Tesofensine vs P21
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
Fat Loss & Metabolic
TesofensineCognitive EnhancementAnti-Aging & Longevity
P21- Summary
- Tesofensine is a triple monoamine reuptake inhibitor (TMRI) that blocks reuptake of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Originally developed for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, it was repurposed as a potent weight loss agent after clinical trials demonstrated substantial fat loss via appetite suppression and increased energy expenditure.
- P21 is a synthetic peptide derived from CNTF (ciliary neurotrophic factor) that promotes hippocampal neurogenesis, enhances memory and spatial learning, and may reduce amyloid-beta pathology. It is used as a neurogenic and cognitive enhancer with potential anti-Alzheimer's applications.
- Half-Life
- 8-10 days (exceptionally long; accumulates over weeks)
- Not well characterized; likely short, but neurogenic effects persist long after administration
- Admin Route
- Oral
- SubQ, Intranasal
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 0.25-0.5 mg per day
- 100–500 mcg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Once daily
- Key Benefits
- Potent appetite suppression via triple monoamine reuptake inhibition
- Significant weight loss (8-12% body weight in phase II trials at 0.5 mg)
- Increases basal metabolic rate and energy expenditure
- Reduces fat mass preferentially over lean mass
- Potential cognitive benefit via dopaminergic and noradrenergic enhancement
- Longer half-life than sibutramine allows once-daily dosing
- Promotes hippocampal neurogenesis
- Enhances spatial memory and learning
- Increases BDNF expression
- Reduces amyloid-beta plaque formation (animal models)
- Anti-tau pathology potential
- Cognitive enhancement without stimulant effects
- Potential therapeutic for Alzheimer's and cognitive aging
- Side Effects
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure (sympathomimetic)
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia and sleep disturbances
- Nausea
- +4 more
- Generally well tolerated in animal studies
- Limited human clinical data
- Injection site reactions
- Potential mild fatigue at initiation
- Stacks With
- —
- —