Neuroprotection

Beta-Alanyl-N-methyl-L-histidine

Anserine is a methylated dipeptide analog of carnosine found in high concentrations in avian and fish muscle. It shares carnosine's pH-buffering and antioxidant properties but shows superior blood-brain barrier penetration. Research highlights potential for cognitive decline prevention, reduction of amyloid-beta toxicity, and improved exercise performance. It is often studied alongside carnosine for synergistic effects.

FPF 1070

Cerebrolysin is a mixture of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors derived from porcine brain proteins. It mimics the actions of endogenous neurotrophic factors (NGF, BDNF, CNTF), promoting neuronal survival, synaptogenesis, and neuroplasticity. Approved in multiple countries for Alzheimer's disease, stroke recovery, and TBI, clinical trials show improvements in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and brain MRI outcomes.

Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro · AEDP

Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) characterized as a cortex cytoprotective peptide in research from the St. Petersburg Institute. It penetrates the blood-brain barrier and is reported to regulate neuronal gene expression, protect cortical neurons, and improve cognitive function in aging models. It is often studied alongside other peptide bioregulators from the same research group.

Cortexin polypeptide complex

Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from the cerebral cortex of calves or pigs, containing a mixture of neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors. Approved in Russia for stroke, TBI, epilepsy, and cognitive disorders, it exhibits neuroprotective, nootropic, and anticonvulsant properties. Research supports improvements in cognitive function, reduced neurological deficit after stroke, and accelerated recovery from brain injury. It is conceptually similar to Cerebrolysin but derived from cortical tissue.

N-hexanoic-Tyr-Ile-(6) aminohexanoic amide · PNB-0408

Dihexa is a small peptide derived from angiotensin IV that acts as a potent agonist at the HGF/c-Met receptor system, which mediates synaptogenesis — the formation of new synaptic connections. Animal studies suggest it may be several orders of magnitude more potent than BDNF at promoting synapse formation. Research focuses on Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, and traumatic brain injury.

Byetta · Bydureon

Exenatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist derived from exendin-4, a peptide found in Gila monster saliva. The first GLP-1 RA approved for type 2 diabetes, it established the GLP-1 drug class. Extended-release formulations (Bydureon) allow once-weekly dosing. Emerging research explores repurposing for Parkinson's disease, where small trials show motor improvement, and Alzheimer's disease neuroprotection.

HN · mitochondria-derived peptide humanin

Humanin is a 21-amino-acid mitochondria-derived peptide (MDP) encoded within the 16S rRNA gene of mitochondrial DNA. It is cytoprotective against Alzheimer's-related neuronal death, reduces oxidative stress, improves insulin sensitivity, and suppresses apoptosis through multiple pathways (STAT3, IGFBP-3, FPRL1). Circulating humanin levels decline with age, linking it to age-related diseases.

Davunetide · NAPVSIPQ

NAP (NAPVSIPQ) is an 8-amino-acid neuroprotective peptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP). It stabilizes microtubules by interacting with tubulin, protecting neurons against tau pathology, amyloid toxicity, and oxidative damage. Phase 2 trials in schizophrenia and progressive supranuclear palsy have been completed; research is ongoing for Alzheimer's disease and autism spectrum disorder.

N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester · GVS-111

Noopept is a dipeptide-derived nootropic approved in Russia for cognitive disorders and memory impairment. It is hydrolyzed in vivo to release cycloprolylglycine, an endogenous neuropeptide. Research demonstrates neuroprotective, memory-enhancing, and anxiolytic effects, upregulation of BDNF and NGF in the hippocampus and cortex, and potential benefits in Alzheimer's disease models. It is significantly more potent than piracetam on a weight-for-weight basis.

P21 cognitive peptide

P21 is a peptide fragment derived from CNTF (Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor) designed to activate the STAT3 signaling pathway, which promotes neurogenesis and cognitive function. Animal research demonstrates improved spatial memory, increased hippocampal neurogenesis, and enhanced BDNF expression. It is studied as a non-cytokine CNTF functional mimetic without the systemic side effects of full-length CNTF.

EDR peptide · Glu-Asp-Arg

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Arg) developed by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It is characterized as a pineal gland cytoprotective peptide that penetrates the blood-brain barrier and acts as a transcription factor, regulating gene expression in neuronal cells. Research suggests neuroprotective, antioxidant, and cognition-preserving effects, particularly in aging and hypoxic conditions.

MEHFPGP · Pro8-Gly9-Pro10-ACTH(4–10)

Semax is a synthetic heptapeptide analog of ACTH(4-7) developed in Russia, where it is approved for stroke, TBI, peptic ulcers, and cognitive enhancement. It upregulates BDNF and its receptor TrkB, promotes dopamine and serotonin turnover, and has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in ischemia models. Research highlights improvements in attention, memory, and recovery from neurological injury.

Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone · Thyroliberin

TRH is a tripeptide (pGlu-His-Pro-NH2) produced in the hypothalamus that stimulates TSH and prolactin release from the anterior pituitary. Beyond thyroid regulation, TRH has direct CNS effects — it is alerting, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and anticonvulsant. Research explores TRH analogs (taltirelin, approved in Japan) for ALS, spinal cord injury, Alzheimer's disease, and treatment-resistant depression, avoiding thyroid side effects.