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Penetratin

From PeptidePlaza, the free peptide reference · Entry #1033 · Nootropic · Sources fetched 2026-09-10 · Editorial standards

Penetratin (also known as L-Penetratin, Penetratin 1, Transportan, Antennapedia Peptide) is a nootropic research peptide. Penetratin is a cell-penetrating peptide, also known as Transportan or Antennapedia Peptide, currently in Phase 1 clinical trials.

Penetratin is a research peptide recognized for its ability to facilitate cellular uptake of various molecules. It is classified as a cell-penetrating peptide, and its mechanism involves interacting with lipid membranes to enhance permeation. Research into Penetratin explores its potential in drug delivery, including applications for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant bacterial infections, and intranasal delivery to the brain for conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Studies also investigate its interactions with lipid membranes in simulated intestinal environments and its role in shuttling homeoproteins. Penetratin is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials.

1 Chemical and physical properties

CAS number188842-14-0
Molar mass2245.7 g/mol
Purity (typical)Not independently verified
Storage−20 °C, lyophilised powder, desiccated
SolubilitySterile water / bacteriostatic water

2 Research studies (8)

  1. Peptide-Bound Aflibercept Eye Drops for Treatment of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Nonhuman Primates
    Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) (2025)
  2. A Foundation Model Identifies Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Peptides against Drug-Resistant Bacterial Infection
    Nature communications (2024)
  3. Intranasal delivery of pApoE2 via penetratin-mannose multi-functionalized chitosan polymeric micelles to the brain: Reduced total tau and phosphorylated tau burden in transgenic Alzheimer's mouse model
    International journal of biological macromolecules (2025)
  4. Shuttling Homeoproteins and Their Biological Significance
    Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) (2022) · Review
  5. Interactions of oral permeation enhancers with lipid membranes in simulated intestinal environments
    International journal of pharmaceutics (2024)
  6. Membrane fusogenic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles
    Biochimica et biophysica acta. Biomembranes (2019)
  7. Cell-penetrating peptides transport therapeutics into cells
    Pharmacology & therapeutics (2015) · Review
  8. Monitoring endosomal escape of fluorescent cell-penetrating peptides
    European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (2025)

3 Safety and risk profile

3.1 Regulatory status

Penetratin is currently classified as Phase 1 clinical trials. It has no approved human indication in the United States; availability elsewhere does not imply demonstrated safety or efficacy.

Safety data disclaimer. Safety assessments are based on published literature and are for educational reference only. Clinical evidence varies significantly between peptides. Always consult primary research and current regulatory guidance.

4 Frequently asked questions

What is Penetratin?
Penetratin is a cell-penetrating peptide, also known as Transportan or Antennapedia Peptide. It is a research peptide studied for its ability to transport other molecules into cells.
How does Penetratin work?
Penetratin functions by interacting with lipid membranes, which allows it to enhance the permeation and cellular uptake of various molecules. This mechanism makes it useful for drug delivery applications.
What is Penetratin studied for?
Penetratin is studied for its potential in drug delivery, including treatments for neovascular age-related macular degeneration, as an antimicrobial agent against drug-resistant bacteria, and for delivering therapeutics to the brain in conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
What is the regulatory status of Penetratin?
Penetratin is currently in Phase 1 clinical trials, indicating it is in the early stages of human testing to assess its safety and dosage.

5 References

  1. Penetratin — compound summary PubChem. View source
  2. Penetratin — molecule record ChEMBL. View source
  3. Penetratin — published literature (546 records) PubMed. View source

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6 See also

For research reference only. Not medical advice. Peptides may be regulated or restricted in your jurisdiction. Entry validated by the PeptidePlaza Biomedical Research Desk; see editorial standards.