Neuroprotective octapeptide from ADNP researched for microtubule stabilization and cognitive preservation.
Last Updated: August 2026
Adamax (also Davunetide, NAP, NAPVSIPQ) is a synthetic octapeptide derived from a small active region of ADNP (activity-dependent neuroprotective protein), researched for microtubule stabilization, neuroprotection, and cognitive preservation in neurodegenerative contexts. It is one of the most clinically-developed neuroprotective peptides, having advanced to Phase 2/3 clinical trials for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and mild cognitive impairment, though those trials produced disappointing efficacy results. Davunetide is not approved for any indication and remains in research contexts.
Adamax (Davunetide, NAP) is a synthetic octapeptide (Asn-Ala-Pro-Val-Ser-Ile-Pro-Gln). "Adamax" is a vendor/community label; the molecule that was actually researched is davunetide (NAP), a fragment of activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) that reached the clinic only as an intranasal formulation (developed as AL-108/AL-208). Research-grade vials sold as "Adamax" are not that clinical product, so their identity and contents should be independently verified. corresponding to a small active region of ADNP (activity-dependent neuroprotective protein), proposed to stabilize neuronal microtubules and protect against the microtubule disruption associated with tau-pathology and other neurodegenerative processes. The microtubule mechanism is mechanistically relevant to tauopathies including Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Evidence level: Phase 2/3 human RCT (PSP — primary endpoint not met); preclinical extensive (microtubule, neuroprotection).
Davunetide advanced to a Phase 2/3 trial for progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) by Allon Therapeutics — the trial failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint, leading to program discontinuation. An earlier Phase 2 study in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (also using the intranasal formulation) produced only mixed, inconsistent cognitive signals — improvements on some memory measures at some timepoints — that did not establish efficacy. The Phase 2/3 failures are an important context: despite mechanistically interesting microtubule-stabilization activity in preclinical work, human efficacy for the studied indications has not been established. Evidence level: Phase 2/3 RCT (failed primary endpoints); preclinical mechanism extensive.
Adamax has the most advanced clinical development history of any neuroprotective research peptide on Peptigrity, but the Phase 2/3 efficacy failures are the dominant editorial point — preclinical mechanism does not always translate to human clinical benefit.
| Compound | Mechanism | Clinical stage | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adamax (Davunetide/NAP) | Microtubule stabilization | Phase 2/3 (PSP) | Primary endpoint failed |
| P21 | CNTF-derived, neurogenesis | Preclinical | Mechanism only |
| Semax | ACTH(4-10), BDNF | Russian clinical approved | Russia-approved (different mechanism) |
The human safety data for davunetide comes from its intranasal formulation, studied in the Phase 2/3 PSP trial and the earlier mild-cognitive-impairment trial. Across those trials it was generally well tolerated, with mild, mostly administration-related adverse events and no distinctive serious-adverse-event signal attributed to the drug. That profile was established for intranasal davunetide under trial monitoring; it does not transfer to research-grade material sold for injection as "Adamax," which carries none of that human safety characterization. The favorable safety profile is among the more characterized for any research peptide in this category, even though efficacy in the trial was not demonstrated. Evidence level: Phase 2/3 human safety data (substantial, intranasal formulation); does not characterize injectable research-grade material or long-term use.
…as of August 2026. The Phase 2/3 PSP program by Allon Therapeutics was discontinued after the primary efficacy endpoint was not met. No subsequent sponsor has resumed clinical development. The compound remains available as research-use-only material. Regulatory context in are peptides legal regulatory status by country.
Because the Phase 2/3 failure means buyers should approach the compound with appropriate skepticism — the mechanism remains interesting but human efficacy for the studied indications has not been established. Vendor verification at least ensures the molecule is what is claimed. Independent HPLC purity testing and mass spectrometry identity confirmation are the standard quality signals. Guidance in how-to-test-peptides hub.
Peptigrity collects independent third-party Certificates of Analysis for Adamax from shops' official channels and verifies each for authenticity before publishing. Because shops choose which COAs to publish, results reflect the batches shops have made public rather than every production batch — a selection bias we state openly. A community-funded Testing Grant to purchase and test vials anonymously is in development. Tests in the database come from independent labs such as Janoshik Analytical, Freedom Diagnostics, and Chromate. Methodology in how we calculate trust scores.
Adamax (Davunetide, NAP) is researched for microtubule stabilization and neuroprotection through a mechanism relevant to tauopathies including progressive supranuclear palsy. A Phase 2/3 trial in PSP failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint, leading to program discontinuation.
No. The Phase 2/3 trial of Davunetide in progressive supranuclear palsy (conducted by Allon Therapeutics) failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint despite favorable safety data. This is an important context for evaluating the compound — preclinical mechanism interest did not translate to human clinical benefit in the studied indication.
Adamax (Davunetide) is legal to purchase as a research chemical for laboratory use in most jurisdictions, but it is not approved for human consumption. Country breakdown in peptide legal status guide.
No active clinical development program exists for Davunetide as of August 2026. The Allon Therapeutics program was discontinued after Phase 2/3 failure. FDA approval is unlikely without renewed development by a pharmaceutical sponsor.
Independent third-party HPLC certificate of analysis from a lab the vendor does not own or pay, with mass spectrometry identity confirmation. COA interpretation in red flags in peptide certificates of analysis.
No. Adamax is not approved for human consumption, has failed Phase 2/3 efficacy for its lead indication, and Peptigrity is an independent review platform, not a medical authority. Anyone considering use should consult a licensed physician and be aware of the failed clinical trial context.
This section is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Adamax (Davunetide/NAP) is not approved by the FDA or any other regulator for human use; its Phase 2/3 trial in progressive supranuclear palsy did not meet its primary efficacy endpoint. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any peptide or research compound. Peptigrity is an independent review platform and does not sell, endorse, or recommend specific products or vendors.
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