Specimen index
Peptide Database
12 peptides — filtered results
Cerebrolysin
ApprovedFPF 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.
Cortexin
ApprovedCortexin 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.
CRH
PreclinicalCorticotropin-Releasing Hormone · Corticotropin-Releasing Factor
CRH is a 41-amino-acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus that drives the HPA axis stress response. It stimulates ACTH release from the anterior pituitary, ultimately triggering cortisol secretion. Beyond stress regulation, CRH receptors (CRHR1, CRHR2) are distributed throughout the brain and gut, mediating anxiety, depression, immune function, and GI motility. CRH antagonists are under development for anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Galanin
PreclinicalGAL
Galanin is a 29-30 amino acid neuropeptide widely distributed throughout the CNS and peripheral nervous system. It modulates memory, mood, pain, seizures, appetite, and sleep via three receptor subtypes (GALR1–3). Research focuses on its roles in Alzheimer's disease (galanin hyperinnervation of cholinergic neurons), depression, epilepsy, and eating behavior. Both agonists and antagonists have therapeutic potential depending on the target condition.
Neuropeptide Y
PreclinicalNPY
Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is a 36-amino-acid peptide and the most abundant neuropeptide in the mammalian CNS, acting through Y1–Y6 receptors. It is a potent orexigenic signal (stimulating appetite and fat storage), anxiolytic agent, vasoconstrictor, and regulator of circadian rhythms. Paradoxically, peripheral NPY promotes fat accumulation while central NPY drives food intake — making it a complex but high-priority metabolic research target.
Neurotensin
PreclinicalNT · NTS
Neurotensin is a 13-amino-acid neuropeptide found in the brain and GI tract. Centrally, it modulates dopamine circuits, acts as an endogenous antipsychotic-like agent, and is analgesic. Peripherally, it inhibits gastric acid secretion, stimulates pancreatic secretion, and promotes fat absorption. Research explores neurotensin analogs for pain, schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and metabolic regulation.
Noopept
ApprovedN-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.
Orexin A
PreclinicalHypocretin-1 · OXA
Orexin A (Hypocretin-1) is a 33-amino-acid neuropeptide produced exclusively by lateral hypothalamic neurons. It promotes wakefulness, arousal, and energy expenditure via OX1R and OX2R receptors, and its deficiency (due to autoimmune destruction of orexin neurons) is the cause of narcolepsy with cataplexy. Orexin receptor antagonists (suvorexant, lemborexant) are approved for insomnia; orexin agonists are under development for narcolepsy.
Oxytocin
ApprovedPitocin · the "bonding hormone"
Oxytocin is a 9-amino-acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. Beyond its classic roles in parturition and lactation, research demonstrates effects on social bonding, trust, empathy, fear extinction, and autism spectrum disorder. Intranasal oxytocin research has produced mixed results in clinical trials, but it remains one of the most studied peptides in social neuroscience.
Substance P
PreclinicalSP · NK1 ligand
Substance P is an 11-amino-acid neuropeptide of the tachykinin family and a primary neurotransmitter of pain signaling in the spinal cord. It binds NK1 receptors to mediate neurogenic inflammation, pain hypersensitivity, and emotional processing. NK1 antagonists have been developed for pain, depression (aprepitant), and nausea. Research also implicates substance P in wound healing, immune activation, and neuroinflammation.
Vasopressin
ApprovedADH · Antidiuretic Hormone
Vasopressin (AVP) is a 9-amino-acid neuropeptide produced in the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary. It regulates water reabsorption via V2 receptors in renal collecting ducts and vasoconstriction via V1a receptors in blood vessels. Clinically used for diabetes insipidus, septic shock vasodilation, GI hemorrhage, and cardiac arrest. Extensive research also examines its roles in social bonding, memory, and stress responses.
VIP
Phase IIVasoactive Intestinal Peptide · Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide) is a 28-amino-acid neuropeptide with pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory, and immunomodulatory effects mediated through VPAC1 and VPAC2 receptors. Research spans pulmonary arterial hypertension (inhaled VIP trials), inflammatory bowel disease, sepsis, Parkinson's disease, and CIRS (chronic inflammatory response syndrome). It suppresses Th1 cytokines and promotes Treg cell function.