Rapastinel: Risks & Legal Status
Important safety information, risks, and regulatory status
📌TL;DR
- •3 risk categories identified
- •0 high-severity risks
- •Legal status varies by country (5 countries listed)
Risk Assessment
Rapastinel failed three phase 3 clinical trials in March 2019 and development was discontinued by Allergan. Not approved for any use.
Requires intravenous infusion in a clinical setting, presenting practical limitations and risks for unsupervised use.
Only approximately 430 subjects exposed across clinical trials. No long-term safety follow-up data available.

⚠️Important Warnings
- •DISCONTINUED DRUG: Rapastinel failed phase 3 clinical trials and is not approved for any therapeutic use.
- •IV ADMINISTRATION REQUIRED: Must be administered intravenously in appropriate clinical settings with proper monitoring.
- •LIMITED SAFETY DATA: Safety database limited to approximately 430 subjects with no long-term follow-up.
Legal Status by Country
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Unscheduled | Not FDA-approved. Not a controlled substance. Available as a research chemical only. |
| United Kingdom | Unscheduled | Not approved by MHRA. Available for research purposes only. |
| Canada | Unscheduled | Not approved by Health Canada. Research chemical classification. |
| European Union | Unscheduled | Not approved by EMA. Available as research chemical. |
| Australia | Unscheduled | Not approved by TGA. Not specifically scheduled. |

Community Risk Discussions
See how the community discusses and manages these risks in practice.
Based on 8+ community reports
View community protocolsCritical Safety Information#
Rapastinel (GLYX-13) is a discontinued investigational drug that failed phase 3 clinical trials. It is not approved for any therapeutic use. Despite a favorable acute safety profile, its discontinued status and IV administration requirement present significant considerations.
Primary Risks#
Discontinued Development#
All three phase 3 trials failed, meaning rapastinel has not demonstrated efficacy in adequately powered studies.
IV Administration#
Intravenous infusion carries inherent risks including infection, infiltration, and the requirement for clinical supervision.
Limited Safety Database#
Approximately 430 subjects were exposed across clinical trials with no long-term follow-up data.
Legal and Regulatory Status#
Rapastinel is not a controlled substance. It is available only as a research chemical.
| Jurisdiction | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Not approved, not controlled | Research chemical |
| United Kingdom | Not approved | Research purposes only |
| Canada | Not approved | Research chemical |
| European Union | Not approved | Research chemical |
| Australia | Not approved | Not scheduled |
Risk Assessment Context#
Rapastinel belongs to the Neuropeptide category of research peptides. Risk assessment for Rapastinel should consider both the compound-specific risks identified in clinical research and the broader regulatory environment. Researchers and healthcare providers should evaluate these risks in the context of the specific patient population and therapeutic indication.
Risk Categories#
The following risk categories have been identified for Rapastinel based on available evidence and regulatory assessments:
Discontinued Clinical Development#
Rapastinel failed three phase 3 clinical trials in March 2019 and development was discontinued by Allergan. Not approved for any use.
IV Administration Required#
Requires intravenous infusion in a clinical setting, presenting practical limitations and risks for unsupervised use.
Limited Long-Term Safety Data#
Only approximately 430 subjects exposed across clinical trials. No long-term safety follow-up data available.
Regulatory Status by Jurisdiction#
The regulatory and legal status of Rapastinel varies by country and jurisdiction. Researchers should verify current regulations before acquiring or using this compound.
| Country | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | unscheduled | Not FDA-approved. Not a controlled substance. Available as a research chemical only. |
| United Kingdom | unscheduled | Not approved by MHRA. Available for research purposes only. |
| Canada | unscheduled | Not approved by Health Canada. Research chemical classification. |
| European Union | unscheduled | Not approved by EMA. Available as research chemical. |
| Australia | unscheduled | Not approved by TGA. Not specifically scheduled. |
Regulatory classifications can change. Researchers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.
Important Warnings#
The following warnings apply to Rapastinel:
- DISCONTINUED DRUG: Rapastinel failed phase 3 clinical trials and is not approved for any therapeutic use.
- IV ADMINISTRATION REQUIRED: Must be administered intravenously in appropriate clinical settings with proper monitoring.
- LIMITED SAFETY DATA: Safety database limited to approximately 430 subjects with no long-term follow-up.
These warnings are based on available preclinical and clinical data. The absence of a warning does not indicate safety. Consult qualified professionals before making any decisions regarding peptide research.
Related Reading#
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapastinel
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Medical Disclaimer
This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.