Category · 13 entries
Cognitive & Nootropic
Peptides studied for memory, cognition, and neuroprotection.
BRN2 (POU3F2) Research Peptide
A research-only peptide derived from the POU3F2 (BRN2) neural transcription factor; mechanistic and phenotypic evidence is limited almost entirely to in vitro and lineage-specification studies. No human therapeutic development, no clinical trials, no established dosing, and no commercial availability through regulated channels.
Cerebrolysin
A porcine-derived neurotrophic peptide preparation approved in 40+ countries (not US) for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury — with the largest clinical evidence base of any nootropic peptide preparation.
Cortexin
A Russian polypeptide bioregulator (Geropharm / Герофарм) extracted from bovine or porcine cerebral cortex, approved in Russia for a broad array of neurological indications including cerebrovascular disease, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. Not FDA- or EMA-approved; clinical evidence base is almost entirely Russian-language and of low-to-moderate methodological rigor by Western standards.
Davunetide
NAPVSIPQ, the minimum active fragment of ADNP — an 8-amino-acid neuroprotective peptide studied in Phase 2 (cognition in mild cognitive impairment, schizophrenia) and Phase 3 (progressive supranuclear palsy). The Phase 3 PSP trial failed in 2012; development continues in schizophrenia (Coronis / ATL-104) and ADNP syndrome research.
Dihexa
A synthetic angiotensin-IV-derived peptide studied for potent synaptogenic activity via HGF/c-Met pathway — but the foundational research has been called into question and no human safety data exists.
DSIP
An endogenous 9-amino-acid peptide named for its ability to induce delta-wave sleep in early rabbit experiments, with broader effects on stress response, pain modulation, and circadian regulation.
FGL Peptide
A 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide derived from the second fibronectin-type-III module of NCAM, designed to mimic NCAM's interaction with FGFR1 and reproduce downstream neurogenic signaling. Preclinical cognition and neuroprotection data only; no human clinical trials; research-only.
Noopept
A Russian-developed prolyl-glycine-ester nootropic — often grouped with racetams despite being a dipeptide, with BDNF/NGF upregulation and anxiolytic activity.
NPAS3 Research Peptide
A research-only peptide derived from the NPAS3 (neuronal PAS domain protein 3) basic helix-loop-helix PAS transcription factor. NPAS3 has been linked to schizophrenia and cognitive phenotypes in human genetic studies, but the peptide itself has no clinical development. No human trials, no established dosing, and no substantiated therapeutic use.
P21
A CNTF-derived research peptide (Institute for Basic Research, New York) that crosses the blood-brain barrier and stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis in rodent models of Alzheimer disease, Down syndrome, and aging. Not FDA-approved; not commercially marketed; research-only with no human trials to date.
PE-22-28
A short peptide that selectively blocks the TREK-1 potassium channel — studied in animal models as a fast-acting antidepressant candidate.
Selank
A Russian-developed tuftsin analog approved for anxiety — produces benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis via GABAergic modulation without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal.
Semax
A synthetic ACTH-derived heptapeptide approved in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and optic nerve disorders, with documented BDNF upregulation and broad nootropic activity.