Peptides Similar to Rapastinel
Compare Rapastinel with related peptides and alternatives
📌TL;DR
- •3 similar peptides identified
- •Selank: Moderate - Both are synthetic peptides studied for psychiatric applications
- •PE-22-28: Moderate - Both target rapid-acting antidepressant mechanisms through different molecular targets

Quick Comparison
| Peptide | Similarity | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
| Rapastinel (current) | - | - |
| Selank | Moderate - Both are synthetic peptides studied for psychiatric applications | Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV administration, while selank modulates GABA and serotonin via intranasal delivery with anxiolytic focus. |
| PE-22-28 | Moderate - Both target rapid-acting antidepressant mechanisms through different molecular targets | Rapastinel modulates NMDA receptors while PE-22-28 antagonizes TREK-1 channels. Both promote BDNF and neuroplasticity. |
| Nemifitide | Moderate - Both are peptide antidepressants that reached advanced clinical trials | Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV, while nemifitide is a MIF-1 analog with subcutaneous delivery modulating serotonin pathways. |
SelankModerate - Both are synthetic peptides studied for psychiatric applications
Differences
Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV administration, while selank modulates GABA and serotonin via intranasal delivery with anxiolytic focus.
Advantages
Approved in Russia, intranasal administration, well-established safety
Disadvantages
Not primarily an antidepressant, limited rapid-acting antidepressant data
PE-22-28Moderate - Both target rapid-acting antidepressant mechanisms through different molecular targets
Differences
Rapastinel modulates NMDA receptors while PE-22-28 antagonizes TREK-1 channels. Both promote BDNF and neuroplasticity.
Advantages
Subcutaneous rather than IV administration, rapid BDNF induction
Disadvantages
Entirely preclinical, less characterized than rapastinel
NemifitideModerate - Both are peptide antidepressants that reached advanced clinical trials
Differences
Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV, while nemifitide is a MIF-1 analog with subcutaneous delivery modulating serotonin pathways.
Advantages
Subcutaneous administration, rapid onset (5-7 days), different mechanism
Disadvantages
Also not approved, less clear mechanism of action

Peptides Related to Rapastinel#
Rapastinel represents an NMDA receptor modulation approach to rapid-acting antidepressant therapy. The following comparisons examine peptides with related psychiatric applications.
Selank#
Selank is a tuftsin analog approved in Russia for anxiety. Unlike rapastinel's glutamatergic mechanism, selank modulates GABAergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Selank has practical advantages in intranasal delivery, while rapastinel requires IV infusion.
PE-22-28#
PE-22-28 (Mini-Spadin) is a preclinical TREK-1 channel antagonist producing antidepressant-like effects within 4 days via BDNF upregulation. Both promote neuroplasticity through different upstream targets.
Nemifitide#
Nemifitide is a pentapeptide that reached phase 3 trials for MDD with rapid onset (5-7 days). Like rapastinel, it demonstrated rapid effects but failed to achieve regulatory approval.
Summary Comparison#
| Feature | Rapastinel | Selank | PE-22-28 | Nemifitide |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | NMDA receptor | GABA/serotonin | TREK-1 channel | 5-HT2A/neuropeptide |
| Route | IV infusion | Intranasal | Subcutaneous | Subcutaneous |
| Status | Discontinued | Approved (Russia) | Preclinical | Phase 3 (stalled) |
| Onset | 2 hours | Days-weeks | 4 days (animal) | 5-7 days |
Comparison Context#
Rapastinel belongs to the Neuropeptide category of research peptides. Comparing Rapastinel with related compounds helps researchers understand its relative positioning in the therapeutic landscape. Each compound has distinct advantages and limitations that should be considered based on the specific research question or clinical need.
Detailed Comparisons#
The following peptides and compounds are most closely related to Rapastinel in mechanism, indication, or therapeutic category:
Rapastinel vs Selank#
Similarity: Moderate - Both are synthetic peptides studied for psychiatric applications
Key Differences: Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV administration, while selank modulates GABA and serotonin via intranasal delivery with anxiolytic focus.
Advantages of Selank: Approved in Russia, intranasal administration, well-established safety
Disadvantages of Selank: Not primarily an antidepressant, limited rapid-acting antidepressant data
Researchers choosing between Rapastinel and Selank should consider the development stage, available evidence, and specific research objectives when making their selection.
Rapastinel vs PE-22-28#
Similarity: Moderate - Both target rapid-acting antidepressant mechanisms through different molecular targets
Key Differences: Rapastinel modulates NMDA receptors while PE-22-28 antagonizes TREK-1 channels. Both promote BDNF and neuroplasticity.
Advantages of PE-22-28: Subcutaneous rather than IV administration, rapid BDNF induction
Disadvantages of PE-22-28: Entirely preclinical, less characterized than rapastinel
Researchers choosing between Rapastinel and PE-22-28 should consider the development stage, available evidence, and specific research objectives when making their selection.
Rapastinel vs Nemifitide#
Similarity: Moderate - Both are peptide antidepressants that reached advanced clinical trials
Key Differences: Rapastinel targets NMDA receptors via IV, while nemifitide is a MIF-1 analog with subcutaneous delivery modulating serotonin pathways.
Advantages of Nemifitide: Subcutaneous administration, rapid onset (5-7 days), different mechanism
Disadvantages of Nemifitide: Also not approved, less clear mechanism of action
Researchers choosing between Rapastinel and Nemifitide should consider the development stage, available evidence, and specific research objectives when making their selection.
Related Reading#
Frequently Asked Questions About Rapastinel
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Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not medical advice. Read full disclaimer