Davunetide
Davunetide is a neuroprotective octapeptide. Davunetide corresponds to the NAPVSIPQ motif of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein. Preclinical work describes interaction with tubulin and microtubule-end-binding proteins, promoting microtubule assembly and stability and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation. The microtubule hypothesis was the rationale for testing it in tauopathies, where it ultimately failed to show clinical benefit.
For research use only.
Key Facts
- CAS
- —
- Molecular Weight (MW)
- 824.9 g/mol
- Half-life
- —
- FDA status
- Withdrawn / Rejected
- Administration Route
- intranasal
- Frequency
- —
- Last updated
- Aug 30, 2026
- Reviewed
- Aug 30, 2026
Research summary
Eight-amino-acid fragment of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein, investigated for tauopathies. A phase 3 trial in progressive supranuclear palsy did not meet its endpoints and development for that indication stopped. Not FDA-approved.
Peptide Library's Davunetide profile summarises 5 cited studies listed in the Science section, the compound's regulatory status, and research-protocol parameters reported for it. It is a research reference, not medical advice.
Protocol
- Dosage Range
- —
- Frequency
- —
- Cycle
- —
- Administration Route
- intranasal
- Reconstitution Guide
- —
Sequence & molecular data
| Amino acid sequence | Asn-Ala-Pro-Val-Ser-Ile-Pro-Gln |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C36H60N10O12 |
| Molecular weight | 824.9 g/mol |
| PubChem CID | 9832404 |
| FDA UNII | GF00K3IIWE |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2103826 |
| DrugBank | DB12613 |
Identifiers link to the public PubChem, FDA Substance Registration (UNII), ChEMBL and DrugBank records for the same entity.
Science
Mechanism of Action
Davunetide corresponds to the NAPVSIPQ motif of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein. Preclinical work describes interaction with tubulin and microtubule-end-binding proteins, promoting microtubule assembly and stability and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation. The microtubule hypothesis was the rationale for testing it in tauopathies, where it ultimately failed to show clinical benefit.
Studies
- Systemic davunetide provides sex-specific neuroprotection during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)
- Davunetide sex-dependently boosts memory in prodromal Alzheimer's disease
- Effect of the neuroprotective peptide davunetide (AL-108) on cognition and functional capacity in schizophrenia
- Intranasal NAP (Davunetide): Neuroprotection and circadian rhythmicity
- An update on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis
Regulatory & research status
Davunetide was withdrawn from the market or rejected for approval. It is not an approved product.
| FDA status | Withdrawn / Rejected |
|---|---|
| Research status | Development discontinued |
| Availability | Research-Only |
| WADA (sport) | Unknown / Not Listed |
| Library classification | Clinical Trial |
Benefits
—
Potential Side Effects
No side effects listed yet for this entry.
Storage & stability
Lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide powder is far more stable than the reconstituted solution. Keep sealed vials cold, dry and away from light; long-term storage is typically frozen, with short-term refrigeration for vials in use.
Once reconstituted in bacteriostatic water, keep the solution refrigerated, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles and agitation, and label the vial with the reconstitution date and concentration. Discard any solution that turns cloudy or shows particulates.
Degradation rates differ by sequence: peptides containing methionine, cysteine, asparagine or glutamine are more prone to oxidation and deamidation, so shelf life after reconstitution is compound-specific rather than universal.
Read the full guide: how to store peptides before and after reconstitution →
Source: Manning MC, Chou DK, Murphy BM, Payne RW, Katayama DS. Stability of protein pharmaceuticals: an update. Pharm Res. 2010;27(4):544–575. (PMID 20143256). General guidance for research handling; not product-specific instructions.
Davunetide: frequently asked questions
What is Davunetide?
Eight-amino-acid fragment of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein, investigated for tauopathies. A phase 3 trial in progressive supranuclear palsy did not meet its endpoints and development for that indication stopped. Not FDA-approved.
How does Davunetide work?
Davunetide corresponds to the NAPVSIPQ motif of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein. Preclinical work describes interaction with tubulin and microtubule-end-binding proteins, promoting microtubule assembly and stability and reducing tau hyperphosphorylation.
Is Davunetide FDA approved?
No. Davunetide is not currently FDA-approved. Its development or marketing was discontinued, which can happen for commercial reasons as well as safety or efficacy ones. Any material available today is not an approved product.
What is the amino acid sequence of Davunetide?
Davunetide has the sequence Asn-Ala-Pro-Val-Ser-Ile-Pro-Gln, giving a chain of 8 amino acids. Its molecular formula is C36H60N10O12.
References
- Systemic davunetide provides sex-specific neuroprotection during Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) — Transl Psychiatry, 2025External reference
- Davunetide sex-dependently boosts memory in prodromal Alzheimer's disease — Transl Psychiatry, 2024External reference
- Effect of the neuroprotective peptide davunetide (AL-108) on cognition and functional capacity in schizophrenia — Schizophr Res, 2012External reference
- Intranasal NAP (Davunetide): Neuroprotection and circadian rhythmicity — Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 2025External reference
- An update on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory agents for patients with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis — Psychol Med, 2019External reference
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Compiled by Peptide Library Editorial · Reviewed Aug 30, 2026 · Updated Aug 30, 2026 · Version 1
This Davunetide profile is compiled from published literature (5 cited studies linked above), public regulatory records and chemical registries. It describes what research reports; it is not medical advice, and nothing here is a dosing recommendation for humans. Peptide Library does not sell peptides. Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled · Report an error
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