PNC-27

Key points

• PNC-27 is a synthetic peptide built from a piece of the p53 protein joined to a sequence that helps it enter cells.
• In the laboratory it is studied for triggering the death of cancer cells that display a particular protein on their surface.
• The evidence is preclinical, and it is not an established or approved treatment.
• It is not a licensed medicine in the UK and is sold only for research use.

Quick facts

What it is

Experimental anticancer peptide (p53 derived)

Studied for

Killing cancer cells (laboratory research)

UK status

Not a licensed medicine; research use

Human evidence

None; preclinical only

How it works

PNC-27 is designed to target cancer cells that show a protein called MDM2 on their surface, and to trigger their death while sparing normal cells. This is a laboratory concept being studied, not a proven treatment, and how it behaves in a living person is unknown.

What the evidence shows

The work on PNC-27 is preclinical, in cells and some animal models. There are no human trials showing it treats cancer, no established dose, and no safety data in people.

What it does not settle

• There are no human trials of benefit or safety.
• There is no established human dose.
• How it behaves in the body of a person is unknown.

Side effects

Less common but serious

• Human safety is unstudied, so the risks are not known.
• 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

PNC-27 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 compound sold for laboratory use. Cancer should never be self treated.

Common questions