Fraternine

Key points

• Fraternine is a peptide from the venom of a social wasp, used as a research tool.
• It is studied for possible protection of the nerve cells affected in Parkinson's disease.
• All the evidence is preclinical, from animal and laboratory work.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Wasp venom peptide (research tool)

Studied for

Nerve cell protection in Parkinson's research

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; research use

Human evidence

None; animal and laboratory studies only

How it works

Fraternine is studied for effects on the dopamine producing nerve cells that are lost in Parkinson's disease, and for roles in nerve cell survival and inflammation. These are hypotheses being explored in the laboratory, not established actions in people.

What the evidence shows

The evidence is preclinical, using animal models of Parkinson's disease. There are no human trials, no established dose, and no safety data in people.

What it does not settle

• There are no human trials of benefit or safety.
• Its exact mechanism is not well defined.
• There is no established human dose.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• Human safety is unstudied, and venom derived peptides can be biologically active in unpredictable ways.
• Because there is no licensed product, the dose, purity and contents of material bought online cannot be verified.

Report any suspected side effect through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.

UK legal status and access

Fraternine has no UK marketing authorisation, so it is not a licensed medicine and is not offered by registered clinics or pharmacies. It is a research tool sold for laboratory use.

Common questions