 98.0% Area
Research Use Only (RUO)
NOT EVALUATED OR APPROVED BY FDA