All peptides · Cognitive & nootropic

Cerebrolysin

Q: What is Cerebrolysin?

Brain-derived peptide mixture. A preparation of small peptides from pig brain with nerve-growth-factor-like activity, given by injection; studied for stroke, brain injury and dementia.

Q: How much does Cerebrolysin cost?

The cheapest Cerebrolysin from an independently tested vendor is $0.097 per mg (Andy Peps Studio, CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials, $58.00). Across 19 listings from 17 vendors the median is $0.208 per mg.

Q: Where can I buy Cerebrolysin?

17 vendors tested by Finnrick sell Cerebrolysin. The cheapest per mg right now: Andy Peps Studio ($0.097), Baohua Dongnuo Biotechnology BHD ($0.097), LN Peptides ($0.097). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for Cerebrolysin; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.

Q: How much bacteriostatic water for 60 mg of Cerebrolysin?

Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 60 mg vial of Cerebrolysin gives 30 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 3,000 mcg. With 1 mL it's 60 mg/mL (6,000 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 20 mg/mL (2,000 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 60 mg.

Q: Does Cerebrolysin work? What does the research say?

Evidence grade B (some human evidence), from 13 papers: Many RCTs but conflicting: Cochrane and large stroke trials show no benefit on death or recovery, while small trials and meta-analyses in TBI and dementia report modest gains. Cerebrolysin (a porcine brain peptide mixture) has many human RCTs and meta-analyses, but results are mixed: Cochrane reviews find no benefit on death in acute ischaemic stroke and a possible rise in non-fatal serious adverse events, while smaller and often industry-linked analyses report modest gains in dementia and traumatic brain injury. Added randomized trials in stroke, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease show small benefits in some (CARS, CAPTAIN II, an Alzheimer's dose-finding study) and a neutral large Asian stroke trial (CASTA), so the mixed picture and grade B stand. See the papers.

Q: Are there clinical trials of Cerebrolysin?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 40 registered trials of Cerebrolysin: 8 active, 18 completed, 7 in phase 3, 3 with posted results. Examples: Cerebrolysin in Critically Ill Patients With Delirium (Enrolling by invitation, 500 people); Combined Acupuncture-Based Therapy for Rehabilitation After Ischemic Stroke (Not yet recruiting, 440 people); Cerebrolysin After Reperfusion in Extended-window EndoVascular Thrombectomy (Not yet recruiting, Phase 2, 100 people).

Q: What dose of Cerebrolysin was used in studies?

Cerebrolysin is studied in people. adults with acute ischaemic hemispheric stroke within 12 h of onset, plus aspirin (CASTA, double-blind, placebo-controlled): 30 mL once daily; adults with vascular dementia, add-on to aspirin (double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre): 20 mL once daily, in 2 treatment cycles; adults with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, GCS 7-12 (CAPTAIN II, double-blind, placebo-controlled): 50 mL daily for 10 days, then two further cycles of 10 mL daily for 10 days once daily in cycles. These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.

Q: What are the side effects of Cerebrolysin?

Reported in the research: Non-fatal serious adverse events (increased vs placebo in acute stroke). In stroke trials total adverse events were similar to placebo, but Cochrane reviews flag more non-fatal serious adverse events.

Cognitive & nootropic

Brain-derived peptide mixture

A preparation of small peptides from pig brain with nerve-growth-factor-like activity, given by injection; studied for stroke, brain injury and dementia.

Approved in a number of countries in Europe and Asia; not approved in the US.

Look it up on Wikipedia

19 listings across 17 independently tested vendors, ranked by price per milligram after coupon codes anyone can use. Vendors you can only order from by message are hidden.

Cheapest right now

$0.097 per mg

Andy Peps Studio

CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials

$58.00 for 10 × 60 mg = 600 mg

Metascore 79Finnrick 73%Bought vials 102% of label · 42 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout

Go to andypepsstudio.com

US compoundingNot compoundable

Not an FDA-approved drug and not nominated for FDA's 503A bulks list, so US pharmacies can't legally compound it.

Sources: FDA: 503A categories (updated May 14, 2026) · checked 2026-10-08 · All peptides' status

Price per mg across 17 vendors

$0.097 cheapest$0.183 median$1.83 highest

Vendor lab reports

0 of 17 vendors

publish a readable report for Cerebrolysin. 2 publish none.

Research

B Some human evidence

13 papers reviewed ✓ 7✗ 3~ 2? 1

Daily price tracking started October 7, 2026; a price-history chart appears here once a few days have been collected.

