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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

ACE-031vsDSIP

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

APhase 2HUMAN-REVIEWED10/44 cited
BHuman-MechanisticAUTO-DRAFTED8/36 cited
ACE-031
ActRIIB-Fc Fusion · Phase 2 Halted
Phase 2Highest trial stage
2011Development halted
~58.4 kDaMolecular weightReichel 2025
SQ · Weekly dosing investigated
DSIP
Sleep modulator · Anti-stress
100–200 mcgPer doseSchneider 1986
HumanMechanisticSchneider 1986
HoursHalf-life (est)
SQ · Pre-sleep · Daily during cycle

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
ACE-031
DSIP
Primary target
Myostatin, GDF11, activin A — TGF-β superfamily ligands
Multiple — modulates HPA axis + thalamic delta-wave generation (proposed)Schneider 1986
Pathway
Soluble decoy receptor binds circulating myostatin/TGF-β ligands → prevents ActRIIB activation → SMAD2/3 pathway inhibition
Reduced cortisol/ACTH + enhanced delta-wave EEG activity → improved sleep onset + depthSchneider 1986
Downstream effect
Disinhibition of myogenic signaling, increased skeletal muscle mass and strength
Faster sleep onset, increased delta sleep, reduced stress response, possible anxiolytic effectSchneider 1986
Feedback intact?
Origin
Recombinant fusion protein: human ActRIIB extracellular domain + IgG1-Fc fragmentReichel 2025
Endogenous peptide first isolated from rabbit blood during delta sleep; synthesised exogenouslySchneider 1986
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
ACE-031
DSIP
Clinical dosing
Weekly or biweekly SQ injections (exact doses undisclosed pre-halt)
Phase 2 DMD trial protocol not fully published.
Black market products
Variable purity; 12/14 tested products contained target protein plus contaminantsReichel 2025
SDS-PAGE revealed multiple protein bands; quality control absent.Reichel 2025
Evidence basis
Phase 2 trial discontinued — incomplete dataset
Human-mechanistic + early clinicalSchneider 1986
Half-life
Days to weeks (Fc-fusion typical kinetics)
IgG1-Fc domain confers extended circulation time.
Short plasma; CNS effects last hours
Duration investigated
12–24 weeks (trial cut short)
Standard dose
100–200 mcg SQ pre-sleepSchneider 1986
Frequency
Once daily, pre-sleep
Lower / starter dose
50 mcg pre-sleep
Duration
8–12 weeks per cycle
Reconstitution
Bacteriostatic water
Timing
30–60 min pre-sleep

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
ACE-031
DSIP
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
Significant incidence in Phase 2 DMD trial — primary safety signal
Telangiectasia
Dilated capillaries / spider veins observed
Vascular abnormalities
Mechanism: ActRIIB/ALK1 pathway disruption affects vascular homeostasis
Injection site reactions
Local erythema, induration (biologics class effect)
Antibody development
Potential for anti-drug antibodies (Fc-fusion proteins); incidence not reported
Black market contaminants
12/14 tested products contained multiple unidentified proteins alongside ACE-031Reichel 2025
Injection site reaction
Mild irritation
Drowsiness
Expected effect (intentional)
Vivid dreams
Anecdotally reported
Long-term safety
Limited modern RCT data
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Absolute Contraindications
ACE-031
  • ·History of vascular disorders (epistaxis, telangiectasia, HHT)
  • ·Pregnancy (TGF-β pathway critical for fetal development)
  • ·Active malignancy (myostatin inhibition may affect tumour growth)
  • ·Use of non-pharmaceutical grade ACE-031 (contamination risk)Reichel 2025
DSIP
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Concurrent CNS-depressant therapy without supervision
Relative Contraindications
ACE-031
  • ·Coagulation disorders or anticoagulant use (epistaxis risk)
  • ·Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) family history
  • ·Cardiovascular disease (vascular remodeling effects unknown)
DSIP
  • ·Severe sleep apnoea (untreated)
  • ·Concurrent benzodiazepine / opioid use

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
ACE-031
DSIP
1. Pharmaceutical status
ACE-031 is not FDA-approved or commercially available. Phase 2 development was discontinued in 2011 due to safety concerns. Any ACE-031 on the black market is unregulated research chemical.
Add 1–2 mL bacteriostatic water to vial.
2. Black market quality
12 of 14 tested black market ACE-031 products contained the target protein but also carried multiple unidentified protein contaminants detectable by SDS-PAGE. Two products contained no ACVR2B-immunoreactive material.Reichel 2025
SQ — abdomen. Rotate sites.
3. Detection in sport
ACE-031 is prohibited under WADA S4.3 (Myostatin Inhibitors). Gel electrophoresis and Western blotting using ACVR2B-specific antibodies can detect the ~58.4 kDa protein in biological samples.Reichel 2025
30–60 min pre-sleep.
4. Clinical trial route
Phase 2 protocol used subcutaneous injections at weekly or biweekly intervals. Exact dosing protocols remain unpublished.
Lyophilised: room temp. Reconstituted: refrigerate ≤30 days.
5. Needle
29–31G insulin syringe.