Comparison
Desmopressin vs. FOXO4-DRI
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
16679-58-6
2074706-72-8
Molecular weight
1069.2 g/mol
3735 g/mol
Half-life
3 h
0.5 h
Sequence
Mpa-Tyr-Phe-Gln-Asn-Cys-Pro-D-Arg-Gly-NH2 (Disulfid 1-6)D-Retro-Inverso-Variante eines FOXO4-Peptid-Fragments (LTLRKEPASEIAQSILEAYSQNGWANRRSGGKR — D-Aminosäuren in umgekehrter Sequenz)Mechanism of action
Desmopressin
Desmopressin is a structurally modified analogue of the nine-residue peptide hormone vasopressin. Deamination at the N-terminus (1-deamino) and replacement of L-arginine by D-arginine at position 8 prolong the duration of action and render the compound largely selective for the vasopressin V2 receptor, while the V1-mediated vasoconstrictive effect is strongly reduced. Acting on V2 receptors in the renal collecting ducts, it promotes insertion of aquaporin-2 water channels into the apical membrane, increasing water reabsorption and reducing urine volume (antidiuretic effect). In addition, via V2 receptors on the vascular endothelium, desmopressin stimulates the release of von Willebrand factor and factor VIII from endothelial stores (Weibel-Palade bodies), improving primary haemostasis.
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the D-retro-inverso variant of a peptide fragment of the FOXO4 transcription factor. In senescent cells, FOXO4 is bound to p53, which suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis — the cells survive in a secreting 'zombie-like' state (senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP). The DRI peptide disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, freeing p53, and the senescent cell initiates apoptosis. Healthy cells are largely unaffected because p53 is not held back by FOXO4 in them. This selectivity was the central finding of the original 2017 publication.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Animal model
Studies
4
3
of which in humans
4
0
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Desmopressin and FOXO4-DRI?
- Desmopressin is classified as "Research other", while FOXO4-DRI is classified as "Research other". Desmopressin: Desmopressin (DDAVP) is a synthetic analogue of the endogenous hormone vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH). Deamination of the first amino acid and substitution of L-arginine with D-arginine give it selective activity at the V2 receptor with strongly reduced pressor (V1) activity. It has been approved for decades for indications including central diabetes insipidus, primary nocturnal enuresis, and bleeding tendency in von Willebrand disease type 1 and mild haemophilia A. The principal safety concern is hyponatremia or water intoxication. FOXO4-DRI: Synthetic peptide with D-Retro-Inverso structure (all amino acids as D-form, sequence reversed), developed in 2017 as an experimental senolytic candidate. Goal: selective apoptosis of senescent cells via disruption of the FOXO4-p53 interaction. So far evaluated exclusively preclinically. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Desmopressin or FOXO4-DRI?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human RCT" for Desmopressin and "Animal model" for FOXO4-DRI. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Desmopressin and FOXO4-DRI in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Desmopressin — Prescription, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. United States: Desmopressin — Prescription, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.