Back to Peptides
PACAP
Neuroprotective & Cognitive EnhancersPACAP (Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide) is a neuroprotective peptide with potent effects on neuron survival, cognition, and inflammation regulation. It has shown promise in models of Alzheimer’s, stroke, and cognitive decline, while also being studied for its role in migraine physiology.
Reconstitute
3 mL BAC + 2mg vial
7 mcg/unit
Daily Range
100–400 mcg Intranasal
1x daily, 3–5 times per week
Standard Dose
200 mcg
Cycle
4–8 weeks
then reassess
PACAPneuroprotectioncognitionmigrainevasodilation
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
PACAP has been administered in rodents at 0.5–2.0 μg/kg for central nervous system research. It is not approved for any clinical use.
Standard / Gradual Approach
2mg VialstandardPhaseDoseVolume
Week 1100mcg15 units
Week 2200mcg30 units
Week 3300mcg45 units
Week 4400mcg60 units
Protocol Summary
Intranasal: 1x daily, 3–5 times per week · Dose range 100–400 mcg with gradual titration
Cycle Length: 4–8 weeks typical; reassess before extending
Frequency & Cycling
IN
Cycle: 3–5x weekly for 6–12 weeks. Pause 2–4 weeks between cycles depending on response and migraine risk.
🧪 Quick Start
Vial Size
2 mg
BAC Water
3 mL
Concentration
700 mcg/unit
Potential Benefits & Use Cases
PACAP is an investigational peptide and is not authorized for human use
Modulates HPA axis and CRH signaling
Studied in animal models of stress and trauma
May protect against neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress
Explored in migraine research for its vasodilatory role
Involved in neural plasticity and hypothalamic signaling
Clinical data Strong preclinical Limited data
Mechanism of Action
→Activates PAC1, VPAC1, and VPAC2 receptors in the CNS
→Regulates cAMP and calcium-mediated intracellular pathways
→Inhibits apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative damage in neurons
→Induces vasodilation via nitric oxide and cAMP signaling
Stacking Synergies
+
Dihexa
Enhanced neuroregeneration when used with Dihexa
+
Semax
Synergistic cognition enhancement when paired with Semax
+
Cortexin
Neuroinflammation and stroke protection synergy with Cortexin
Lifestyle & Optimization
diet
Balanced nutrient-dense diet.
sleep
Consistent sleep schedule for optimal neuropeptide function. Manage stress through meditation.
timing
Consistent dosing schedule.
exercise
Exercise 3–4 times weekly. Engage in cognitive activities and mental stimulation.
Peptide Research & Preclinical Studies
Evidence-Based Research Findings
Side Effects & Safety
Common Side Effects
• Mild flushing
• Dizziness
• Nasal irritation
Contraindications & Warnings
• May provoke migraine attacks in sensitive populations
• Should be avoided during active vasospastic events
Long-Term Safety Data
• Limited long-term studies in humans; generally well-tolerated in short-term protocols
🧮 Dose Calculator
Concentration
6.7
mcg/unit
Draw Volume
75
units (0.750 mL)
For a 500 mcg dose, draw 75 units on a U-100 insulin syringe
🧬
Bioavailability & Absorption
SubQ Injection
Variable, not a preferred route for CNS access
Oral Administration
Not bioavailable due to enzymatic degradation
Intranasal
High CNS bioavailability; preferred for neurological research
Half-Life
Short; enhanced with stabilization carriers in IN formulations
Degradation
Rapidly degraded by dipeptidyl peptidases and neutral endopeptidases
Tissue Specificity
Central nervous system, particularly hippocampus, hypothalamus, and cortex
⚗️
Peptide Details
Molecular Weight
4571.2
Formula
C203H333N59O61S
Sequence
HSDGIFTDSYSRYRKQMAVKKYLAAVLGKRYKQRVKNK-NH2
⚖️
Legal Status & Regulatory
RegionStatus
EUNot Approved
FDANot Approved
CanadaNot Approved
AustraliaNot Approved
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (Powder)
Store lyophilized powder at 2-8°C
Reconstituted (Mixed)
After reconstitution, maintain at 2-8°C and use within 21-28 days. For intranasal application, transfer to spray bottle immediately.