Cerebrolysin
Also known as: FPF-1070
Molecular Identifiers
CAS Number
12656-61-0
UNII
37KZM6S21G
Overview
Mixture of neuropeptides and low molecular weight amino acids derived from porcine brain. Contains neurotrophic factors that mimic BDNF, GDNF, and CNTF. Studied for neuroprotection and cognitive recovery.
The clinical interest in Cerebrolysin lies in its neurotrophic activity: it mimics the action of factors such as BDNF and GDNF, promoting neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, and neuroprotection. It has been studied in stroke, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and post-ischemic cognitive deficits, given via intramuscular or intravenous route in repeated cycles.
It is approved in more than 40 countries, mainly in Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and Asia, for use in stroke and dementia. It is not approved by the FDA in the United States and is not approved by ANVISA in Brazil — where, when used, it relies on individual import or off-label prescription. Unlike most research peptides, it is an industrial pharmaceutical product supplied in ready-to-use ampoules.
It is an enzymatic hydrolysate of porcine brain tissue, originally developed by the Austrian company Ever Neuro Pharma. Because it is a complex mixture, it does not have a single sequence or molecular formula; clinical evidence is heterogeneous and meta-analyses show modest to moderate effects, mainly in acute ischemic stroke.
In the peptide nootropic landscape, Cerebrolysin is the outlier: while Selank, Semax, Dihexa, P21, and PE 22-28 are synthetic peptides with defined sequences, it is a biological hydrolysate of incompletely characterized composition. It shares with Semax the BDNF/neuroprotection axis and the stroke indication, but operates at industrial pharmaceutical scale (IM/IV ampoules) instead of the compounding-pharmacy niche typical of the others, with broad approval outside the FDA market.
Complex mixture of low molecular weight peptides. Exact composition not defined by a single sequence.
Half-life
~3-5 hours
Administration Route
Intramuscular or intravenous
Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Mechanism of Action
- Neurotrophic activity mimicking BDNF and GDNF
- Promotion of neurogenesis and synaptogenesis
- Neuronal anti-apoptotic effect
- Modulation of neuroinflammation
- Improvement of synaptic plasticity
Dosage Protocol
Data compiled from the literature. This does not constitute medical advice.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Dose | 5-30 ml per injection |
| Frequency | Once daily |
| Timing | Morning |
| Duration | 10-20 days (repeated cycles) |
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Injection site pain
- Insomnia (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | N/A (mistura biológica) |
| Appearance | Clear yellowish solution |
| Solubility | N/A (supplied as ready-to-use injectable solution) |
| Source | Enzymatic proteolysis of porcine brain tissue |
| Storage | Refrigerated 2-8°C. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Use within shelf life indicated on packaging. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Cerebrolysin found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: N/A (ready-to-use solution)
- Volume: N/A
- Product supplied in ready-to-use ampoules
- Clear yellowish solution
Storage
- Lyophilized: Room temperature (up to 3 years)
- Reconstituted: N/A (sealed ampoules)
- Protect from light
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Cerebrolysin.
Cerebrolysin and Recovery After Stroke (CARS): A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial
Muresanu DF, Heiss WD, Hoemberg V, Bajenaru O, Popescu CD, Vester JC, Rahlfs VW, Doppler E, Meier D, Moessler H, Guekht A
Cerebrolysin in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials
Gauthier S, Proaño JV, Jia J, Froelich L, Vester JC, Doppler E
Related Peptides
Adamax
100-500 mcg via intranasal or subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily
Cortagen
Dihexa
DSIP
100-300 mcg per subcutaneous injection · Once daily
Epithalon
1-5 mg per subcutaneous injection (some protocols use 5-10 mg per full cycle) · Once daily or every other day
FG Loop
25-200 mg intranasal (single ascending dose Phase 1) · Single dose (tolerability study)