Vendor	Trust	Listing	Vials	Price	Per mg
Andy Peps Studio #64 by metascore · China	Metascore 79Finnrick 73%Bought vials 102% of label · 42 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$58.00 $5.80 per vial	$0.097	Buy
Baohua Dongnuo Biotechnology BHD #77 by metascore · China	Metascore 78Finnrick 71%Bought vials 101% of label · 20 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$58.00 $5.80 per vial	$0.097	Buy
LN Peptides #254 by metascore · China	Metascore 71Finnrick 72%Bought vials 99% of label · 39 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$58.00 $5.80 per vial	$0.097	Buy
BeiBangAn #28 by metascore · China	Metascore 83Finnrick 68%Bought vials 102% of label · 70 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$58.00 $5.80 per vial	$0.097	Buy
Huaian Dinglin Trading #268 by metascore · China	Metascore 70Finnrick 61%Bought vials 97% of label · 10 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mgx6vials	6 × 60 mg = 360 mg	$45.00 $7.50 per vial	$0.125	Buy
Mai Peptide #35 by metascore · China	Metascore 82Finnrick 60%Bought vials 101% of label · 107 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 26 of 26Online checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg*6vials	6 × 60 mg = 360 mg	$50.00 $8.33 per vial	$0.139	Buy
Hangzhou Youngpeptide Biotechnology HYB #153 by metascore	Metascore 74Finnrick 71%Bought vials 100% of label · 23 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60 mg – 10 Vials	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$85.00 $8.50 per vial	$0.142	Buy
Aavant Research #2 by metascore · US	Metascore 90Finnrick 86%Bought vials 103% of label · 24 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg (6 vials)	6 × 60 mg = 360 mg	$55.00 $9.17 per vial	$0.153	Buy
Uther #62 by metascore · China	Metascore 79Finnrick 64%Bought vials 105% of label · 73 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 30mg (10 Vials / Kit)	10 × 30 mg = 300 mg	$55.00 $5.50 per vial	$0.183	Buy
Bulk Peptide Wholesale #29 by metascore	Metascore 82 medium confidenceFinnrick 68%Bought vials 103% of label · 7 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBaseNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60 mg (10 vials)	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$125.00 $12.50 per vial	$0.208	Buy
Shanghai Wibson Biotechnology WBS #263 by metascore · China	Metascore 70Finnrick 65%Bought vials 99% of label · 58 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg*6vials (China warehouse) [jinjier]	6 × 60 mg = 360 mg	$90.00 $15.00 per vial	$0.250	Buy
Shanghai Wibson Biotechnology WBS #263 by metascore · China	Metascore 70Finnrick 65%Bought vials 99% of label · 58 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg*6vials (China warehouse) [wbspeptide.com]	6 × 60 mg = 360 mg	$120.00 $20.00 per vial	$0.333	Buy
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore	Metascore 78Finnrick 64%Bought vials 103% of label · 47 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg \| 20-Vial Kit \| Neuropeptide Complex \| High-Dose Neuroprotection Research	20 × 60 mg = 1200 mg	$490.00 $24.50 per vial	$0.408	Buy
Qingdao Sigma Chemical QSC #69 by metascore	Metascore 78Finnrick 64%Bought vials 103% of label · 47 testsNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg \| 10-Vial Kit \| Neuropeptide Complex \| High-Dose Neuroprotection Research	10 × 60 mg = 600 mg	$270.00 $27.00 per vial	$0.450	Buy
Lab Rat Peptide #206 by metascore · US	Metascore 72 low confidenceFinnrick 76%TitrateLabNo public reportsOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg	1 × 60 mg	$29.99	$0.500	Buy
Ion Peptide #4 by metascore	Metascore 87 medium confidenceFinnrick 82%Bought vials 108% of label · 4 testsTitrateLab · PeptideBase · Peptide CriticNo report for thisConfirmed with lab: 40 of 40Online checkout	Cerebro Protein – 60mg	1 × 60 mg	$37.46	$0.624	Buy
Hydro Research #105 by metascore	Metascore 75 medium confidenceFinnrick 51%PepIndex 86/100Bought vials 123% of label · 4 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	Cerebro Protein 60mg	1 × 60 mg	$70.00	$1.17	Buy
Oasis Peptides #232 by metascore	Metascore 71Finnrick 56%Bought vials 105% of label · 20 testsTitrateLabNo public reportsOnline checkout	Cerebrolysin 60mg	1 × 60 mg	$106.00	$1.77	Buy
Certified Peptides #66 by metascore · US, WA 98579	Metascore 79Finnrick 58%Bought vials 100% of label · 12 testsTitrateLabNo report for thisOnline checkout	CEREBROLYSIN 60MG 10ML VIAL	1 × 60 mg	$110.00	$1.83	Buy

Mixing a 60 mg vial

What each common amount of bacteriostatic water gives you on a U-100 insulin syringe. Pick a vial size above to change it.

