Side-by-side · Research reference

AHK-CuvsTesofensine

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED14/43 cited

BPhase 3AUTO-DRAFTED10/40 cited

AHK-Cu

Tripeptide-Copper Complex · Cosmetic

10⁻¹² – 10⁻⁹ MActive range (in vitro)Pyo 2007

Dermal papilla cellsPrimary targetPyo 2007

TopicalRoute

Topical · Scalp / Skin

Tesofensine

SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate

0.25–0.5 mgDaily doseAstrup 2008

9.2 kgWeight ↓ (24 wk)Astrup 2008

Phase 3Evidence levelAstrup 2008

Oral · Once daily morning

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter

AHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Primary target

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) — specialized fibroblasts in hair follicle morphogenesisPyo 2007

Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008

Pathway

AHK-Cu → DPC proliferation → VEGF elevation, TGF-β1 suppression → Angiogenesis, follicle elongationPyo 2007

Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008

Downstream effect

Stimulates hair follicle elongation ex vivo, reduces dermal papilla cell apoptosis, elevates Bcl-2/Bax ratio, reduces cleaved caspase-3 and PARPPyo 2007

Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008

Feedback intact?

—

Origin

Synthetic tripeptide with Cu²⁺ chelation — alanine substitution variant of GHK-Cu

Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008

Antibody development

—

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter

AHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Effective concentration (in vitro)

10⁻¹² – 10⁻⁹ MPyo 2007

Stimulated human hair follicle elongation ex vivo and DPC proliferation in vitro.

—

Topical formulation

0.001–0.01% (estimated cosmetic range)

No standardized human protocol published — extrapolated from in vitro data.

—

Frequency

Once or twice daily (topical application)

Once daily, morning

Route

Topical — scalp or dermal application

—

Evidence basis

Ex vivo hair follicle / in vitro DPC studiesPyo 2007

Phase 2b + ongoing Phase 3Astrup 2008

Duration

Not established — cosmetic protocols typically 8–12 weeks

24 weeks per studied cycle

Standard dose

—

0.25–0.5 mg / dayAstrup 2008

Lower / starter dose

—

0.125 mg / day

Form

—

Oral capsule

Timing

—

Morning to avoid sleep disruption

Half-life

—

~9 days (very long)

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter

AHK-Cu

Tesofensine

Local irritation

Mild erythema, pruritus at application site (copper peptide class effect)

—

Copper sensitivity

Rare hypersensitivity reaction in copper-sensitive individuals

—

Systemic absorption

Minimal via topical route — systemic copper toxicity unlikely at cosmetic doses

—

Data limitations

No published human safety trials — cosmetic use presumed safe per class precedent (GHK-Cu)

—

Heart rate / BP

—

Dose-dependent ↑ HR + BPAstrup 2008

Insomnia

—

Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing

Dry mouth

—

Common

Nausea

—

Common

Mood changes

—

Anxiety / agitation possible

Cardiovascular events

—

Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared

Pregnancy / OB

—

Contraindicated

Absolute Contraindications

AHK-Cu

·Known copper allergy or Wilson's disease

Tesofensine

·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
·Severe cardiovascular disease
·Concurrent MAOI use

Relative Contraindications

AHK-Cu

·Broken or inflamed skin (increased absorption risk)
·Concurrent use of other copper-containing formulations

Tesofensine

·Hypertension
·Anxiety disorder
·Insomnia

05Administration Protocol

Parameter

AHK-Cu

Tesofensine

1. Topical application

Apply to clean, dry scalp or target dermal area. Typical cosmetic formulations: 0.001–0.01% AHK-Cu in serum or cream base.

Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).

2. Frequency

Once or twice daily. Evening application preferred for overnight contact time.

Swallow whole with water, morning only.

3. Scalp preparation

For hair growth: apply directly to scalp, massage gently. No need to rinse. Allow absorption for minimum 2–4 hours.

Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.

4. Storage

Room temperature, protected from light. Copper complexes may degrade in UV exposure.

Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.

5. Duration

Minimum 8–12 weeks to assess efficacy in hair growth applications, per typical cosmetic peptide protocols.

Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.

06Stack Synergy

AHK-Cu

+ GHK-Cu

Moderate

View GHK-Cu →

Both tripeptide-copper complexes share overlapping angiogenic and wound-healing mechanisms (VEGF elevation, TGF-β modulation, fibroblast proliferation). AHK-Cu's alanine substitution may offer distinct receptor affinity or pharmacokinetics. Co-formulation could provide complementary dermal signaling, though no direct synergy studies exist. Often used interchangeably or in alternating protocols.

AHK-Cu: 0.001–0.01% topical · AM
GHK-Cu: 0.001–0.01% topical · PM
Frequency: Daily alternation or combined formulation
Primary benefit: Comprehensive dermal regeneration, angiogenesis, hair follicle support

Tesofensine

— no documented stacks