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NSI-189

Status: Phase 2, , not approved for human use
Evidence: Human phase 2, endpoint missed, graded on the Neuroplasticity Peptides bench

Reviewed 2 October 2026

01Overview

What NSI-189 is

It has a dedicated following in the biohacking community for its reported hippocampal neurogenesis, emotional blunting reversal, and unique cognitive profile unlike any other nootropic.

How it works

NSI-189 stimulates proliferation and differentiation of human hippocampal neural stem cells through a mechanism distinct from BDNF or classical antidepressants. Rodent studies show a 20% increase in hippocampal volume after 6 weeks of treatment. It is not a receptor agonist or reuptake inhibitor — its precise molecular target remains uncharacterized, which is unusual for a Phase 2 compound. It appears to improve synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus specifically, an area critical for pattern separation and emotional memory processing.

Studied for

Major depressive disorder
Cognitive impairment
PTSD
Alzheimer's disease
Neurogenesis

Benefits listed

Increased hippocampal neurogenesis
Antidepressant effects
Enhanced synaptic plasticity
Improved cognitive function

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Long-lasting mood improvement
Potential PTSD treatment

02Research

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What the research shows

Graded on a research bench

Reference pages that put NSI-189 next to the compounds people pair it with: roles, evidence, overlap and conflicts. No dosing. Research use only.

Neuroplasticity PeptidesHuman phase 2, endpoint missedhuman data on 4 of 7 compounds on the bench

Key research findings

Two published trials. The phase 1b randomized 24 depressed inpatients across three dose cohorts for 28 days and moved its exploratory self-report scales (PMID: 26643541). The phase 2 randomized 220 outpatients to 40 mg, 80 mg or placebo for 12 weeks and missed its primary endpoint: the MADRS difference against placebo was 1.8 points at 40 mg (p = 0.22) and 1.4 points at 80 mg (p = 0.34), while subject-rated secondary scales favored the 40 mg arm (PMID: 30626911). The positive readings since then come from post hoc analyses of that same study, published with the compound's developer as first author (PMID: 32722729). Alto Neuroscience bought the compound in 2021 and develops it as ALTO-100; the company reported in October 2024 that its 301-patient phase 2b in major depression missed its primary endpoint, and a phase 2b in bipolar depression is under way. No ALTO-100 trial report is indexed in PubMed. Eight studies are registered: NCT01310881, NCT01520649, NCT02695472 and NCT02724735 as NSI-189, and NCT05117632, NCT05419869, NCT05712187 and NCT06656416 as ALTO-100.

Safety and side effects

Mild GI discomfort, injection site reaction (if injected), headache. Very well-tolerated. Rare: anxiety or insomnia at high doses.

On PubMed

15 PubMed results for the search "NSI-189"[tiab] OR NSI189[tiab] OR "ALTO-100"[tiab], counted 2 October 2026. A search count, not a count of studies on NSI-189.

Browse studies on PubMed

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A summary of the key research
Safety and side effects
A link to the PubMed results

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03Safety

NSI-189 side effects and interactions

Side effects

Low risk

Stop use if

Active psychosis — hippocampal neurogenesis changes may worsen
Bipolar disorder (monitor closely)

Common

Transient cognitive changes during initial use (cognitive shifting)
Anxiety in first weeks
Sleep changes
Emotional blunting (initial phase)

Less common

Depersonalization (rare)
Increased dream intensity

Who should not use it

Contraindications

Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Active mania or bipolar disorder (limited data). Concurrent SSRI use requires medical supervision.

Interactions

5 pairings in our record: 1 with a caution and 4 noted as compatible or synergistic. Compatible and synergistic are notes from the record, not safety findings.

SSRIs
Caution

Both affect serotonergic pathways — requires careful dose titration and monitoring
Semax
Synergistic

NSI-189 neurogenesis + Semax BDNF — complementary brain enhancement
Selank
Compatible

NSI-189 for mood + Selank for anxiety — well-rounded mental health support
Lion's Mane
Synergistic

Both promote neurogenesis through different mechanisms
Noopept
Compatible

Cognitive enhancement through different neurotrophic pathways

This interaction data is compiled from published research and community reports. It may not be exhaustive. Always consult a healthcare professional before combining compounds.

