Educational reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any protocol.
Cerebrolysin
Cerebrolysin (FPF-1070)
What it is
Not a single peptide but a standardized enzymatic digest of porcine brain tissue (manufactured by EVER Neuro Pharma, Austria) comprising approximately 75% free amino acids and 25% low-molecular-weight neuropeptides, all below 10 kDa. The peptide fraction contains fragments resembling endogenous neurotrophins (BDNF, NGF, GDNF, CNTF), enkephalins, orexin-related peptides, and the P21 fragment. Cerebrolysin has been studied in multiple randomized controlled trials for acute ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, and vascular dementia — representing one of the most clinically tested neuropeptide preparations in existence. It is approved in approximately 50 countries (not in the US or Canada) and has been administered to thousands of patients in clinical settings. Primary RCT endpoints have produced mixed results, with some trials showing neutral primary outcomes but significant secondary or subgroup findings.
Community-reported ranges
Dose ranges sourced from published clinical trial protocols (5-50 mL IV depending on indication). Values shown are in mL, not mcg — this compound is dosed volumetrically as a complex mixture. IM administration limited to ≤5 mL. Not dosing guidance.
Reported dose range
5–30 mcg
Estimated half-life
Minutes to hours (varies by peptide fragment)
Source: Clinical pharmacology literature; individual components have differing clearance rates. BDNF-like fragments ~10 min plasma half-life. Biological effects persist well beyond plasma clearance.
Reported cycle length
2–4 weeks on
4-8 weeks off
Route
intravenous, intramuscular
Common vial sizes
5mL, 10mL, 30mL
Reported timing
AM (IV infusion over 15-60 min in 100-250 mL saline)
Reported frequency
Once daily
Frequently discussed alongside
Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.
Semax
Discussed together in neuroprotection and cognitive recovery contexts
Selank
Both studied for neurological applications with regulatory approvals outside the US
Noopept
Both studied in Russian/CIS neurological research traditions for cognitive impairment
Dihexa
Discussed alongside in neurotrophic and Alzheimer's research contexts
Published research
Multiple randomized controlled trials have examined Cerebrolysin across neurological indications. The CASTA trial (2012, n=1,070) studied 30 mL/day IV for acute ischemic stroke with a neutral primary endpoint but post-hoc signals in severe patients. The CARS trial (2016, n=208) found significant motor recovery improvement when combined with rehabilitation. A meta-analysis of 6 Alzheimer's RCTs (Gauthier et al., 2015) reported significant cognitive improvement. The CAPTAIN TBI trial series (2021) showed small-to-medium effect sizes favoring Cerebrolysin at 90 days. A vascular dementia RCT (Guekht et al., 2011, n=242) found significant ADAS-cog improvement. Most trials were industry-funded. A 2024 research integrity controversy affected some preclinical publications, though the major RCT data remains intact.
Heiss WD et al. — CASTA Trial
Stroke
Muresanu DF et al. — CARS Trial
Stroke
Gauthier S et al. — Alzheimer's Meta-Analysis
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
Guekht AB et al. — Vascular Dementia RCT
Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases
Vester JC et al. — CAPTAIN TBI Meta-Analysis
Neurological Sciences
Reported side effects
From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.
Clinical trial data reports generally mild and transient adverse effects including dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, flushing, and agitation. A 2020 Cochrane Review noted moderate-quality evidence of increased non-fatal serious adverse events in stroke trials. Contraindicated in epilepsy, severe renal impairment, and hypersensitivity to porcine-derived products.
Regulatory status
FDA (United States)
Not approved. Not registered and no pending application with the FDA.
Health Canada
Not authorized as a therapeutic product. Referenced in Canadian stroke rehabilitation guidelines (EBRSR), but guideline mention does not constitute regulatory approval. No DIN assigned.
WADA (Competitive Athletes)
Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. However, clinical IV doses (30 mL in 100-250 mL saline) may violate WADA Rule M2.2 limiting IV infusions to 100 mL per 12 hours outside hospital settings. Athletes should consult anti-doping authorities.
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