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Comparison Centre

Two compounds, the same questions, no cherry-picking

Marketing compares compounds on whichever measure flatters them. This compares them on the same fields every time — including the awkward ones like how much human safety data exists. Every score here rates the evidence, not the compound: a higher number means stronger or more mature research, not that something is safer or works better.

Sharing keeps the two compounds you picked.

How to read these scores

Every number here rates the evidence, not the compound. They are editorial 0-100 strength ratings, not percentages, and not a rating out of five stars.

  • Human efficacy evidence strength — Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.
  • Preclinical evidence strength — Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.
  • Human safety evidence strength — Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number. A score of 80 does not mean “80% safe”.
  • Evidence level (L0-L5) — the strongest type of study behind the compound, from anecdote (L0) to large replicated human trials (L5). It is a description of the study evidence, not a quality, safety or recommendation rating.
  • Confidence — how likely we think it is that this rating changes as new research lands. Low confidence means the picture is unsettled, not that the compound is bad.

None of these ratings is medical advice, a safety guarantee, or a recommendation to use anything. How we grade evidence.

P021

A CNTF-derived, adamantylated tetrapeptide studied in Alzheimer's mouse models; no human trial identified. Not the same as 'P21'.

L1Theory onlyNot approved for this use
Full profile

Brenipatide

An investigational dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist now in Phase 3 trials for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder, with no efficacy results published.

L1Theory onlyIn clinical trials
Full profile

How far human research has progressed

P021

Preclinical (transgenic mouse studies)

Brenipatide

Two Phase 3 trials in alcohol use disorder recruiting since October 2025 (estimated primary completion April 2028); no Phase 3 results posted, and no earlier-phase results are established in our curated record

Claim-specific benefit evidence

A human exposure study or trial registration does not establish that the claimed benefit occurs.

P021

Not separately assessed; see the full profile.

Brenipatide

Not separately assessed; see the full profile.

Human research context

P021

Preclinical (transgenic mouse studies)

Brenipatide

Two Phase 3 trials in alcohol use disorder recruiting since October 2025 (estimated primary completion April 2028); no Phase 3 results posted, and no earlier-phase results are established in our curated record

Human efficacy evidence strength

Higher = more and better-quality human evidence. It does not mean the effect is bigger or that the compound works for you.

P021

Strength of the human efficacy evidence2 of 100 evidence strength

Brenipatide

Strength of the human efficacy evidence12 of 100 evidence strength

Preclinical (animal / lab) evidence strength

Higher = more animal, tissue or cell research. Preclinical results are a starting point, not proof of a human benefit.

P021

Strength of the animal and lab evidence28 of 100 evidence strength

Brenipatide

Strength of the animal and lab evidence45 of 100 evidence strength

Human safety evidence strength

Higher = more mature, better-documented human safety data. It does not mean the compound is safer than one with a lower number.

P021

Strength of the human safety evidence3 of 100 evidence strength

Brenipatide

Strength of the human safety evidence8 of 100 evidence strength

Regulatory status (legal position, not proof it works)

P021

Check jurisdiction-specific details in the profile.

Not an approved medicine in any major jurisdiction. Sale as a 'research chemical' is a legal and supply-chain statement, not evidence of benefit or harm.

Brenipatide

Check jurisdiction-specific details in the profile.

Not approved anywhere, for any indication. Brenipatide is not approved for alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, diabetes, obesity or any other use. Lilly's public pipeline lists it as a biologic entity in Phase 3 development for alcohol use disorder and major depressive disorder. Registered late-stage trials mean a sponsor is testing a hypothesis formally — they are not a regulatory decision and not evidence that the hypothesis is correct.

Common claims

P021

  • · Cognitive enhancement
  • · Neurogenesis
  • · Alzheimer's prevention

Brenipatide

  • · Reduces alcohol craving and drinking
  • · Treats alcohol use disorder
  • · Improves depression
  • · Incretin drugs 'cure' addiction

How settled our evidence rating is

P021

Low confidence in ratingL1Theory only

Brenipatide

Very low confidence in ratingL1Theory only

Cancer-related questions raised by the biology

These are theoretical or monitored questions raised by how a compound works. They are not evidence that it causes cancer.

P021

Not established. Neurotrophic signalling is a theoretical consideration only; no data either way.

Brenipatide

No demonstrated human cancer signal. Precautionary class-level considerations from incretin pharmacology apply and safety surveillance sits inside the ongoing trials.

What this adds up to, in plain English

P021

This sits in theory and anecdote. Popular claims about it should be treated with very low confidence.

Brenipatide

This sits in theory and anecdote. Popular claims about it should be treated with very low confidence.

A comparison is not a recommendation

Neither column here is an endorsement, and the compound with the higher numbers is not the “better” or “safer” one — it is simply the one with more or better-quality research behind it. Two compounds can both be poorly evidenced, and better-evidenced says nothing about whether either is a sensible idea for a specific person. That is a conversation for a qualified clinician.