Cerebrolysin
Neuroprotective Peptide Mixtureapproved (non-US)Also known as: FPF-1070, Cerebrolysate
A porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids, used clinically in many countries for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and dementia.
Overview
Cerebrolysin is a unique neuropeptide preparation derived from purified porcine brain proteins through standardized enzymatic proteolysis. It contains approximately 25% low-molecular-weight peptides (under 10 kDa) and 75% free amino acids. Unlike most research peptides, Cerebrolysin has an extensive clinical history and is approved as a pharmaceutical drug in over 50 countries (though not in the US) for conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia. Its neurotrophic activity mimics the effects of naturally occurring nerve growth factors, promoting neuronal survival, synaptogenesis, and neuroplasticity. Multiple randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its efficacy in post-stroke recovery and moderate improvements in cognitive function in dementia patients.
Mechanism of Action
Cerebrolysin exerts multimodal neurotrophic and neuroprotective effects: (1) Mimics the action of BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and CNTF through contained neuropeptide fragments; (2) Activates PI3K/Akt survival signaling and inhibits GSK-3β, reducing tau hyperphosphorylation; (3) Promotes neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in the hippocampus; (4) Reduces excitotoxicity by modulating glutamate receptor activity; (5) Exerts anti-apoptotic effects on neurons under oxidative stress; (6) Enhances oligodendrogenesis and supports remyelination; (7) Modulates inflammatory cytokines in the CNS, reducing neuroinflammation.
Molecular Formula
Complex mixture — no single formula
Molecular Weight
< 10,000 Da (peptide fraction)
Sequence
Complex mixture of peptide fragments — no single sequence
Dosage Protocols
Dose Range
5ml – 10ml
Frequency
Once daily
Route
intramuscular
Cycle Length
10-20 days per cycle, repeated as needed
Standard clinical protocol uses 5-10ml IM daily for 10-20 day courses. Multiple courses may be given with 2-4 week breaks. Contains 215.2 mg/ml of active peptide concentrate.
Source: Official prescribing information (EVER Pharma)
Side Effects
| Effect | Severity |
|---|---|
| Injection site pain | mild |
| Dizziness | mild |
| Headache | mild |
| Nausea | mild |
| Agitation | moderate |
| Allergic reaction | severe |
Pros & Cons
Extensive clinical evidence with multiple RCTs supporting efficacy in stroke and dementia
Approved pharmaceutical in 50+ countries with decades of clinical use
Multimodal mechanism provides broad neuroprotection rather than targeting a single pathway
Well-characterized safety profile from large clinical trials
Not FDA-approved — difficult to obtain in the United States
Requires injection (IM or IV); no oral formulation available
Derived from porcine brain tissue — ethical concerns and allergy risk for some
High-dose IV protocols require clinical supervision
Complex mixture makes precise mechanism characterization challenging
Research Studies
Legal Status
Approved pharmaceutical in over 50 countries (Europe, Asia, South America). Not FDA-approved in the United States. Available by prescription in approved countries. Can be sourced as a research chemical in the US.
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