Back to Peptide Database
CognitiveInvestigational

ACTH (4-10) Analogs

Overview

ACTH (4-10) analogs are synthetic peptides derived from the 4 to 10 amino acid sequence of adrenocorticotropic hormone, engineered to preserve neurotrophic and cognitive-enhancing properties while eliminating steroidogenic activity. These fragments are thought to influence attention, memory consolidation, and synaptic plasticity through melanocortin receptor interactions and modulation of neurotransmitter systems. They represent a class of nootropic peptides explored since the 1970s.

Key Research Findings

Early clinical studies in the 1970s and 1980s, published in psychopharmacology journals, reported improvements in attention and memory in healthy volunteers and patients with cognitive impairment. Subsequent research has been limited, and no ACTH fragment analogs have achieved regulatory approval for cognitive indications. Interest has been renewed in recent years for potential applications in ADHD and age-related cognitive decline.

Route of Administration

Intranasal, Subcutaneous injection

Regulatory Status

Investigational

Interested in ACTH (4-10) Analogs?

Find a verified provider experienced with ACTH (4-10) Analogs protocols in your area. All providers are credentialed and use compliant sourcing.

Find a ACTH (4-10) Analogs Provider

Related Peptides

Semax

FDA Approved

A synthetic heptapeptide analog of the ACTH(4-7) fragment (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) with nootropic and neuroprotective properties. Semax modulates BDNF and NGF expression, enhances monoaminergic neurotransmission, and provides neuroprotection through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It crosses the blood-brain barrier via intranasal administration.

Selank

Investigational

A synthetic analog of the endogenous tetrapeptide tuftsin (Thr-Lys-Pro-Arg) with an added Pro-Gly-Pro sequence for stability. Selank exhibits anxiolytic activity comparable to benzodiazepines without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal effects. It modulates the expression of BDNF, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, and influences IL-6 and GABA receptor expression.

Cerebrolysin

Investigational

A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation consisting of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids that mimic the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors. Cerebrolysin exhibits neurotrophic activity similar to BDNF, GDNF, and CNTF, promoting neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis. It modulates GSK-3beta, CDK5, and calcineurin-NFAT signaling cascades involved in neurodegeneration.

P21 (Peptide)

Research Phase

A small synthetic peptide derived from the active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) designed to promote neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. P21 is a tetrapeptide that crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances dentate gyrus neurogenesis by increasing BDNF expression. Unlike full-length CNTF, P21 does not activate the JAK-STAT pathway or produce the anorectic and immunogenic effects of the parent protein.