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P21

Emerging

P021 | CNTF-Derived Neurogenic Peptide

Dose Research compound - dosing not established for humans
Frequency Daily in animal research protocols
Cycle Not established - experimental peptide without human trials
Storage Refrigerate at 2-8°C
Accumulation Plotter

P21 is a nootropic peptide derived from ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) that enhances neurogenesis and cognitive function. It contains an adamantane moiety that enables blood-brain barrier penetration. Research shows it increases BDNF expression, inhibits LIF signaling to promote neurogenesis, and reduces tau and amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease models. Remarkably, P21 can boost neurogenesis in diseased brains above levels seen in healthy untreated brains.

Mechanism of Action

P21 operates through multiple pathways: it inhibits leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling, removing a key roadblock to neurogenesis and shifting the brain toward a more embryologic state favoring neuron growth. It increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and activates the BDNF/TrkB/PI3-K/AKT/GSK3β pathway. This pathway modulation improves cognitive function and reduces tau and amyloid pathologies.

Key Benefits

  • Potent promotion of neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus
  • Increased BDNF expression
  • Reduced tau protein pathology
  • Reduced amyloid-beta plaque formation
  • Improved cognitive function and memory
  • Restored synaptic deficits in cortex and hippocampus
  • Reduced mortality rate in AD models
  • Crosses blood-brain barrier effectively
Molecular Weight
~1,100 Da
Type
CNTF-derived peptide

Neurodegenerative Disease

  • Alzheimer's Disease

    P021 markedly reduced tau pathology, attenuated Aβ generation, and rescued episodic memory impairment in 3xTg-AD mice.

  • Neurodegeneration Prevention

    Treatment during synaptic compensation period can prevent neurodegeneration and reduce mortality.

  • Tau Pathology

    Robust attenuation of tau pathologies through BDNF/TrkB/PI3-K/AKT/GSK3β pathway.

Cognitive Enhancement

  • Neurogenesis

    Enhances dentate gyrus neurogenesis so effectively it exceeds levels in healthy untreated brains.

  • Memory Processes

    Enhances memory processes through increased BDNF and restored synaptic function.

  • Age-Related Cognitive Decline

    May reduce natural decline in learning and memory in aged models by rescuing neurogenesis deficit.

Neuroprotection

  • Synaptic Plasticity

    Restores synaptic deficits in cortex and hippocampus.

  • Neuronal Plasticity

    Rescues deficits in neuronal plasticity.

P21 has not yet been tested in human clinical trials. Research protocols in animal models use subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection. The adamantane moiety enables blood-brain barrier penetration for CNS effects.

GoalDoseFrequencyRoute
Research protocolVariable by studyDailySubQ or IP

Reconstitution Instructions

Materials Needed:
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC)
  • Insulin syringes
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Peptide vial
  • Sterile work surface
  1. 1 Clean work area and hands thoroughly
  2. 2 Calculate required BAC water volume
  3. 3 Draw BAC water into syringe
  4. 4 Inject slowly down vial side
  5. 5 Gently swirl until dissolved (never shake)
  6. 6 Store in refrigerator
Semax

Different nootropic mechanisms; may complement each other.

compatible
Dihexa

Both promote neurogenesis through different pathways.

compatible
BPC-157

No known negative interactions; different mechanisms.

compatible
NA-Semax Amidate

Different cognitive enhancement mechanisms.

compatible
Days-Weeks

BDNF elevation begins

Weeks

Neurogenesis enhancement measurable

Weeks-Months

Cognitive improvements in research models

Long-term

Disease-modifying effects in AD models

Common Side Effects

  • Limited data - primarily preclinical research
  • Generally well-tolerated in animal studies

Stop Signs - Discontinue if:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Unusual neurological symptoms

Contraindications

  • Not approved for human use
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Unknown safety profile in humans

Good Signs

  • White lyophilized powder
  • Clear solution after reconstitution
  • High purity (>95%)
  • Intact vacuum seal

Warning Signs

  • Research chemical - limited quality standards

Bad Signs

  • Discoloration
  • Cloudy solution
  • Particulates visible
  • P021 Treatment in 3xTg-AD Mice
    Journal of Alzheimer's Disease (2018)

    P021 markedly reduced tau pathology, attenuated Aβ, rescued episodic memory, and reduced mortality in AD mice.

  • P21 and BDNF/TrkB Pathway
    Neuropharmacology (2019)

    Disease-modifying effect via BDNF/TrkB/PI3-K/AKT/GSK3β pathway; rescued neurogenesis and cognition.

  • P21 in Cognitive Aging
    Neurobiology of Aging (2017)

    May reduce age-related cognitive decline by restoring BDNF expression and synaptic function.

  • P21 as Promising AD Drug Candidate
    Alzheimer's Research & Therapy (2020)

    Beneficial effects in preclinical studies make P21 highly promising for AD drug development.

Disclaimer

This information is for educational and research purposes only. Consult a healthcare professional before use.