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Peptide Library

Peptide profile

Brain function Anecdotal

Davunetide (AL-108)

NAPVSIPQ peptide for microtubule stabilization

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Summary

Neuroprotective peptide for tauopathies (Alzheimer's, PSP).

A brain-protecting peptide tested for memory diseases like Alzheimer's.

Typical dose
15-30mg 2x daily intranasal
Route
Nasal
Cycle length
6-12 months
Evidence
Anecdotal

Mechanism

How it works

Davunetide acts like scaffolding for brain cell skeletons — it strengthens the internal microtubule structures that nerve cells need to maintain shape and transport nutrients.

Davunetide is a synthetic octapeptide (NAPVSIPQ) derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), that interacts with microtubule-associated proteins to stabilize tubulin and prevent tau aggregation.

Davunetide is a synthetic octapeptide (NAPVSIPQ) derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), that interacts with microtubule-associated proteins to stabilize tubulin and prevent tau aggregation.

Reported in research

Benefits

  • Stabilizes microtubules in neurons
  • Protects against tau aggregation
  • Potential for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
  • Neurotrophic effects
  • Helps keep the tiny support beams inside brain cells strong
  • Helps stop a sticky protein called tau from clumping up
  • Might help with a brain disease called PSP
  • Helps brain cells stay healthy

Context, not a prescription

Dosing

Typical range
15-30mg 2x daily intranasal (Nasal)
Cycle length
6-12 months

Safety

Side effects & contraindications

Possible side effects

  • Nasal irritation
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal upset
  • Severe nasal discomfort
  • Allergic reaction

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Severe nasal polyps or obstruction

Research information, not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before considering any peptide.

In depth

Full profile

What it does

It might slow down memory loss in tau diseases. But the test results were mixed.

How it works

Think of davunetide like scaffolding for brain cells. It makes the little support beams inside the cells stronger. These beams help cells keep their shape and move food around.

It sticks to the support beams inside brain cells. This helps stop the tau protein from going bad. It also keeps the cell's delivery system working.

What to expect

It protects the brain slowly over many months. There are no quick effects.

  • Weeks 4-8: Memory loss may slow down just a little.
  • Weeks 12-24: People with PSP might feel a bit better.
  • Months 6-12: May protect the brain over a long time.

Good to know

  • Make sure your nose is clear before using it
  • Start with a smaller dose (15mg)

Staying safe

  • An itchy or sore nose
  • Headache
  • Upset tummy

Avoid if you have:

  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • People with a very stuffy or blocked nose

Overview

Potential slowed cognitive decline in tauopathies; mixed clinical trial results.

How it works

Davunetide acts like scaffolding for brain cell skeletons — it strengthens the internal microtubule structures that nerve cells need to maintain shape and transport nutrients.

Binds to tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins, reducing tau hyperphosphorylation and preserving axonal transport.

Onset & timeline

Neuroprotective effects over months; no acute effects.

  • Weeks 4-8: Subtle stabilization in cognitive decline.
  • Weeks 12-24: Potential functional improvement in PSP.
  • Months 6-12: Long-term neuroprotection.

Getting the most from it

  • Clear nasal passages before use
  • Start with lower dose (15mg)

Common side effects

  • Nasal irritation
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal upset

Mechanism of action

Davunetide is a synthetic octapeptide (NAPVSIPQ) derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), that interacts with microtubule-associated proteins to stabilize tubulin and prevent tau aggregation.

Binds to tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins, reducing tau hyperphosphorylation and preserving axonal transport.

Pharmacodynamics

Neuroprotective effects over months; no acute effects.

Potential slowed cognitive decline in tauopathies; mixed clinical trial results.

Timeline

  • Weeks 4-8: Subtle stabilization in cognitive decline.
  • Weeks 12-24: Potential functional improvement in PSP.
  • Months 6-12: Long-term neuroprotection.

Comparisons

  • Davunetide — effectiveness Limited, safety Emerging, cost $$$, Medium to use
  • Cerebrolysin — effectiveness Moderate, safety Good, cost $$$, Hard to use

Adverse effects

Common:

  • Nasal irritation
  • Headache
  • Gastrointestinal upset

Rare:

  • Severe nasal discomfort
  • Allergic reaction

Contraindications & risk mitigation

Contraindicated in:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Severe nasal polyps or obstruction
  • Clear nasal passages before use
  • Start with lower dose (15mg)

Qué hace

Podría ralentizar la pérdida de memoria en enfermedades de tau. Pero los resultados de las pruebas fueron mixtos.