Water	Strength	Per 10 units (0.1 mL)	Per unit
1 mL	60 mg/mL	6,000 mcg	600 mcg
2 mL	30 mg/mL	3,000 mcg	300 mcg
3 mL	20 mg/mL	2,000 mcg	200 mcg
5 mL	12 mg/mL	1,200 mcg	120 mcg

Open the reconstitution calculator

Mixing guides:60 mg

Published lab results

3 certificates of analysis that vendors publish for Cerebrolysin. Numbers are only filled in where the document is readable text; image-only COAs are linked without numbers. A vendor's own COA shows one tested sample, not every batch.

Vendor	Lab	Date	Label	Measured	Purity	Batch
CertaPeptides	Janoshik	2026-08-06	60 mg	–	–		View
Nuscience PeptidesCOA note	Chromate	2026-01-01	–	–	–	Batch CER25-30-001 (Chromate #31040)	View (image)
BioPrecise LLCCOA concerns Several product pages link other compounds' COAs (Epithalon, Tesamorelin, AOD-9604, NAD+ and CJC-1295 DAC to IGF-1 LR3; SS-31 to Retatrutide; HCG to GHK-Cu). Those have no own test; 15 others have real Finnrick tests. Checked 2026-10-08. How we check	–	–	–	–	–		View (image)

Doses studied in research Studied in people

What was given to people (or animals) in published studies and official labels, each linked to its source. This is not a recommendation: study products, purity and supervision differ from research-grade vials.

Who was studied	Dose given	How often	For how long	What happened
adults with acute ischaemic hemispheric stroke within 12 h of onset, plus aspirin (CASTA, double-blind, placebo-controlled) n = 1070	30 mL intravenous infusion	once daily	10 days, follow-up to 90 days	no significant difference on the combined primary end point; post hoc trend favouring Cerebrolysin only in severe strokes (NIHSS >12)	PubMed
adults with vascular dementia, add-on to aspirin (double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre) n = 242	20 mL intravenous	once daily, in 2 treatment cycles	24 weeks of assessment	ADAS-cog+ improved 10.6 vs 4.4 points with placebo; better CIBIC+ global ratings	PubMed
adults with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, GCS 7-12 (CAPTAIN II, double-blind, placebo-controlled) n = 142	50 mL daily for 10 days, then two further cycles of 10 mL daily for 10 days intravenous (as study medication with saline placebo)	once daily in cycles	3 treatment cycles, outcome at day 90	small-to-medium effect favouring Cerebrolysin on a 13-scale multidimensional ensemble at day 90	PubMed
adults with Alzheimer's disease (dose-finding RCT, subgroup with moderate to moderately severe disease) n = 133	10, 30 or 60 mL diluted in saline to 100 mL intravenous infusion	5 days/week for 4 weeks, then 2 days/week for 8 weeks	12 weeks of treatment, assessed at week 24	global clinical function improved at all three doses vs placebo; total ADL and MMSE not significantly changed	PubMed
adults in early rehabilitation 24-72 h after stroke (CARS, phase II, double-blind, placebo-controlled)	30 mL/day intravenous (saline placebo)	once daily	21 days, assessed at day 90	better upper-limb motor function (Action Research Arm Test) at day 90 vs placebo	PubMed
adults within 18 h of acute ischaemic stroke (double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre) n = 100	30 mL daily for 7 days, then 10 mL daily until day 30 intravenous (not explicitly stated in abstract; placebo-controlled infusion)	once daily	4 weeks	greater NIHSS improvement at day 30 vs placebo	PubMed

Doses are volumes of the commercial solution given by infusion in hospital settings. Cochrane reviews of acute ischaemic stroke found no reduction in death and a possible rise in non-fatal serious adverse events. Cerebrolysin is approved in several countries but not by FDA or through the EMA central procedure.

What the research says

Some human evidence

Why: Many RCTs but conflicting: Cochrane and large stroke trials show no benefit on death or recovery, while small trials and meta-analyses in TBI and dementia report modest gains.

