Cerebrolysin

also known as: FPF-1070, porcine brain peptide preparation

A porcine-derived neurotrophic peptide preparation approved in 40+ countries (not US) for stroke, dementia, and traumatic brain injury — with the largest clinical evidence base of any nootropic peptide preparation.

A biologically standardized mixture of peptides (<10 kDa) and amino acids produced by proteolytic digestion of purified porcine brain tissue, with neurotrophic activity mimicking that of BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and CNTF, approved in 40+ countries for CNS disorders.

Mechanism of action

Multiple neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects: peptide components mimic the action of endogenous neurotrophic factors on TrkA, TrkB, and p75 receptors; amino acid components provide substrate for neurotransmitter synthesis. Demonstrated effects include enhanced synaptic plasticity, reduced excitotoxicity, reduced amyloid-β toxicity, and promotion of neurogenesis in animal models.

Primary uses

Acute ischemic stroke
Traumatic brain injury
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer's disease (adjunct)
Diabetic neuropathy

Typical dosing

10–50 mL/day daily (course of 10–20 days) (intravenous or intramuscular)

Clinical protocols typically use 10–30 mL daily IV for 10–20 days, repeated in courses. Community use via IM injection mirrors this dosing pattern.

Regulatory status

Approved in 40+ countries including Austria, Germany, China, Russia, South Korea, and much of Eastern Europe. Indications include acute ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. NOT FDA-approved; manufactured by Ever Pharma (Austria).

References

[clinical-trial] Heiss WD, et al. "Cerebrolysin in patients with acute ischemic stroke in Asia: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial." Stroke, 2012;43:630-636.
[review] Ziganshina LE, et al. "Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke." Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2017.
[clinical-trial] Alvarez XA, et al. "Combination treatment in Alzheimer's disease: results of a randomized, controlled trial with cerebrolysin and donepezil." Curr Alzheimer Res, 2011;8:583-591.

Related peptides

Semax

A synthetic ACTH-derived heptapeptide approved in Russia for stroke rehabilitation and optic nerve disorders, with documented BDNF upregulation and broad nootropic activity.

Selank

A Russian-developed tuftsin analog approved for anxiety — produces benzodiazepine-like anxiolysis via GABAergic modulation without sedation, dependence, or withdrawal.

Dihexa

A synthetic angiotensin-IV-derived peptide studied for potent synaptogenic activity via HGF/c-Met pathway — but the foundational research has been called into question and no human safety data exists.

Noopept

A Russian-developed prolyl-glycine-ester nootropic — often grouped with racetams despite being a dipeptide, with BDNF/NGF upregulation and anxiolytic activity.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.