Longevity & cellularInjectable

Humanin

Also known as: Mitochondrial-derived peptide (MDP)

Humanin is a small peptide encoded within mitochondrial DNA — one of the 'mitochondrial-derived peptides' — studied for its possible role in cellular stress resistance and ageing.

Physician-reviewedDr. Bushra Mir, Medical Director · DHA-licensedReviewed 10 July 2026

The molecule, up close

Class: Mitochondrial-derived peptide
Origin: Encoded within mitochondrial DNA
Chemistry: Small peptide (about 24 amino acids)
Typical format: Injectable
Regulatory status: Prescription-only; used under physician guidance

This page is educational information, not medical advice or an offer of treatment. Peptides used clinically are prescription medicines; whether any is appropriate for you is a decision a physician makes after a diagnostic assessment.

What it is

Humanin was one of the first discovered "mitochondrial-derived peptides" — short peptides encoded within mitochondrial DNA rather than the cell's main genome. Its discovery reshaped how scientists think about mitochondria as signalling hubs, not just power plants.

That makes it scientifically significant but clinically very early: it's a molecule that's teaching researchers about cellular ageing, not yet a therapy.

What it's studied for

Interest centres on cellular stress resistance, metabolic signalling and the biology of how cells age. It's explored in the context of conditions associated with ageing.

These are research questions. Human longevity outcomes are inherently hard to measure, so this is early science rather than clinical practice.

The science

Research explores Humanin's role in protecting cells from stress-induced damage and in signalling between the mitochondria and the rest of the cell.

The mechanism is an active area of study, and its relevance to human ageing outcomes isn't yet established.

Typical form

Injectable

Shown in the dispensing format most often used in research and clinical settings. Where any protocol is appropriate, the route, dose and schedule are a physician’s decision — not a fixed recipe.

Safety & considerations

Still under study and, where used at all, physician-supervised. With minimal human data, caution and individual assessment are essential.

As a research compound, product sourcing and clinical oversight are central to any responsible use.

Status & oversight

Humanin is a research compound used under physician supervision, with interest that's mechanistic and early-stage.

Common questions

Humanin, in brief.

What is Humanin?

It's a mitochondrial-derived peptide — a small peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA — studied for cellular ageing and stress resistance. It's an early-stage research compound.

Can Humanin slow ageing?

There isn't yet human evidence to support that. It's studied for mechanisms related to cellular ageing, which isn't the same as being shown to extend healthspan or lifespan in people.

Is Humanin a supplement?

No. It's a research peptide rather than a supplement, and any use would be physician-supervised in a research-informed context.

Peptides of this kind are prescription medicines. Whether any protocol is appropriate is decided the way the rest of the practice works — from data, after an assessment.

How our longevity assessment works Back to the peptide field guide

How this is written

Physician-reviewed and evidence-led. We describe what a compound is studied for and where the evidence stands — not what it will do for you — and we revise pages as the science changes. Reviewed by Dr. Bushra Mir, Medical Director · DHA-licensed.

References

Peer-reviewed references for this compound are added by the physician author before publication.