Org 2766
Also known as: ACTH(4-9) analogue · Melanotan-related peptide
A classical Dutch/Organon ACTH(4-9) analogue closely related to Semax — the direct pharmacological cousin of the Russian cognitive-peptide programme's flagship compound, with independent memory and neuroprotective research history.
Org 2766 is a classical Dutch/Organon ACTH(4-9) analogue closely related to Semax with distinctive cisplatin-neuropathy prevention clinical evaluation history.
Evidence tier: C — preclinical / mechanistic evidence only
- Category
- Cognitive Enhancement
- Half-life
- Short plasma half-life; central effects extend beyond exposure
Section 1
Overview
Org 2766 is a synthetic analogue of the ACTH(4-9) fragment developed in the 1970s by Organon (Oss, Netherlands) and the De Wied laboratory as part of the same conceptual research programme that produced DGAVP and the broader vasopressin-family cognitive peptides. The compound is a direct pharmacological cousin of Russian Semax, which is derived from the closely-related ACTH(4-10) fragment; the two peptides share substantial mechanistic overlap and were developed independently on parallel research trajectories.
The Dutch/Organon research programme on Org 2766 covered memory-modulation effects, neuroprotection in peripheral nerve injury, and effects on chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity. The compound entered clinical evaluation for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy prevention and demonstrated preclinical and early-clinical evidence supporting the neuroprotective mechanism angle.
Historically, Org 2766 represents the Western counterpart to the Russian Semax programme. Both compounds emerged from the same conceptual starting point (ACTH-fragment cognitive research), both produced neuroprotective and cognitive-modulating effects, and both established the ACTH-fragment approach as a viable cognitive-peptide research angle. Semax achieved Russian clinical approval; Org 2766 did not reach marketing authorisation but retains historical and research-tool significance.
Section 2
Discovery & History
- Developed by Organon (Oss, Netherlands) in collaboration with the De Wied laboratory at the Rudolf Magnus Institute of Utrecht as part of the Dutch ACTH-fragment research programme in the 1970s-80s.
- Characterised extensively for memory-modulation and neuroprotective effects across animal and human research contexts through the 1980s and early 1990s.
- Entered clinical evaluation for cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy prevention, with early clinical trials supporting the neuroprotective-mechanism research angle.
- The compound did not progress to marketing authorisation despite the clinical-evaluation activity; the Organon cognitive-peptide programme was subsequently discontinued.
- Retains historical significance as the Western counterpart to the Russian Semax programme within the ACTH-fragment cognitive-peptide research trajectory.
Section 3
Mechanism of Action
- 1ACTH-fragment-family pharmacology overlapping substantially with Semax — the two compounds share the same conceptual mechanism-of-action framework of ACTH-fragment-mediated central effects without endocrine consequences of the parent hormone.
- 2Reported BDNF and NGF induction in preclinical models similar to Semax — the neurotrophin-induction mechanism providing the mechanistic scaffold for the observed neuroprotective and memory-modulating effects.
- 3Enkephalinase inhibition effects reported in some research contexts, providing a mechanistic overlap with the Selank programme within the broader enkephalin-system-modulation framework.
- 4Neuroprotective effects in peripheral nerve injury and chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity models — the distinctive research angle for Org 2766 that motivated the cisplatin-neuropathy clinical evaluation.
- 5Modulation of monoamine turnover (serotonin, dopamine) in preclinical models, extending the mechanism into neurotransmitter-modulation research contexts and providing additional angles for the cognitive effects.
- 6Reported effects on stress-response systems (HPA axis) via the ACTH-fragment-derived mechanism, providing an indirect stress-and-cognition research angle.
- 7Anti-inflammatory effects in some preclinical peripheral-nerve-injury models, extending the mechanism into neuroinflammatory research contexts and connecting the compound to broader anti-inflammatory peptide research.
Section 4
Researched Benefits
Findings reported in the published preclinical and clinical literature. Effects in research contexts do not constitute claims of therapeutic benefit in humans.
