Category: Uncategorized

  • Tesamorelin

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 70 / 100

    Tesamorelin, sold as Egrifta, is a stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved for HIV-associated visceral fat accumulation. It produces growth hormone release while preserving the natural pulsatile pattern. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Stabilized GHRH analog

    A trans-3-hexenoic acid stabilized GHRH analog FDA-approved as Egrifta for HIV-associated lipodystrophy.

    Abstract

    Tesamorelin (Egrifta; CAS 901758-09-6; molecular weight 5135.79) is a stabilized analog of human GHRH developed by Theratechnologies (Canada) and approved by the FDA in 2010 for HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The structural modification is the addition of a trans-3-hexenoic acid group at the N-terminus, which substantially extends plasma half-life relative to native GHRH or sermorelin. The compound stimulates physiological GH release with restored visceral adipose tissue reduction in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy. Pharmacokinetics: plasma half-life approximately 26 minutes (versus 11 to 12 minutes for sermorelin); subcutaneous administration. Approved dose is 2 mg subcutaneously once daily.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Rapamycin (Sirolimus)

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 90 / 100

    Rapamycin (sirolimus), sold as Rapamune, is a bacterial natural product originally used as an immunosuppressant after organ transplant. It inhibits the mTOR pathway, a master regulator of cell growth and aging. It is the most studied longevity intervention; Mikhail Blagosklonny’s hypothesis that intermittent rapamycin slows aging has driven extensive research. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    mTOR inhibitor / immunosuppressant

    A bacterial macrolide isolated from Streptomyces hygroscopicus, FDA-approved as an immunosuppressant and increasingly investigated for longevity applications through mTOR inhibition.

    Abstract

    Rapamycin (Sirolimus, Rapamune; CAS 53123-88-9; molecular formula C51H79NO13; molecular weight 914.17) is a macrolide compound isolated in 1972 from Streptomyces hygroscopicus from Easter Island (Rapa Nui, providing the name). The compound was approved by the FDA in 1999 as an immunosuppressant for renal transplantation. Mechanism is selective inhibition of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) through binding to FKBP12 and forming a complex that allosterically inhibits mTOR kinase activity. Beyond immunosuppression, rapamycin extends lifespan in multiple model organisms (yeast, worms, flies, mice) when administered late in life, making it the most extensively documented pharmacological intervention for lifespan extension. The Interventions Testing Program (ITP) at NIA showed reproducible lifespan extension in genetically heterogeneous mice. Mechanisms of lifespan extension include reduced cellular senescence, improved autophagy, attenuation of age-related inflammation, and reduced age-related cancer incidence. The compound is increasingly used off-label for longevity applications by physicians and patients pursuing geroscience interventions; intermittent dosing schedules (5 to 10 mg weekly or monthly) are used to reduce immunosuppressive effects. Pharmacokinetics: plasma half-life 60 to 70 hours; high oral bioavailability; CYP3A4 metabolism.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 50 / 100

    Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is a medicinal mushroom traditionally used in East Asia for longevity, immunity, and sleep. Triterpenes and polysaccharides drive the immunomodulatory effects. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Medicinal mushroom

    A medicinal mushroom with traditional use in immune support and longevity, characterized by triterpenoids (ganoderic acids) and beta-glucan polysaccharides.

    Abstract

    Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum, Lingzhi) is a medicinal mushroom with millennia of traditional use in Chinese medicine for immune support, longevity, and cardiovascular function. Active constituents include triterpenoids (ganoderic acids A through Z), beta-glucan polysaccharides, and ergosterols. Mechanism is multimodal including immunomodulation through TLR agonism (beta-glucans), modest anticancer effects (triterpenoids), and modulation of platelet aggregation. The clinical evidence base in randomized trials is modest; the compound is more of a general adaptogen than a targeted therapeutic. Doses are typically 1 to 3 grams per day of mushroom extract.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Thymogen

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 45 / 100

    Thymogen is a synthetic dipeptide (Glu-Trp) immunomodulator developed in Russia, derived from research on thymic hormones. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator

    A synthetic dipeptide (Glu-Trp) developed in Russia as an immunomodulator for infectious and post-surgical immune support.

