Teriparatide vs AHK-Cu
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
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 | Teriparatide | AHK-Cu |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. | 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 | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. | Topical: 0.5-2% concentration in serums for skin or scalp applications. Often combined with other growth factors for hair formulations. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. | 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 | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. | Generally well-tolerated. May cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Temporary discoloration possible. |
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