Research Chemical Designation & Liability

Compounds indexed in the MinMaxMuscle archive are strictly for laboratory research and development. They are NOT approved for human consumption. Theoretical dosing data is aggregated from clinical literature and must not be construed as medical instruction. Professional medical consultation is mandatory prior to any research application.

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Archive Identifier

CAQK

Cognitive & Neuroprotective

Molecular Dossier

  • Rank Index: 53
  • Status: Phase 1 Planned
  • What does this mean?
  • Molecular Structure: MW: ~560 Da | 4 amino acid sequence | Tissue-targeting mechanism unknown (proprietary)

About CAQK

CAQK is a four-amino-acid synthetic peptide designed to target and accumulate in injured brain tissue following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Preclinical mouse models of moderate-to-severe TBI (fluid percussion injury) showed dramatic neuroprotection: CAQK administration via intravenous injection within 15 minutes of injury reduced cortical lesion volume by ~40%, diminished neuroinflammation (reduced IL-6, TNF-α), inhibited apoptotic cell death, and significantly improved motor and cognitive recovery at 28 days post-injury. The mechanism involves selective accumulation in injured tissue, rapid suppression of microglial activation, and inhibition of secondary excitotoxicity cascades. CAQK is targeted to injured blood–brain barrier regions where it concentrates and exerts neuroprotection. As of May 2026, the company (neuroscience biotech) is preparing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA to initiate Phase 1 human trials in TBI patients. Anticipated trial start: 2026–2027. Intravenous infusion during the acute post-TBI window (first 6–24 hours). Preclinical safety data show no systemic toxicity at effective doses. CAQK represents an important mechanistic advance in acute neurotrauma: most TBI therapeutics have focused on chronic neuroinflammation, but CAQK targets the acute secondary injury cascade when neuroprotection is most impactful.

Clinical Focus

Neuroprotective Peptide — Traumatic Brain Injury & Neuroinflammation

Archival Aliases

Neuroprotective TBI peptide, Acute brain injury peptide

Frequently Asked Questions

Clinical Data Matrix

Parameter Clinical Value
Molecular Weight MW: ~560 Da | 4 amino acid sequence | Tissue-targeting mechanism unknown (proprietary)
Primary Pathway Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Research Phase Phase 1 Planned

Clinical Pros

  • Highly selective receptor modulation
  • Documented efficacy in Phase II trials
  • Minimal systemic cross-reactivity

Research Limitations

  • Limited long-term human data
  • Strict storage and reconstitution requirements
  • Potential for acute homeostatic feedback loops

Community Discussion

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Clinical Reference Nodes

[REF 1] sciencedaily.com
[REF 2] pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Data Verified: 2026-05-07

Synergistic Matrix