Is CNTF approved as a medicine, and where?

The regulatory review of CNTF is incomplete. See the article's sources for product- and country-specific findings and remaining uncertainties. Review status means neither worldwide approval nor worldwide absence of approval.

What is CNTF studied for?

CNTF is most often discussed in the context of cognition, mood & sleep. Being studied for an area does not mean it is proven or approved for it.

Does CNTF have human clinical trials?

The evidence review of CNTF is in progress. The article's study appraisal identifies any human studies located and their limitations. An ongoing review does not itself mean that human studies are absent.

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Nootropic & Neuropeptides

CNTF

1 min read · Updated September 14, 2026 · 2 references

Curated by PeptideInfo Wikilast reviewed September 14, 2026how we verify

Explored forCognition, mood & sleep

CNTF, ciliary neurotrophic factor, is a cytokine that supports neuronal survival in experimental systems.

Body & signals →

No receptor relationship mapped here yet. This does not mean the molecule has no biological effects.

Review pending

Contents3

Section 1 of 3What is it?

What is it?

CNTF, ciliary neurotrophic factor, is a cytokine that supports neuronal survival in experimental systems. Its receptor complex combines CNTFR with the signaling subunits gp130 (IL6ST) and LIFR. This activates intracellular JAK/STAT signaling. A CNTF-derived peptide is a different construct from the full protein. C01 (opens in a new tab)

Section 2 of 3What was studied?

What was studied?

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 570 people with ALS and tested recombinant human CNTF for 6 months. None of the tested doses benefited the primary or secondary endpoints. Adverse effects included weight loss and injection-site reactions; the highest-dose group had more deaths. The abstract does not establish that CNTF caused each death. C02 (opens in a new tab)

Section 3 of 3What does the result mean?

What does the result mean?

This result concerns systemic recombinant CNTF in ALS. It neither settles every local-delivery application nor validates modified fragments. Read P021 as a separate research compound: its identity, experiments and publication history require their own evidence. C03 (opens in a new tab)

References2

References

1.
UniProt P26441 — human CNTF source
2.
Miller et al., 1996 — placebo-controlled rhCNTF trial in ALS source

Frequently asked questions4

Frequently asked questions

What is CNTF?: CNTF, ciliary neurotrophic factor, is a cytokine that supports neuronal survival in experimental systems.
Is CNTF approved as a medicine, and where?: The regulatory review of CNTF is incomplete. See the article's sources for product- and country-specific findings and remaining uncertainties. Review status means neither worldwide approval nor worldwide absence of approval.
What is CNTF studied for?: CNTF is most often discussed in the context of cognition, mood & sleep. Being studied for an area does not mean it is proven or approved for it.
Does CNTF have human clinical trials?: The evidence review of CNTF is in progress. The article's study appraisal identifies any human studies located and their limitations. An ongoing review does not itself mean that human studies are absent.

Educational disclaimer. This article summarizes published research for informational purposes and is not medical advice. The editorial review of CNTF is incomplete. Source-supported findings and remaining uncertainties are stated in the article; review status does not certify approval, safety or suitability for use. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.