Description
P21 (also designated P021 in the original literature) is a synthetic small-peptide mimetic derived from the most active region of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF). Engineered by Dr. Khalid Iqbal and colleagues at the New York State Institute for Basic Research, P21 was designed to retain the neurogenic and neurotrophic properties of full-length CNTF while overcoming its key pharmacological limitations — poor blood-brain barrier penetration, rapid enzymatic degradation, and immunogenicity. The peptide consists of the DGGL tetrapeptide pharmacophore from CNTF residues 148–151, with N-terminal acetylation and a C-terminal adamantylglycine modification that dramatically enhances BBB permeability and metabolic stability. P21 is studied as a partial inhibitor of the leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) signaling pathway and has been investigated in rodent models of Alzheimer’s disease, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and age-related cognitive decline. Its small molecular weight (~578 Da) and lipophilic adamantane modification place it within the optimal range for efficient nasal mucosal absorption and direct nose-to-brain delivery.
Product Highlights
• Each vial contains 10 mL solution (~100 sprays)
• Each spray delivers 0.1 mL = 100 mcg P21
• Total P21 Content: 10 mg per vial
• Specialized pharmaceutical-grade nasal solution — designed for comfort and ease on the nose
• Unlike many other nasal sprays, this formula avoids irritation and dryness
• Packaged in Class A, lead-free pharmaceutical glass bottles
• Tamper/Child-Proof Cap + Orifice Reducer for integrity, sterility, and ease of use
Description
P21 is explored as a CNTF-derived peptidomimetic with research interest in hippocampal neurogenesis, BDNF and NT-3 pathway activation, synaptic plasticity, tau hyperphosphorylation modulation, and cognitive function endpoints in preclinical models of neurodegeneration.
Benefits
• Hippocampal neurogenesis — studied for enhanced dentate gyrus neurogenesis and newborn neuron survival
• BDNF / NT-3 induction — investigated for upregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-3 signaling
• Synaptic plasticity — explored for enhanced dendritic complexity and synaptic protein expression
• Tau pathology research — examined for reductions in tau hyperphosphorylation in transgenic AD models
• Cognitive function — linked to spatial memory and learning improvements in aged and AD-model rodents
• LIF pathway modulation — researched as a partial inhibitor of leukemia inhibitory factor signaling without CNTF’s inflammatory side effects
Localized Effects with Nasal Spray
• Rapid absorption through the nasal mucosa
• Direct olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathway access to the central nervous system
• Bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism that limits oral peptide bioavailability
• P21’s small size (~578 Da) and adamantane modification support efficient nasal-to-brain transport
• Particularly relevant given P21’s primary CNS targets and original BBB-permeable design
• Formulated with a specialized isotonic nasal vehicle to minimize irritation and dryness
What Researchers Use It For
• Hippocampal neurogenesis quantification (BrdU, doublecortin labeling)
• BDNF, NT-3, and CREB signaling pathway research
• Synaptic plasticity, LTP, and dendritic spine density endpoints
• Tau hyperphosphorylation and amyloid-β pathology in 3xTg-AD mouse models
• Cognitive performance (Morris water maze, novel object recognition) in aging research
• Comparative neurotrophic mimetic pharmacology (vs Cerebrolysin, BDNF mimetics)
Identity & Specs
• Compound: P21
• Synonyms: P021; CNTF peptidomimetic; CNTF small-molecule mimetic
• Class: CNTF-derived neurogenic peptidomimetic; adamantylated tetrapeptide
• Sequence: Ac-Asp-Gly-Gly-Leu-(adamantyl)Gly-NH₂ (Ac-DGGL-AG-NH₂)
• Formula / M.W.: C₃₀H₄₈N₆O₉, ~578.34 g/mol (some references ~578.7 g/mol)
• Origin: Engineered from CNTF residues 148–151 (DGGL pharmacophore)
• Form: Sterile nasal spray solution
• Net per vial: 10 mL (~100 sprays)
• Total Content: 10 mg P21 per vial
• Concentration: 1.0 mg/mL (100 mcg per 0.1 mL spray)
• Purity: ≥99% (HPLC)
• Identity: MS-verified (per COA)
• Storage: Refrigerate 2–8 °C, protect from light
⚠️ Disclaimer
- This product is intended for laboratory research use only.
- Not for human or veterinary use.
- Not approved for diagnostic, therapeutic, or medical applications.
- Handle using appropriate laboratory safety procedures and personal protective equipment.
