Setmelanotide vs AHK-Cu
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Setmelanotide
Setmelanotide (Imcivree) is an FDA-approved MC4R agonist for chronic weight management in patients with obesity due to specific genetic conditions (POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency).
Full details →AHK-Cu
AHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-3, Alanine-Histidine-Lysine Copper) is a copper peptide similar to GHK-Cu but with different properties. It's used for hair growth and skin rejuvenation applications.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Setmelanotide | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Selective agonist of melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) in the hypothalamus, restoring the satiety signaling pathway that is disrupted in certain genetic obesity syndromes. | The copper-binding tripeptide stimulates collagen synthesis and may promote hair follicle enlargement. Works similarly to GHK-Cu but may have distinct receptor interactions. |
| Typical Dosage | Adults: Start 2mg daily, titrate based on tolerability up to 3mg daily. Pediatrics (6+): Weight-based dosing starting at 1mg daily. | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection once daily. Requires genetic testing to confirm eligible mutations before prescribing. | Topical application to skin or scalp. Can be used with microneedling for enhanced penetration. May cause temporary blue-green tint at high concentrations. |
| Side Effects | Injection site reactions, skin hyperpigmentation, spontaneous penile erections, depression, and suicidal ideation (boxed warning). GI effects less common than GLP-1s. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. |
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