About Davunetide
Stabilizes microtubules by interacting with tubulin and microtubule-associated proteins. Activates SIRT1, reduces amyloid-β toxicity, and enhances synaptic plasticity. Protects against tau hyperphosphorylation.
Davunetide (AL-108; NAP; NAPVSIPQ) is a synthetic octapeptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), initially identified as a neuroprotective sequence from ADNP and investigated in clinical trials as a candidate treatment for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and tauopathies including progressive supranuclear palsy. Davunetide is proposed to stabilize microtubule dynamics by interacting with tubulin and preventing tau hyperphosphorylation-related cytoskeletal disruption, and preclinical models demonstrated neuroprotective and procognitive effects at nanomolar concentrations. Clinical investigation included Phase 2 trials examining cognitive outcomes and MRS neuroimaging biomarkers in schizophrenia patients, and a Phase 2/3 trial in progressive supranuclear palsy; results showed some neurochemical effects but no consistent meaningful cognitive improvement across clinical endpoints, and the PSP program did not meet its primary outcomes. Davunetide has no FDA approval and no approved indication in any jurisdiction; clinical development has been discontinued following negative trial outcomes, and while its preclinical neuroprotective profile remains scientifically interesting, the clinical evidence does not establish efficacy for cognitive enhancement or neuroprotection in any condition.
Davunetide Benefits & Research Areas
Regulatory & Evidence
Risk Profile
Generally considered lower risk in research contexts. Risk profile varies by individual — review contraindications before use.
Regulatory Status
- Availability Status
- Research Only
Regulatory status reflects publicly available information and may change. This is not legal or medical advice.
Research Sources
3 sources cited · 3 moderate
2 RCTs · 1 Cohort
Microtubule-stabilizing drugs suppress convulsions in a C. elegans model of CAMSAP disorders.
Epilepsy Res · 2026
# Summary Research found that microtubule-stabilizing drugs suppress convulsions in a *C. elegans* model of CAMSAP disorders, suggesting that stabilizing microtubule structures may be a therapeutic approach for seizures associated with these neurological conditions. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of microtubule-stabilizing compounds in reducing seizure activity in a genetic model system.
Effects of davunetide on N-acetylaspartate and choline in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with schizophrenia
Neuropsychopharmacology · 2013
In an MRS substudy of 18 participants from the parent davunetide schizophrenia trial, the high-dose group showed a trend toward 8.0% higher N-acetylaspartate and a significant 7.9% higher choline-to-creatine ratio in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex at 12 weeks compared with placebo, consistent with a potential neuroprotective mechanism involving neuronal membrane integrity and myelin preservation.
Effect of the neuroprotective peptide davunetide (AL-108) on cognition and functional capacity in schizophrenia
Schizophrenia Research · 2011
In a 12-week multicenter double-blind trial, intranasal davunetide at 5 mg and 30 mg was well tolerated in patients with schizophrenia and produced a significant beneficial effect on performance-based functional capacity (UPSA; d=0.74 for 5 mg dose), though changes on the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery did not reach statistical significance versus placebo, suggesting possible efficacy at sufficient sample sizes.
Davunetide Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Generally considered lower risk in research contexts. Individual response varies — review all considerations before use.
Reported contraindications & considerations
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health decisions. This information is educational only and does not constitute medical advice.
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Questions to Ask Your Provider
Frequently Asked Questions — Davunetide
Davunetide (AL-108; NAP; NAPVSIPQ) is a synthetic octapeptide derived from activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP), initially identified as a neuroprotective sequence from ADNP and investigated in clinical trials as a candidate treatment for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia and tauopathies including progressive supranuclear palsy. Davunetide is proposed to stabilize microtubule dynamics by interacting with tubulin and preventing tau hyperphosphorylation-related cytoskeletal disruption, and preclinical models demonstrated neuroprotective and procognitive effects at nanomolar concentrations.
neuroprotection, tau stabilization, cognitive enhancement, memory, synaptic plasticity.
Research on Davunetide primarily documents effects related to neuroprotection and tau stabilization and cognitive enhancement and memory and synaptic plasticity. These are areas covered in preclinical and clinical literature — individual response varies and effects depend on context of use.
Reported contraindications and considerations for Davunetide include pregnant or nursing. This is educational information only — consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.
# Summary Research found that microtubule-stabilizing drugs suppress convulsions in a *C. elegans* model of CAMSAP disorders, suggesting that stabilizing microtubule structures may be a therapeutic approach for seizures associated with these neurological conditions. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of microtubule-stabilizing compounds in reducing seizure activity in a genetic model system.