EmergingResearch compound

J‑147

Salk Institute curcumin derivative, mitochondrial ATP5A modulator, BDNF inducer.

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WHAT IS J-147?

Detailed overview

J-147 was developed at the Salk Institute Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory in 2011 (David Schubert group) via synthetic optimization of curcumin. The 2018 target-identification paper (PMID 30733413) named **ATP-synthase F1 subunit (ATP5A)** as the compound`s direct binding site, modulating mitochondrial ATP production and triggering an antioxidant + neurotrophic cascade. In mouse Alzheimer`s models (3xTg-AD, APP/PS1) it **reduces amyloid-β and tau pathology, improves cognitive function** (Morris water maze, novel object recognition). The 2011 PLoS One paper (PMID 22192054) demonstrates cognitive improvement in both aging and AD models. Abrexa Pharmaceuticals initiated a Phase 1 human trial in 2019. Long-term human safety data is lacking.

Mechanism

ATP5A modulation + BDNF/NGF inducer

Half-life

3-5 h (animal pharmacokinetics)

Legal status

Investigational, not FDA-approved

Safety

Side effects, stop signs, contraindications

Side effects · 6

  • Limited human safety data: the side-effect profile is unknown, evidence is almost entirely from animal and preclinical studies.
  • Theoretical fatigue or energy-level fluctuation arising from its mitochondrial mechanism (not confirmed in humans).
  • Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, bloating) is plausible given the curcumin-related structure, but undocumented in humans.
  • Possible headache or mild dizziness, as with most CNS-active neurotrophic compounds (anecdotal, not clinical).
  • Unknown long-term safety: chronic toxicity, hepatic and renal effect data in humans are not available.
  • Purity and contamination risk from research-chemical market sources (unknown composition, no pharmaceutical-grade quality control).

Contraindications · 5

  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid, as no reproductive or developmental safety data exist.
  • Not an FDA-approved compound, only an investigational agent: human use without medical supervision is not recommended.
  • Given the curcumin-related structure, a theoretical antiplatelet, anticoagulant effect: caution advised alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy.
  • Unknown drug interactions: human effects on mitochondrial and CYP enzymes are not characterized, avoid in polypharmacy.
  • Avoid in hepatic or renal impairment: metabolism and excretion in humans are unknown.

Related Nootropics

Same therapeutic category

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MolekulaX Editorial Team·Source-verified · PubMed · FDA · EMA
Updated: June 19, 2026

The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.