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Cerebrolysin (developmental code name FPF-1070) is an experimental mixture of enzymatically-treated peptides derived from pig brain whose constituents can include brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF).[3][4] Although it is under preliminary study for its potential to treat various brain diseases, it is used as a therapy in dozens of countries in Eurasia.
Cerebrolysin has been studied for potential treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases, with only preliminary research, as of 2023.[4] No clear benefit in the treatment of acute stroke has been found, and an increased rate of spontaneous adverse effects requiring hospitalization is reported.[4] Some positive effects have been reported when cerebrolysin is used to treat vascular dementia.[5]
Stroke
A 2023 review indicated that cerebrolysin or cerebrolysin-like peptide mixtures from cattle brain likely provide no benefit for preventing all-cause death in acute ischemic stroke, and that higher quality studies are needed.[4] In addition, cerebrolysin might cause a higher rate of spontaneous adverse events requiring hospitalization.[4]
Studies of ischemic stroke in Asian subpopulations found an absence of benefit.[6] A 2020 study suggested a lack of benefit in hemorrhagic stroke related to cerebral aneurysm.[7]
Dementia
Reviews of preliminary research indicate a possible improvement in cognitive function using cerebrolysin for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease, although further high-quality research is needed.[5][8]
Other
Early studies have suggested potential use of cerebrolysin with a wide variety of neurodegenerative disorders, including traumatic brain injury,[9][10] schizophrenia,[11] multiple sclerosis,[12] cerebral palsy[13] and spinal cord injury[14][15] although research is still preliminary.
Upon injection, adverse effects of cerebrolysin include nausea, dizziness, headache, and sweating.[1] It is not recommended for use in people with epilepsy, kidney disease, or hypersensitivity to the compound constituents.[1]
In trials studying the use of cerebrolysin after acute stroke, there was no increased risk of "serious adverse events" requiring hospitalization.[4] These were specifically defined as "...any untoward medical occurrence that, at any dose, resulted in death, [was] life-threatening, required inpatient hospitalisation or resulted in prolongation of existing hospitalisation, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, [was] a congenital anomaly/birth defect, or [was] a medically important event or reaction".[4]
Laboratory studies indicate there may be neurotrophic effects of cerebrolysin similar to endogenous mechanisms, although its specific molecular effects are not clear.[16]
Cerebrolysin is given by injection.[1] Some of the peptides in cerebrolysin are short-lived once in the blood (for example, the half-life of BDNF is only 10 minutes).[17]
Although cerebrolysin is used in Russia, Eastern European countries, China, and other Asian countries, its status as a government-approved drug is unclear.[4] It is only available by prescription from a physician.[1] According to the manufacturer, the European Medicines Agency has declared cerebrolysin as safe.[1]
It is not an approved drug in the United States.[18][19]
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