    Abstract

    Thymogen is the dipeptide L-glutamyl-L-tryptophan, developed in Russia at the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. The compound was identified through fractionation of thymalin (bovine thymus extract) as one of the active components. Thymogen is approved in Russia and several former Soviet states for infectious diseases, post-surgical immune support, and hematopoietic recovery after chemotherapy. Mechanism includes modest T-cell maturation effects and cytokine modulation. Administered intranasally or intramuscularly. Doses are 100 micrograms per day in 3 to 10 day courses.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • L-Tyrosine

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 55 / 100

    L-tyrosine is the amino acid precursor for catecholamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, epinephrine). Supplementation may help during stress, sleep deprivation, or cold exposure when catecholamines deplete faster than they are synthesized. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Catecholamine precursor amino acid

    An aromatic amino acid precursor of L-DOPA, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine; supplemented for stress-related catecholamine support.

    Abstract

    L-Tyrosine (CAS 60-18-4; molecular formula C9H11NO3; molecular weight 181.19) is an aromatic amino acid precursor in the catecholamine biosynthesis pathway: tyrosine โ†’ L-DOPA (via tyrosine hydroxylase) โ†’ dopamine โ†’ norepinephrine โ†’ epinephrine. Supplementation has been studied for cognitive performance under stress conditions where catecholamine demand is high (sleep deprivation, cold exposure, sustained vigilance tasks); modest improvements in cognitive endpoint measures have been reported. Effects on resting cognitive performance are minimal. Tyrosine hydroxylase is the rate-limiting enzyme; supplementation can increase substrate availability when the enzyme is operating below saturation. Doses are typically 500 mg to 2 grams per day.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Brexanolone

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 78 / 100

    Brexanolone, sold as Zulresso, is recombinant allopregnanolone administered as a 60-hour IV infusion for postpartum depression. The first FDA-approved postpartum depression specific treatment (2019). Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Synthetic allopregnanolone (IV)

    Synthetic allopregnanolone formulated for IV administration, FDA-approved as Zulresso for postpartum depression.

    Abstract

    Brexanolone (Zulresso; SAGE-547; CAS 516-54-1, same as endogenous allopregnanolone) is a synthetic preparation of allopregnanolone formulated for 60-hour intravenous infusion, developed by Sage Therapeutics and approved by the FDA in 2019 for postpartum depression. The compound is identical in structure to endogenous allopregnanolone; the development innovation was the formulation enabling sustained therapeutic plasma concentrations through prolonged IV infusion. Mechanism is GABA-A receptor positive allosteric modulation. Schedule IV. Restricted distribution program (REMS) due to risk of excessive sedation and loss of consciousness. The closely related zuranolone provides oral dosing with similar pharmacology.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Forskolin

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 55 / 100

    Forskolin is a diterpene from the Coleus forskohlii plant root. It directly activates adenylyl cyclase, raising intracellular cAMP. Used in research as a cAMP elevator and as a supplement for weight loss (with limited evidence). Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Coleus forskohlii diterpene

    A labdane diterpene from Coleus forskohlii root with adenylate cyclase activation activity, used for cardiovascular and metabolic applications.

    Abstract

    Forskolin (CAS 66575-29-9; molecular formula C22H34O7; molecular weight 410.50) is a labdane diterpene isolated from the root of Coleus forskohlii (Plectranthus barbatus), a perennial plant native to India. The compound is a direct activator of adenylate cyclase (independent of receptor activation), elevating intracellular cAMP across many cell types. Pharmacology includes positive inotropy (cardiac), vasodilation, lipolysis, and bronchodilation. Forskolin has been studied for hypertension, cardiovascular dysfunction, glaucoma, and obesity (the latter primarily in dietary supplement form). Doses are typically 250 to 500 mg of standardized extract (10 to 20 percent forskolin) per day.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Exenatide

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 75 / 100

    Exenatide, sold as Byetta and Bydureon, is the original GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is derived from a peptide in Gila monster saliva (exendin-4). The Bydureon formulation is the long-acting once-weekly version. FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    GLP-1 receptor agonist (exendin-4)

    A synthetic version of the Gila monster venom peptide exendin-4, FDA-approved as Byetta (twice daily) and Bydureon (weekly) for T2DM.

    Abstract

    Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon; CAS 141758-74-9; molecular weight 4186.57) is a synthetic version of exendin-4, a 39-amino-acid peptide originally isolated from Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) venom. The compound is a GLP-1 receptor agonist with substantial structural difference from human GLP-1, providing resistance to DPP-4 cleavage. Exenatide was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist approved (Byetta, 2005); the extended-release formulation (Bydureon, 2012) provides once-weekly administration. Approved doses are 5 to 10 micrograms twice daily (Byetta) or 2 mg weekly (Bydureon).