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04Dosing

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NSI-189 dosage and protocols

Dosing summary

Dose: 20–80 mg
Route: Oral
Frequency: Once daily
Duration: Minimum 8–12 weeks (neurogenesis is slow)

Titration schedule

NSI-189 titration schedule
Step	Dose	Purpose
Weeks 1–2	20 mg	Initial adjustment — cognitive changes are normal early on
Weeks 3–4	40 mg	Phase 2 dose range — assess mood and cognitive response
Weeks 5–12	40–80 mg	Full neurogenic protocol — most users report effects at 8+ weeks

Reconstitution and handling notes

Available as capsules or powder from research vendors. Store at room temperature away from moisture.

Stacking notes

Pairs well with Lion's Mane for dual neurogenic support. Combine with uridine monophosphate for membrane support during neuronal growth. Avoid stimulants during the initial weeks as cognitive reorganization occurs.

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Dose, route, how often and how long
A titration schedule
Reconstitution and handling notes
Stacking notes

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05Prices

NSI-189 prices

1 listing from 1 vendor, opening in the Featured order.

Pack prices: $84.99
Lowest per mg: Not listed
Vendors: 1
Listings: 1 (capsule)

Prices as the vendors list them, last recorded 5 September 2026.

Form

Sort

NSI-189 listings, in Featured order
Vendor	Product	Price	Buy
Disguised Alpha	NSI-189 Capsules 20 mg capsule, capsules (20 mg) In stock	$84.99 No mg count	Buy NSI-189 Capsules 20 mg at Disguised Alpha

Vendors selling NSI-189(1: trust score, certificates, payment, shipping)

Disguised Alpha1 listing, from $84.99

Trust Score 50/100, 0 of 36 certificate records read, pays by card, crypto, bank transfer, ships to the US, the EU, the UK

Every supplier above is graded 0 to 100 on COA verification, payment transparency, shipping, reviews, and active listings. Methodology published, no pay-to-rank. How we score these vendors

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06Chemistry

Chemistry and structure

Molecular formula: C22H30N4O
Molecular mass: 366.5 g/mol
CAS number: 1270138-40-3
IUPAC name: benzyl N-[2-(piperazin-1-yl)pyrimidin-5-yl]carbamate

View on PubChem

08Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is NSI-189 used for in research?

NSI-189 is a novel synthetic compound developed by Neuralstem Inc. that stimulates neurogenesis in the human hippocampus. Phase 2 trials for major depressive disorder showed improvements in subjective cognitive function, depression scores, and positive affect despite not reaching primary endpoints. It has a dedicated following in the biohacking community for its reported hippocampal neurogenesis, emotional blunting reversal, and unique cognitive profile unlike any other nootropic.

What forms does NSI-189 come in?

NSI-189 is available in capsule form.

How do I compare NSI-189 vendors?

Compare prices, payment methods, shipping, and COA scores across 1 vendor.

How many vendors sell NSI-189, and what does it cost per mg?

1 of the vendors BodyHackGuide tracks list NSI-189 (1 listing). The lowest listed price BodyHackGuide has recorded for NSI-189 is $84.99. No NSI-189 listing recorded as in stock carries a milligram count, so BodyHackGuide states no price per milligram for NSI-189.

Which vendors have third-party COAs for NSI-189 on file at BodyHackGuide?

BodyHackGuide holds 1 third-party certificate record for NSI-189, from Disguised Alpha. No editor has read any of BodyHackGuide's 1 certificate record for NSI-189. The laboratory named on BodyHackGuide's NSI-189 certificate record is Freedom Diagnostics Testing, and the test date on it is 7 August 2026. Each vendor page on BodyHackGuide shows how many certificate records BodyHackGuide holds for that vendor and links to each record that has its own page.

Featured vendor

$84.99capsules (20 mg)

at Disguised Alpha

Buy at Disguised Alpha (opens the vendor's site in a new tab)

Spec sheet