Revolutionary Peptide CAQK: A New Hope for Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
A groundbreaking study has revealed the potent brain-protective effects of a four-amino acid peptide, CAQK. This research, published on December 24, 2025, in EMBO Molecular Medicine, was led by biotechnology firm Aivocode, in partnership with the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC). The study signifies a major advancement in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Administered intravenously post-injury, CAQK targets the damaged brain tissue directly. It works by reducing inflammation, limiting cell death, and enhancing functional recovery. The peptide was tested successfully in both mice and pigs, whose brains share structural similarities with human brains. Notably, the treatment exhibited no toxicity signs and aided in restoring memory and motor function in the injured animals.
As of now, there are no approved drugs to halt brain damage following a TBI. This condition affects approximately 200 people per 100,000 inhabitants annually worldwide. Aivocode is planning to seek FDA approval for Phase I human clinical trials, although no timeline has been announced. The simplicity of CAQK makes it particularly promising. Being a short peptide, it can be safely manufactured on a large scale and exhibits good tissue penetration.
Source: ScienceDaily