Description
P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF). The substance activates CNTF receptor pathways in the central nervous system and shows neurogenic and neuroprotective actions in preclinical studies.
Per study reports P21 stimulates neurogenesis in the hippocampus and subventricular zone area. In mouse studies documented increase of stem cell proliferation and differentiation to mature neurons was observed. Effects are associated with improved learning and memory performance in aging and Alzheimer models.
Compared to classical CNTF, P21 has the advantage of being stable and synthetic as a short peptide - the full-length CNTF had to be transported in cold chain and was more expensive as recombinant protein.
In the recreational community P21 is a young nootropic compound with research application in longer-term cognitive aging setups.
Pharmacokinetics: limited data - oral bioavailability is low, subcutaneous or intranasal use common.
You can order P21 as lyophilized peptide in 10-pack at 10mg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
P21 is described as well tolerated per study reports. The substance is a young nootropic compound whose data rests almost entirely on preclinical animal models.
Observed in research and user reports:
- Injection site: since oral bioavailability is low and dosing is subcutaneous or intranasal, mild redness or irritation at the application site is the most common observation.
- Neurogenic action: P21 activates CNTF receptor pathways and stimulates neurogenesis in animal models, classifying it as a biologically active intervention in central plasticity pathways.
- Young substance: P21 is less well characterized than established nootropics, and the specific data is limited.
- No human data: robust human studies and long-term data do not exist.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Neurotrophic peptides incorporating adamantane improve learning and memory, promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in mice - FEBS Letters 2010, Li et al: first characterization of P021 (Ac-DGGLAG-NH2) as a CNTF mimetic with neurogenesis and memory effects in mice.
- Disease modifying effect of chronic oral treatment with a neurotrophic peptidergic compound in a triple transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease - Neurobiology of Disease 2014, Kazim et al: chronic oral P021 in the 3xTg-AD model reduces tau hyperphosphorylation and improves cognition.
- Early neurotrophic pharmacotherapy rescues developmental delay and Alzheimer’s-like memory deficits in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome - Scientific Reports 2017, Kazim et al: P021 in the Ts65Dn Down syndrome model rescues developmental and memory deficits via BDNF and CREB.
- Prevention of dendritic and synaptic deficits and cognitive impairment with a neurotrophic compound - Alzheimer’s Research and Therapy 2017, Baazaoui et al: P021 prevents dendritic and synaptic deficits in an AD mouse model.
- Neurotrophic Treatment Initiated During Early Postnatal Development Prevents the Alzheimer-Like Behavior and Synaptic Dysfunction - Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2021, Wei et al: early-started P021 treatment prevents AD-like behavior and synaptic dysfunction.
