PE-22-28
A synthetic peptide derived from sortilin that acts as a TREK-1 channel blocker, studied as a rapid-acting antidepressant alternative.
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
What is PE-22-28?
PE-22-28 is a synthetic peptide analog of spadin, which is derived from the propeptide of sortilin. It acts by blocking TREK-1 potassium channels in the brain, a mechanism associated with rapid antidepressant effects. Unlike traditional antidepressants that take weeks to work, TREK-1 blockade has shown rapid mood improvement in preclinical models. Clinical biomarker studies have confirmed that sortilin-derived propeptide levels are altered in depression and change with treatment.
Why People Talk About It
Rapid antidepressant effects
EmergingEnhanced neuroplasticity and synaptogenesis
EmergingBDNF upregulation
PreliminaryStroke recovery and post-stroke depression
PreliminaryHow It Works
PE-22-28 blocks a specific potassium channel in the brain (TREK-1) that is linked to depression. By blocking this channel, it may rapidly improve mood and promote brain cell growth and connectivity.
Common Questions
Safety Information
Common Side Effects
Cautions
- • Extremely limited human data
- • Not FDA-approved
- • Novel mechanism with unknown long-term effects
- • Do not combine with psychiatric medications without guidance
What We Don't Know
Human safety, pharmacokinetics, and optimal dosing are essentially unknown. All data is preclinical.
Published Research
16 studiesTREK1 channel blockade induces an antidepressant-like response synergizing with 5-HT1A receptor signaling
Shortened Spadin Analogs Display Better TREK-1 Inhibition, In Vivo Stability and Antidepressant Activity
Spadin, a sortilin-derived peptide, targeting rodent TREK-1 channels: a new concept in the antidepressant drug design.
Spadin as a new antidepressant: absence of TREK-1-related side effects.
Retroinverso analogs of spadin display increased antidepressant effects.
The peptidic antidepressant spadin interacts with prefrontal 5-HT(4) and mGluR(2) receptors in the control of serotonergic function.
Targeting two-pore domain K(+) channels TREK-1 and TASK-3 for the treatment of depression: a new therapeutic concept.
In vitro and in vivo regulation of synaptogenesis by the novel antidepressant spadin.
Serum sortilin-derived propeptides concentrations are decreased in major depressive disorder patients.
Increased serum levels of sortilin-derived propeptide after electroconvulsive therapy in treatment-resistant depressed patients.
Fighting against depression with TREK-1 blockers: Past and future. A focus on spadin.
The Involvement of Sortilin/NTSR3 in Depression as the Progenitor of Spadin and Its Role in the Membrane Expression of TREK-1.
First evidence of protective effects on stroke recovery and post-stroke depression induced by sortilin-derived peptides.
Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of two-pore domain potassium channel TREK-1 alters depression-related behaviors and neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus in mice.
Blocking Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channel TREK-1 Inhibits the Activation of A1-Like Reactive Astrocyte Through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in a Rat Model of Major Depressive Disorder.
Serum sortilin-derived propeptide concentrations as markers of depression in chronic stroke.
Always consult a qualified clinician
This information is for educational purposes. Peptide therapy should be guided by a licensed healthcare provider. Connect with a Noho clinician
Research Insights
Neuropeptides in 2026: Where the Research Actually Stands
Semax, Selank, Cerebrolysin, and Dihexa — separating clinical evidence from online hype in the cognitive enhancement space.
The Evidence Gap: Which Popular Peptides Have Almost No Human Data?
A frank look at the disconnect between online popularity and clinical evidence for some of the most discussed peptides.
Related Peptides
Selank
EmergingBeginnerA synthetic peptide analog of tuftsin with anxiolytic and nootropic properties, developed in Russia.
Semax
EmergingBeginnerA synthetic peptide analog of ACTH(4-10) developed in Russia, studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection.
DSIP
EmergingA naturally occurring neuropeptide that modulates sleep patterns and has been studied for insomnia and stress.
Quick Facts
- Class
- Neuroactive Peptide
- Evidence
- Preliminary
- Safety
- Limited Data
- Updated
- Mar 2026
- Citations
- 16PubMed
Also known as
Tags
Related Goals
Evidence Score
Clinical Trials
View Clinical TrialsLinks to ClinicalTrials.gov for reference. Listing does not imply endorsement.
Interested in this peptide? A Noho clinician can help determine if it's right for you.
Talk to a Clinician