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Desvenlafaxine

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 50 / 100

    Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) is the major active leftover of venlafaxine, repackaged and sold on its own by Wyeth and Pfizer starting in 2008. The therapeutic logic was that giving the metabolite directly bypasses a liver enzyme called CYP2D6, which is genetically variable: some people break venlafaxine down quickly, others slowly, and that variability creates unpredictable blood levels. Skipping the conversion step gives flatter, more uniform pharmacology across patients. Mechanistically it does the same thing as the parent: blocks both the serotonin and norepinephrine pumps, with a slightly more balanced ratio between the two. Approved for major depressive disorder. Most prescribers consider it modestly different from generic venlafaxine, not dramatically so. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Active metabolite of venlafaxine (SNRI)

    The major active metabolite of venlafaxine; a pure SNRI marketed separately to bypass CYP2D6 polymorphism.

    Abstract

    Desvenlafaxine (4-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(1-hydroxycyclohexyl)ethyl]phenol; CAS 93413-62-8; molecular formula C16H25NO2; molecular weight 263.38) is the O-desmethylated active metabolite of venlafaxine, marketed as Pristiq by Wyeth/Pfizer after FDA approval in 2008. The compound is a structurally similar SNRI to venlafaxine with comparable SERT (Ki approximately 40 nM) and NET (Ki approximately 558 nM) affinity but a more balanced ratio than the parent compound, producing meaningful NET inhibition at lower doses. The principal pharmacokinetic advantage is bypass of CYP2D6 metabolism: desvenlafaxine is conjugated and excreted directly without further hepatic transformation, producing flat steady-state concentrations across CYP2D6 phenotypes and minimal drug-drug interaction potential. Plasma half-life is approximately 11 hours; the standard clinical dose is 50 mg daily with a flat dose-response above 50 mg. Discontinuation syndrome is comparable to venlafaxine. Used as a reference SNRI compound when CYP2D6 variability is undesirable.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.

  • Rasagiline

    Plain-language summaryIntrigue 66 / 100

    Rasagiline (Azilect) is a second-generation MAO-B inhibitor from Teva, approved by the FDA in 2006 for Parkinson disease. It is structurally distinct from selegiline (built around an indane scaffold rather than a phenethylamine) and the key practical advantage is that the body does not break it down into amphetamine derivatives. That eliminates one of the more annoying features of selegiline and makes drug screening cleaner. Like selegiline it binds MAO-B irreversibly, so a single daily dose keeps the enzyme suppressed for weeks. The ADAGIO trial controversially suggested it might also slow disease progression rather than just treat symptoms, although that finding has not been universally accepted. Used as monotherapy in early Parkinson and as an add-on in advanced disease. Not stocked by Kodiac. This monograph is provided for research and educational reference.

    Intrigue 0–100 blends mechanism novelty, evidence strength, and translational potential. Kodiac editorial, not peer-reviewed.

    Selective irreversible MAO-B inhibitor (second-generation)

    A second-generation propargyl MAO-B inhibitor lacking the amphetamine metabolites of selegiline.

    Abstract

    Rasagiline ((R)-N-(prop-2-yn-1-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-amine; CAS 136236-51-6; molecular formula C12H13N; molecular weight 171.24) is a second-generation irreversible MAO-B inhibitor developed at Teva and approved by the FDA in 2006 under the trade name Azilect. Structurally distinct from selegiline by the indane scaffold replacing the phenethylamine, rasagiline does not yield amphetamine-class metabolites, simplifying its drug screening profile and avoiding the subjective stimulation associated with selegiline. MAO-B selectivity is approximately 14:1 over MAO-A at clinical dose (1 mg daily); the inhibition is irreversible and recovery requires de novo enzyme synthesis (approximately 14-day washout). Approved as monotherapy in early Parkinson disease and as adjunct to levodopa in advanced disease. The ADAGIO trial suggested possible disease-modifying effect for the 1 mg dose, though this remains debated. Tyramine restriction is not required at 1 mg daily; at higher experimental doses (2 mg) the cheese-effect risk emerges. Plasma half-life is approximately 3 hours, but the irreversible binding produces effective enzyme inhibition for weeks. Used as a reference second-generation MAO-B inhibitor in Parkinson research.

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    FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. Not for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes. Not for human consumption. All information is provided for research and educational purposes only.