GK-2, GSB-106 and GSB-214: compare the evidence

These synthetic dipeptides were designed to mimic parts of neurotrophins. This page compares their research records. The reviewed sources do not establish clinical benefit or a human safety profile for any of the three. Follow each article for its source review and unresolved questions.

Start with the identity

Explore the endogenous systems separately: NGF–TrkA and BDNF–TrkB.

What was tested in the same publication?

A 2022 mouse forced-swim paper studied all three. Acute administration produced an antidepressant-like finding for GSB-106, while GK-2 and GSB-214 were inactive at the tested doses. After five daily administrations, all three had a positive result at a tested dose. However, the repeated GSB-106 experiment was run separately; its percentage change cannot be treated as a direct ranking against the others. Immobility in this test is not a measure of clinical recovery from depression. Shared experiment (opens in a new tab)

Which outcomes disagree within one model?

A 2016 rat stroke study compared GSB-106 and GSB-214, but did not include GK-2. Both reduced infarct volume and improved limb placement; only GSB-106 showed a statistically significant benefit in the cylinder test. The study was small and contains conflicting descriptions of the infarct measurement day. These findings do not establish that one compound is generally superior or that either treats human stroke. Stroke experiment (opens in a new tab)

Why not build a league table?

The separate memory, cell-protection and metabolic studies use different models, doses, timings and endpoints. A change in a cell marker is not equivalent to improved memory, and neither establishes benefit in patients. No significant effect is also different from proof that an effect is impossible. Related compounds, translated papers and overlapping research teams must not be counted as independent confirmation.

What remains unknown?

The reviewed evidence does not support a human dose conversion, a comparison of human side-effect rates or a recommendation to combine these compounds. A favorable animal safety endpoint cannot establish safety for another molecule. See the individual articles for the scope of toxicology, pharmacokinetics and negative findings. This comparison adds no new clinical trial evidence.