SS-31 (Elamipretide) vs AHK-Cu
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Anti-Aging & Longevity
SS-31 (Elamipretide)Skin & CosmeticAnti-Aging & Longevity
AHK-Cu- Summary
- SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a synthetic mitochondria-targeting tetrapeptide that concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane and protects cardiolipin from oxidative damage. It is one of the most promising mitochondrial longevity compounds, studied in clinical trials for heart failure, renal disease, and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
- AHK-Cu is a copper tripeptide composed of alanine, histidine, and lysine chelated to copper. Distinct from GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu exhibits strong affinity for hair follicle receptors and demonstrates potent hair growth stimulation alongside wound healing and skin regeneration properties.
- Half-Life
- ~2–5 hours
- Hours (topical, variable by formulation)
- Admin Route
- SubQ
- Topical, Scalp application, Subcutaneous (research)
- Research
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- Typical Dose
- 5–10 mg
- 0.01–0.1% concentration
- Frequency
- Daily to several times per week
- Once or twice daily
- Key Benefits
- Restores mitochondrial function and ATP production
- Protects inner mitochondrial membrane cardiolipin
- Reduces mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)
- Improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue
- Cardioprotective — studied in heart failure trials
- Renoprotective — reduces ischemic kidney injury
- Anti-aging via mitochondrial preservation
- Potential in neurodegenerative disease prevention
- Stimulates hair follicle growth and reduces shedding
- Increases dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Promotes wound healing and skin regeneration
- Antioxidant protection via superoxide dismutase activation
- Improves skin elasticity and firmness
- Supports collagen and elastin production
- Side Effects
- Injection site irritation
- Nausea (rare)
- Generally well-tolerated in clinical trials
- Generally well-tolerated topically
- Mild scalp irritation or redness in sensitive individuals
- Possible temporary hair shedding phase at treatment initiation
- Copper accumulation with excessive systemic use (rare)
- Stacks With
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