- 1Direct pharmacological cousin of Semax with independent research development history — the compound occupies a specific historical and research-tool niche within the ACTH-fragment cognitive-peptide programme.
- 2Reported neuroprotective effects in peripheral nerve injury and chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity models — the distinctive research application that differentiates Org 2766 from the primary Semax positioning.
- 3Memory-modulation effects consistent with the broader ACTH-fragment family pharmacology.
- 4Early clinical evaluation providing partial safety database and clinical-experience framework.
- 5Well-characterised acute-safety profile from the Organon clinical development activity.
- 6Historical significance in the cognitive-peptide research field as the Western counterpart to the Russian Semax programme.
Section 5
Theoretical Dosing & Protocols
| Route | Dosage | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcutaneous / parenteral (research) | Microgram-range doses in the classical research protocols | Variable across research protocols | Short courses in classical research; longer courses in the cisplatin-neuropathy clinical evaluation |
Note: The historical clinical-evaluation protocols provide the reference for research-context dosing conventions.
Section 6
Administration Routes
- Subcutaneous injection — the primary route in the classical research and clinical-evaluation work.
- Intramuscular administration in some research contexts.
- Intranasal administration explored in some research applications, drawing on the parallel Semax intranasal-research literature.
- Oral administration is not viable — the peptide is degraded by gastrointestinal proteases.
Section 7
Safety Profile
Commonly reported
- · Well-tolerated in the classical research and clinical-evaluation activity at studied doses.
- · Injection-site reactions with parenteral administration.
- · Mild transient effects on mood or arousal reported in some research contexts.
- · No dependence, tolerance, or withdrawal phenomena documented in the reported research base.
Rare / theoretical
- · Long-term safety data beyond the classical research and clinical-evaluation activity is limited.
- · Rare hypersensitivity reactions.
- · Theoretical interaction with monoamine-modulating pharmaceuticals given the reported monoamine effects.
- · Residual endocrine effects from the ACTH-fragment origin — modest in magnitude but not absent.
Contraindications
- · Not authorised for human use in the UK.
- · Pregnancy and lactation — no controlled data.
- · Known hypersensitivity to peptide components.
Section 8
UK & EU Regulatory Context
United Kingdom
Not a licensed medicine in the UK. Research chemical only.
European Union
Not approved by the EMA.
Section 9
Clinical Studies Summary
Org 2766 in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy prevention
Clinical evaluation of Org 2766 for the prevention of cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in oncology populations, reporting positive early-phase evidence supporting the neuroprotective-mechanism research angle. Provides the primary clinical-evidence base for the compound and the distinctive research-application that differentiates Org 2766 from the primary Semax research trajectory.
Org 2766 memory-modulation and mechanism characterisation
Classical De Wied-laboratory and Organon characterisation of Org 2766's memory-modulation effects and mechanism-of-action pharmacology, establishing the ACTH-fragment-family pharmacological framework and providing the mechanistic scaffold for the parallel Russian Semax research programme's independent development.
Org 2766 in peripheral nerve injury preclinical models
Preclinical characterisation of Org 2766's neuroprotective effects in peripheral nerve injury models, reporting supported axonal regeneration, reduced neurodegeneration markers, and improved functional recovery in treated cohorts. Extends the neuroprotection mechanism from the primary CNS-relevant research angle into peripheral nervous system applications.
Section 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 10a
Practical Research Guidance
Cycle guidance
Reconstitution & storage
UK sourcing notes
Section 11
Sourcing for Laboratory Research
Sourcing Org 2766 for laboratory research
Researchers in the United Kingdom and elsewhere typically obtain Org 2766 from specialist research-chemical suppliers. Purity, third-party testing, and supplier transparency are the principal differentiators worth evaluating before placing an order. The two suppliers below are commonly referenced in UK research contexts.
Reminder: research peptides are sold strictly for in vitro and preclinical laboratory purposes. Importation or supply for human consumption is not permitted under UK medicines legislation.