Humanin
Humanin is a naturally occurring 24-amino acid mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP) first identified in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients as a survival factor against amyloid-beta toxicity. Originally discovered as a neuroprotective agent, humanin represents a groundbreaking discovery in longevity medicine and cellular protection, emerging as a master regulator of cellular health, mitochondrial function, and aging processes.
This peptide has gained considerable attention in longevity medicine due to its demonstrated efficacy in protecting against neurodegeneration, enhancing metabolic health, reducing systemic inflammation, and promoting healthy aging. Humanin exhibits unique properties as the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptide with systemic biological activity and maintains bioactivity across various physiological conditions, making it distinctive among therapeutic peptides with applications in age-related diseases and longevity optimization.
Overview
Humanin is unique among therapeutic peptides as it is encoded by mitochondrial DNA (16S rRNA gene) and represents the first identified mitochondrial-derived peptide with systemic biological activity. The peptide is metabolized through standard peptide degradation pathways with excellent tissue distribution, and demonstrates detectability up to 12 hours post-administration using specialized analytical methods.
Chemical structure & Properties
- Molecular Formula: C118H200N32O35S
- Molecular Weight: 2,687 Da
- Sequence: 24 amino acids (MAPRGFSCLLLLTSEIDLPVKRRA)
- Half-life: 2-4 hours following subcutaneous administration
- Stability: Stable peptide requiring refrigerated storage when reconstituted
Mechanism of Action
Humanin exerts its therapeutic effects through multiple interconnected molecular pathways:
Clinical Applications and
Research Evidence
Current Clinical Evidence
Safety Profile and Considerations
Regulatory Status and
Legal Considerations
FDA Status
- Classification: Research peptide, not approved for therapeutic use
- Approval Status: Not approved for human therapeutic use
- Development Stage: Preclinical development with limited human data
- Regulatory Position: Early-phase human studies needed for regulatory advancement
WADA Status
- Classification: Not specifically prohibited in current regulations
- Athletic Use: Status unclear for competitive sports applications
- Testing: Limited detection methods available for monitoring
Legal Availability
- Commercial Status: Not legally available as prescription medication
- Market Presence: Available through research institutions and specialized suppliers
- Quality Control: Quality and purity verification essential for therapeutic applications
- Clinical Use: Limited to research settings and experimental protocols
Administration and Dosing
Considerations
The Paragon Method: Step-by-Step
Administration Routes
- Subcutaneous injection (preferred route, excellent bioavailability)
- Intravenous administration (research settings only)
- Site rotation recommended for repeated administration
Clinical Considerations
Important Notes:
- No FDA-approved dosing guidelines exist for human use
- Individual response may vary based on metabolic status and age
- Medical supervision required for any therapeutic application
- Quality verification essential due to complex peptide mixture
Priority Research Areas
- Phase I/II safety and efficacy studies in healthy aging populations
- Clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease patients
- Metabolic health applications in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients
- Long-term studies on lifespan and healthspan in human populations
- Advanced understanding of mitochondrial-derived peptide biology
Emerging Applications
Research is investigating potential applications in:
- Cardiovascular protective effects in humans
- Cancer prevention and treatment applications (with appropriate safeguards)
- Immune system modulation and inflammatory diseases
- Integration with other longevity and anti-aging interventions
- Integration with other longevity interventions
Conclusion
Humanin represents a revolutionary therapeutic peptide with demonstrated benefits in preclinical models of longevity, neuroprotection, and metabolic health. Its unique origin as a mitochondrial-derived peptide and demonstrated ability to extend both lifespan and healthspan offer potential advantages in addressing fundamental aging mechanisms. However, the current evidence base remains predominantly preclinical, with limited human clinical data available.
The lack of FDA approval, potential safety considerations, and regulatory restrictions necessitate careful consideration and medical supervision for any therapeutic application. Patients interested in humanin therapy should engage in thorough discussions with qualified healthcare providers to weigh potential benefits against risks and explore evidence-based treatment alternatives.
Future research will be critical in establishing the safety, efficacy, and appropriate clinical applications of humanin in human medicine. Until comprehensive clinical trials are completed, its use should remain limited to research settings and experimental protocols under appropriate medical oversight.
HUMANIN SCIENTIFIC
DATA SUMMARY
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Humanin is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. The peptide may affect glucose metabolism, requiring careful monitoring in diabetic patients. Patients should consult with qualified healthcare providers before considering any peptide therapy.
The content reflects current scientific literature and regulatory status as of 2025.