Humanin

Molecular Identifiers

Overview

Mitochondrial genome-derived peptide with 24 amino acids. Has potent neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effects. Acts on insulin sensitization and protection against neurodegenerative diseases and metabolic stress.

The main clinical interest around humanin is its neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic effect — protection against beta-amyloid toxicity, reduction of oxidative stress, and support for mitochondrial function. Added to this is a metabolic action, with insulin sensitization and protection against endoplasmic reticulum stress, driving research in neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes, and aging.

Humanin currently has no regulatory approval from any agency (FDA, EMA, ANVISA), and its clinical use remains restricted to the research context. When available, it is dispensed by compounding pharmacies as experimental off-label use, in short cycles with subcutaneous administration. The HNG (S14G-Humanin) variant has increased potency and is the most studied form in preclinical models.

Humanin was first described in 2001 from the brains of Alzheimer's patients and was the first functional protein identified with origin in the mitochondrial genome — opening the field of mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs).

Among mitochondrial peptides, humanin is the neuroprotective/anti-apoptotic axis of the group, focused on Alzheimer's and metabolic stress, in contrast with MOTS-c (exercise mimetic via AMPK, focused on insulin sensitivity) and SS-31/elamipretide (synthetic tetrapeptide binding cardiolipin, focused on cardioprotection). It shares the MDP category — peptide derived from the mitochondrial genome — with MOTS-c, and was the first one described, establishing the paradigm that MOTS-c later joined.

Mechanism of Action

• Neuroprotection against beta-amyloid toxicity and oxidative stress
• Anti-apoptotic effect via interaction with Bax and IGFBP-3
• Insulin sensitization and metabolic improvement
• Mitochondrial protection and maintenance of bioenergetic function
• Reduction of systemic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Reported Side Effects

Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.

• Injection site pain (mild)
• Headache (rare)

Product Properties

Presentations & Preparation

Scientific Studies

Published studies on Humanin.

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