P021

Peptide 021, GLXC-21260

A tetrapeptide derived from CNTF, designed to promote neurogenesis, enhance cognition, and mitigate Alzheimer's pathologies by modulating neurotrophic signaling.

Molecular Profile

Formula C₂₇H₄₂N₆O₈

Mol. Weight 578.7 g/mol

Sequence Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro...

Clinical Data Trials

Scientific Data Studies

Route	Dosage	Bioavailability
Oral 60 nmol/g diet (in mice)	60 nmol/g diet (in mice)	High (90%)	ORA
Subcutaneous (SC) 25 nM/day (in mice)	25 nM/day (in mice)	High (95%)	SUB

How It Works

How It Works: P021 is a modified tetrapeptide from CNTF that competitively inhibits LIF signaling and increases BDNF expression to promote neurogenesis and neuroprotection.

Competitively inhibits leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling, reducing neural progenitor cell inhibition
Increases BDNF expression, activating TrkB-PI3K-Akt pathway to inhibit GSK-3β and reduce tau phosphorylation
Enhances neurogenesis in hippocampal dentate gyrus (increases Ki-67+ and DCX+ cells)
Restores synaptic markers (e.g., synaptophysin, PSD-95, MAP2, glutamate receptors like GluN1, GluA1)
Reduces soluble Aβ40/Aβ42 and phosphorylated tau levels in Alzheimer's models
Prevents neurodegeneration and amyloid/tau pathologies in models of aging, Down syndrome, and macular degeneration.

Pairs Well With

Latest Clinical Trials

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Completed PHASE1, PHASE2 NCT02039674

A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Combination With Chemotherapy or Immunotherapy in Participants With Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (MK-3475-021/KEYNOTE-021)

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

INTERVENTIONAL

Updated Dec 15, 2025

Completed PHASE2 NCT00537017

Follow Up Safety Study of SCH 420814 in Subjects With Parkinson's Disease (P05175)

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

INTERVENTIONAL

Updated Dec 15, 2025

Completed NA NCT03894709

A Care Model for Elderly Hip-fractured Persons With Cognitive Impairment and Their Family Caregivers

Chang Gung Memorial Hospital

INTERVENTIONAL

Updated Dec 15, 2025

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Latest Studies

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Utility 2

pubmed Nov 26, 2024

Effects of a ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) small-molecule peptide mimetic in an in vitro and in vivo model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder.

Mottolese. Nicola N; Loi. Manuela M; Trazzi. Stefania S; Tassinari. Marianna M;...

The peptide P021 helped brain cells grow and survive in a dish made from CDKL5‑deficient cells, but when given to CDKL5‑deficient mice it did not raise BDNF levels, fix brain structure, or meaningfully improve behavior. More work is needed to see if starting treatment earlier or giving it longer could work.

pubmed Nov 21, 2024

Candidate serum protein biomarkers for active pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis in tuberculosis endemic settings.

Ayalew. Sosina S; Wegayehu. Teklu T; Wondale. Biniam B; Tarekegn. Azeb A; Tessem...

Researchers found a set of eight proteins in blood that can accurately tell if someone has active lung TB, even when other lung issues are present. This could lead to a simple blood test for TB, but it doesn’t change everyday health hacks or performance strategies.

pubmed Mar 13, 2024

Variants located in intron 6 of <i>SMN1</i> lead to misdiagnosis in genetic detection and screening for SMA.

Qu. Yujin Y; Bai. Jinli J; Jiao. Hui H; Qi. Hong H; Huang. Wenchen W; OuYang. Sh...

The study shows that certain DNA changes inside the SMN1 gene can trick standard genetic tests into wrongly saying a person has two missing copies of the gene, which could lead to a misdiagnosis of spinal muscular atrophy. Using a different test (MLPA‑P021) or sequencing avoids this error.

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