Noopept

What it is

Technically a dipeptide-derived synthetic nootropic rather than a traditional peptide. Noopept (INN: Omberacetam) is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a small molecule built on a Pro-Gly dipeptide backbone with a phenylacetyl cap and ethyl ester modification. It functions as a prodrug of the endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine (cPG), which is also a natural metabolite of IGF-1. Developed at the Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology (Russian Academy of Medical Sciences) by T.A. Gudasheva in 1996. Approved and sold over-the-counter in Russia for impaired memory, attention, and cognitive function. Not approved in the US, Canada, or the EU. Studied in one published open-label comparative clinical trial (n=53) and extensive preclinical research, predominantly from the originating laboratory.

Community-reported ranges

Dose values in mg (not mcg) — Noopept is an orally active small molecule dosed at milligram scale. Ranges sourced from Russian prescribing information (10-30 mg/day) and published clinical literature. Not dosing guidance.

Frequently discussed alongside

Based on community forum discussions. Not a recommendation to combine compounds.

Published research

Noopept has been studied in one published open-label comparative trial (Neznamov & Teleshova, 2009, n=53) showing MMSE improvement from 26 to 29 over 56 days at 20 mg/day — but the trial was not placebo-controlled, not blinded, and conducted at a single center. Preclinically, Noopept is reported as approximately 1,000x more potent than piracetam by weight. Ostrovskaya et al. (2008) demonstrated increased BDNF and NGF expression in rat hippocampus after chronic administration. Pelsman et al. (2003) showed neuroprotection against oxidative damage in human cortical neurons (including Down syndrome neurons). The compound operates through multiple mechanisms including AMPA receptor modulation (via cPG metabolite), neurotrophin upregulation, α7 nicotinic receptor involvement, antioxidant activity, and HIF-1 activation. The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation has noted that most research originates from a single laboratory group, which is a significant limitation for evidence confidence.

Reported side effects

From community self-reports. Not from controlled studies.

From the published clinical trial (n=31 Noopept arm): sleep disturbances (16%), increased blood pressure (23%), and irritability (10%). Russian prescribing information additionally lists headache, nausea, excitability, drowsiness, increased fatigue, and occasional skin reactions. Community users report anxiety at higher doses and possible tolerance development. No drug dependence observed. Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and known hypersensitivity.

Regulatory status