Cómo funciona

Piensa en el davunetide como un andamio para las células cerebrales. Fortalece las pequeñas vigas de soporte dentro de las células. Estas vigas ayudan a las células a mantener su forma y mover los nutrientes.

Se adhiere a las vigas de soporte dentro de las células cerebrales. Esto ayuda a evitar que la proteína tau se dañe. También mantiene funcionando el sistema de transporte de la célula.

Qué esperar

Protege el cerebro lentamente a lo largo de muchos meses. No tiene efectos rápidos.

  • Semanas 4-8: La pérdida de memoria podría ralentizarse un poco.
  • Semanas 12-24: Las personas con PSP podrían sentirse un poco mejor.
  • Meses 6-12: Podría proteger el cerebro a lo largo del tiempo.

Bueno saber

  • Asegúrate de tener la nariz despejada antes de usarlo
  • Comienza con una dosis más pequeña (15 mg)

Manteniéndose seguro

  • Picazón o dolor de nariz
  • Dolor de cabeza
  • Malestar estomacal

Evitar si tienes:

  • Mujeres embarazadas o en período de lactancia
  • Personas con la nariz muy congestionada u obstruida

Descripción general

Posible desaceleración del deterioro cognitivo en tauopatías; resultados mixtos en ensayos clínicos.

Cómo funciona

El davunetide actúa como andamiaje para el esqueleto de las células cerebrales: fortalece las estructuras internas de microtúbulos que las neuronas necesitan para mantener su forma y transportar nutrientes.

Se une a la tubulina y a las proteínas asociadas a microtúbulos, reduciendo la hiperfosforilación de tau y preservando el transporte axonal.

Inicio y cronología

Efectos neuroprotectores a lo largo de meses; sin efectos agudos.

  • Semanas 4-8: Estabilización sutil en el deterioro cognitivo.
  • Semanas 12-24: Mejora funcional potencial en la PSP.
  • Meses 6-12: Neuroprotección a largo plazo.

Cómo aprovecharlo al máximo

  • Limpiar las vías nasales antes del uso
  • Comenzar con una dosis menor (15 mg)

Efectos secundarios comunes

  • Irritación nasal
  • Dolor de cabeza
  • Molestias gastrointestinales

Mecanismo de acción

El davunetide es un octapéptido sintético (NAPVSIPQ) derivado de la proteína neuroprotectora dependiente de la actividad (ADNP), que interactúa con proteínas asociadas a microtúbulos para estabilizar la tubulina y prevenir la agregación de tau.

Se une a la tubulina y a las proteínas asociadas a microtúbulos, reduciendo la hiperfosforilación de tau y preservando el transporte axonal.

Farmacodinamia

Efectos neuroprotectores a lo largo de meses; sin efectos agudos.

Posible desaceleración del deterioro cognitivo en tauopatías; resultados mixtos en ensayos clínicos.

Cronología

  • Semanas 4-8: Estabilización sutil en el deterioro cognitivo.
  • Semanas 12-24: Mejora funcional potencial en la PSP.
  • Meses 6-12: Neuroprotección a largo plazo.

Comparaciones

  • Davunetide — efectividad Limitada, seguridad Emergente, costo $$$, Media de usar
  • Cerebrolysin — efectividad Moderada, seguridad Buena, costo $$$, Difícil de usar

Efectos adversos

Comunes:

  • Irritación nasal
  • Dolor de cabeza
  • Molestias gastrointestinales

Raros:

  • Molestia nasal severa
  • Reacción alérgica

Contraindicaciones y mitigación de riesgos

Contraindicado en:

  • Embarazo o lactancia
  • Pólipos nasales severos u obstrucción
  • Limpiar las vías nasales antes del uso
  • Comenzar con una dosis menor (15 mg)

Reference data

Specifications

Route
Nasal
Cycle length
6-12 months

FAQ

Common questions

Did davunetide work in human trials?

Mixed results — failed in Alzheimer's but showed possible benefit in PSP before trial termination.

Is it available to the public?

No, it was discontinued after Phase II/III failures.

What is the evidence level?

This compound is classified as Anecdotal. Evidence relies primarily on self-reported user experiences. Controlled studies are lacking.

Research

Research & sources

Anecdotal

Current evidence for Davunetide (AL-108) is rated as Anecdotal. No controlled clinical research is available.

  1. 1. Davunetide AL-108 (2009) — DOI:10.1016/j.nbd.2008.12.004
  2. 2. PSP trial davunetide (2014) — DOI:10.1016/S1474-4422(14)70038-6
  3. 3. Davunetide AL-108 (2009)
  4. 4. PSP trial davunetide (2014)