Peptide

Cerebrolysin

Mixture of peptides and amino acids derived from porcine brain with neurotrophic action; 30 years of clinical use in Eastern Europe and Asia for stroke and dementia.

Regulatory status

Not approved

FDA (U.S.): Not approved (not registered in the U.S.).

EMA (EU): No centralized EMA authorization. Authorized nationally in Austria (holder EVER Neuro Pharma) and used by prescription in Eastern Europe, Russia, China, and other Asian countries for stroke, head trauma, and dementia.

How to take it

Typical doses in trials: 10-30 ml/day intravenously for 10-21 days in the acute post-stroke phase or cycles in dementia. Prescription only.

Safety

Generally well tolerated; hypersensitivity reactions are rare. Contraindicated in active epilepsy, severe kidney failure, and pregnancy.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Ischemic stroke (recovery)

improves Very high meta-analysis (AAA)

Improves post-stroke recovery

Multiple randomized trials show better neurological and functional recovery at 90 days after stroke when administered within the first 24-72 hours.

View the study (meta-analysis) →

Dementia and Alzheimer's

improves (modest) Moderate clinical trials (AA)

Short-term effect

Improves cognition and function in the short term (up to 6 months) in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's. It does NOT prevent long-term progression or reduce mortality.

View the study (RCT) →

Traumatic brain injury

improves Moderate clinical trials (AA)

Improves recovery

Accelerates cognitive recovery after moderate TBI.

View the study (RCT) →

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.