Cerebrolysin
Also known as: FPF-1070 · Brain-derived peptide preparation
Contents
Half-Life
12-18 hours
Route
IV, IM
CAS
86784-80-7
Mechanism of Action
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing enzymatically processed low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids. The mixture includes neurotrophic factor-like peptides (BDNF-like, NGF-like, CNTF-like activities).
PRIMARY MECHANISM — NEUROTROPHIC SIGNALING: Contains peptides that mimic BDNF and NGF activity. Crosses the blood-brain barrier due to low molecular weight (<10 kDa). Promotes neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic branching through TrkB and TrkA receptor activation.
ANTI-APOPTOTIC: Activates PI3K/AKT neuroprotective pathway → phosphorylates and inactivates pro-apoptotic BAD → reduces caspase-3 activation → prevents neuronal cell death after ischemic insult.
NEUROPLASTICITY: Enhances long-term potentiation (LTP) and synaptic formation. Upregulates synapsin and synaptophysin expression.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Reduces microglial activation and neuroinflammatory cytokines in CNS.
Used extensively in Europe and Asia for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions. Approved by regulatory authorities in multiple EU/Asian countries.
Dosing Protocol
Low Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Standard Dose
███ mcg/day
High Dose
███ – ███ mcg/day
Dosing protocols are for paid members
Get exact dosing ranges, injection frequency, timing rationale, and reconstitution math.
Get Clinical Access — $79/moFrequency
Daily IV infusion for 10–21 day courses.
Half-Life
12-18 hours
Reconstitution Guide
Full reconstitution protocol with BAC water volumes, concentration math, and units-to-draw per dose is available on the Clinical plan.
Unlock reconstitution guide →Clinical Warnings
IV administration only — clinical setting required.
Porcine-derived — allergy/sensitivity risk.
Not FDA approved in USA.
Theoretical prion disease concern (animal-derived CNS tissue).
Dizziness, headache during infusion.
Contraindications
Absolute
Pregnancy
Epilepsy (status epilepticus)
Severe renal failure
Relative Cautions
Seizure disorders
Allergies to porcine products
Side Effect Profile
Mild
- ●Mild dizziness
- ●Injection site reaction
- ●Headache
Moderate
- ●Agitation
- ●Insomnia
- ●Nausea
- ●Sweating
Severe (Rare)
- ●Seizure induction
- ●Anaphylaxis (porcine allergy)
Synergistic Peptides
Common Stacks
Semax
Selank
Dihexa
Research Status
MODERATE. PMID 28956528 (Muresanu 2016 — CERELYSIN stroke RCT). PMID 33106196 (TBI systematic review, ~1,900 patients). PMID 39481631 (2025 TBI review — improved motor/cognitive outcomes). Approved in multiple EU/Asian countries. Not FDA approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cerebrolysin work?
Cerebrolysin is a porcine brain-derived peptide preparation containing enzymatically processed low-molecular-weight neuropeptides and free amino acids. The mixture includes neurotrophic factor-like peptides (BDNF-like, NGF-like, CNTF-like activities). PRIMARY MECHANISM — NEUROTROPHIC SIGNALING: Contains peptides that mimic BDNF and NGF activity. Crosses the blood-brain barrier due to low molecular weight (<10 kDa). Promotes neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, and dendritic branching through
What is the standard dose of Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin dosing protocols are available with a ClinPep Clinical subscription. Dosing varies by indication and patient factors — consult a licensed healthcare provider. General frequency: Daily IV infusion for 10–21 day courses.
What is the half-life of Cerebrolysin?
The half-life of Cerebrolysin is 12-18 hours. This determines optimal dosing frequency and timing.
Who should not use Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is absolutely contraindicated in: Pregnancy; Epilepsy (status epilepticus); Severe renal failure. Use with caution in: Seizure disorders; Allergies to porcine products.
What are the side effects of Cerebrolysin?
Common mild side effects include: Mild dizziness, Injection site reaction, Headache. Moderate effects: Agitation, Insomnia, Nausea, Sweating.
What peptides stack well with Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is commonly stacked with: Semax, Selank, Dihexa, NAD+.
How do you reconstitute Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Exact volumes, concentrations, and units-to-draw calculations are available in the ClinPep Clinical plan. Always follow your compounding pharmacy's instructions.
How long should you cycle Cerebrolysin?
Cerebrolysin cycle protocols vary by indication. Detailed cycle length, on/off schedules, and monitoring guidelines are available with ClinPep Clinical access. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized cycling guidance.
References & Citations
7 PubMed studies · 3 clinical trials
Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin.
Rejdak Konrad, Sienkiewicz-Jarosz Halina, Bienkowski Przemyslaw, Alvarez Anton. Medicinal research reviews. 2023
Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders such as dementia, stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and constitute molecular targets of high interest f
Cerebrolysin in Patients with TBI: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Jarosz Konrad, Kojder Klaudyna, Andrzejewska Agata, Solek-Pastuszka Joanna et al.. Brain sciences. 2023
TBI (traumatic brain injury) is one of the most common causes of deaths and failure to return to society according to the latest statistics. Cerebrolysin is a drug approved for use in patients diagnos
Concussive head injury exacerbates neuropathology of sleep deprivation: Superior neuroprotection by co-administration of TiO2-nanowired cerebrolysin, alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and mesenchymal stem cells.
Sharma Aruna, Muresanu Dafin F, Sahib Seaab, Tian Z Ryan et al.. Progress in brain research. 2020
Sleep deprivation (SD) is common in military personnel engaged in combat operations leading to brain dysfunction. Military personnel during acute or chronic SD often prone to traumatic brain injury (T
Effects of Cerebrolysin on Hippocampal Neuronal Death After Pilocarpine-Induced Seizure.
Kang Dong Hyeon, Choi Bo Young, Lee Song Hee, Kho A Ra et al.. Frontiers in neuroscience. 2020
Epilepsy is one of the most common and severe brain diseases. The exact cause of epilepsy is unclear. Epilepsy often occurs following brain damage, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and ischemia. C
Prospective, double blinded, comparative assessment of the pharmacological activity of Cerebrolysin and distinct peptide preparations for the treatment of embolic stroke.
Zhang Li, Chopp Michael, Wang Chunyang, Zhang Yi et al.. Journal of the neurological sciences. 2019
Our previous work in acute ischemic stroke and TBI models focused on efficacy and pharmacological parameters of Cerebrolysin®. In this prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled study w
Effects of cerebrolysin on functional outcome of patients with traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ghaffarpasand Fariborz, Torabi Saeed, Rasti Ali, Niakan Mohammad Hadi et al.. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment. 2019
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains a main public health problem being associated with high mortality and morbidity. The functional outcome of TBI remains unfavorable despite several surgical and med
Cerebrolysin Reduces Astrogliosis and Axonal Injury and Enhances Neurogenesis in Rats After Closed Head Injury.
Zhang Yanlu, Chopp Michael, Zhang Zheng Gang, Zhang Yi et al.. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair. 2019
Cerebrolysin is a neuropeptide preparation with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties. Our previous study demonstrates that cerebrolysin significantly improves functional recovery in rats after
Registered Clinical Trials
Cerebrolysin as an Add-On Therapy to Standard Treatment of Basilar Artery Occlusion
Cerebrolysin in Critically Ill Patients With Delirium
Effects of Cerebrolysin on Language Ability in Non-fluent Aphasia Patients After Stroke: A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blinded, Single Center Study
Symptom Indications
Full Clinical Access
Complete Cerebrolysin Protocol
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This information is for educational and research reference purposes only. ClinPep does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. All protocols should be reviewed by a licensed healthcare provider.