Comparison
Humanin vs. Bremelanotide
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
330936-69-1
189691-06-3
Molecular weight
2687.27 g/mol
1025.18 g/mol
Half-life
no data
2.7 h
Sequence
Met-Ala-Pro-Arg-Gly-Phe-Ser-Cys-Leu-Leu-Leu-Leu-Thr-Ser-Glu-Ile-Asp-Leu-Pro-Val-Lys-Arg-Arg-AlaAc-Nle-c[Asp-His-D-Phe-Arg-Trp-Lys]-OHMechanism of action
Humanin
Humanin arises from a short open reading frame within the 16S rRNA region of the mitochondrial genome (MT-RNR2) — it is therefore not encoded by nuclear DNA. Mechanistically, preclinical work describes a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic effect via multiple pathways: an extracellular interaction with a trimeric receptor complex of gp130, CNTFR and WSX-1 with downstream activation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling, as well as intracellular interactions including inhibition of the pro-apoptotic protein BAX (and of tBID), binding to IGFBP-3 with modulation of the IGF-1 axis, and interaction with FPRL1/FPRL2 receptors. These models derive predominantly from cell culture and rodents; the extent to which they reflect human physiology after administration of exogenous synthetic humanin is not established by controlled human trials.
Bremelanotide
Bremelanotide is a cyclic peptide that binds non-selectively to melanocortin receptors (MC1R through MC5R) — with highest affinity at MC4R in the central nervous system. The precise role of MC4R activation in sexual behaviour is not fully understood; animal data show effects on hypothalamic circuits. Peripheral effects (blood pressure, hyperpigmentation) are attributed to MC1R/MC2R.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Human RCT
Studies
4
5
of which in humans
1
5
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
0
2
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Humanin and Bremelanotide?
- Humanin is classified as "Research other", while Bremelanotide is classified as "Research other". Humanin: Humanin is a 24-amino-acid mitochondrial-encoded peptide (mitochondrial-derived peptide, MDP) whose open reading frame lies within the 16S rRNA region (gene MT-RNR2) of mitochondrial DNA. It is considered the founding member of the MDP family and was discovered in 2001 by the Hashimoto/Nishimoto group while searching for neuroprotective factors in the brain of an Alzheimer's patient. In basic research (including the laboratory of Pinchas Cohen) humanin is described as a cytoprotective, anti-apoptotic peptide and is studied in the contexts of Alzheimer's/neuroprotection, metabolism/insulin action and aging. The evidence comes almost entirely from cell and animal models and from observations of endogenous levels in humans; controlled human trials of exogenous humanin as a therapeutic are lacking. It is not approved as a medicine anywhere and is traded on the grey market as a research chemical. Bremelanotide: Synthetic cyclic heptapeptide acting as a non-selective melanocortin-receptor agonist. FDA-approved in 2019 as Vyleesi for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in pre-menopausal women. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Humanin or Bremelanotide?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Humanin and "Human RCT" for Bremelanotide. 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 Humanin and Bremelanotide in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Humanin — Unapproved, Bremelanotide — Unapproved. United States: Humanin — Research only, Bremelanotide — Prescription. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.