Cerebrolysin (a porcine brain peptide mixture) has many human RCTs and meta-analyses, but results are mixed: Cochrane reviews find no benefit on death in acute ischaemic stroke and a possible rise in non-fatal serious adverse events, while smaller and often industry-linked analyses report modest gains in dementia and traumatic brain injury. Added randomized trials in stroke, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease show small benefits in some (CARS, CAPTAIN II, an Alzheimer's dose-finding study) and a neutral large Asian stroke trial (CASTA), so the mixed picture and grade B stand.

Key papers ✓ 7✗ 3~ 2? 1

✗ Negative systematic reviewCochrane Database Syst Rev · 2023
Cerebrolysin for acute ischaemic stroke.
Humans1,773 people7 RCTs pooled
Cochrane systematic review of RCTs (Cerebrolysin or Cerebrolysin-like agents vs placebo or no treatment)

Cochrane review of 7 RCTs (1,773 patients) in acute ischaemic stroke: little or no effect on all-cause death (RR 0.96); non-fatal serious adverse events increased (RR 2.39).

Key resultAll-cause death RR 0.96 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.41; 6 trials, 1689 participants); non-fatal serious adverse events RR 2.39 (95% CI 1.10 to 5.23; 3 trials, 1335 participants)

Study details
Studied
People with acute ischaemic stroke, treatment started within 48 hours of onset
Compared with
Placebo or no treatment
Main outcome
All-cause death; serious adverse events
Sample
7 RCTs, 1773 participants (includes one Cortexin trial of 272)
Authors' conclusion
Moderate-certainty evidence indicates Cerebrolysin probably has no beneficial effect on preventing all-cause death, and a potential increase in non-fatal serious adverse events.
Limitations
Risk of bias unclear in most studies; manufacturer supported three studies; functional outcomes not reported.

DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD007026.pub7 PubMed 37818733 Free full text
✗ Negative meta-analysisDrug Des Devel Ther · 2017
Cerebrolysin for functional recovery in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Humans1,649 peopleRandomized trialsPrimary outcome at Day 90
Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Meta-analysis of 6 RCTs (1,649 acute stroke patients): no significant effect on day-90 functional recovery (mRS, NIHSS, Barthel); adverse events not increased.

Key resultmRS response RR 1.33 (95% CI 0.79-2.24, P=0.28); NIHSS RR 1.03 (P=0.77); Barthel RR 0.95 (P=0.44); serious adverse events RR 1.20 (P=0.29)

Study details
Studied
Patients with acute ischemic stroke
Compared with
Placebo
Main outcome
Functional recovery at Day 90 (mRS, NIHSS, Barthel Index response)
Sample
1,649 patients pooled from six RCTs
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin had no significant effect on functional recovery at Day 90, and routine administration to patients with AIS cannot be supported by the available evidence from RCTs.

DOI 10.2147/DDDT.S124273 PubMed 28458521 Free full text
? Inconclusive meta-analysisCochrane Database Syst Rev · 2019
Cerebrolysin for vascular dementia.
Humans597 people6 RCTs pooledFollow-up ranged from 15 days to three years
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Cochrane review of 6 RCTs (597 people) in vascular dementia: improved cognition (SMD 0.36) and global function, but very-low-quality evidence with high risk of bias; benefits may be too small to matter.

Key resultCognition SMD 0.36 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.58; three studies, 420 people); global function response RR 2.69 (95% CI 1.82 to 3.98; two studies, 379 participants); both very low-quality evidence

Study details
Studied
People with vascular dementia (mild to moderate where reported)
Compared with
Placebo
Main outcome
Cognitive function, global function, mortality
Sample
6 RCTs, 597 participants
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin improved cognition and general function with no suggestion of adverse effects, but the data are not definitive; any benefit may be too small to be clinically meaningful.
Limitations
Very low-quality evidence, heterogeneity, high risk of bias, industry funding, no new studies since 2013.

DOI 10.1002/14651858.CD008900.pub3 PubMed 31710397 Free full text
✓ Positive meta-analysisDement Geriatr Cogn Disord · 2015
Cerebrolysin in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Humanssize not reportedRandomized trials4 weeks and 6 months
Meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials of 30 ml/day Cerebrolysin

Meta-analysis of 6 placebo-controlled RCTs in mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: better cognition at 4 weeks and global clinical change at 4 weeks and 6 months; safety comparable to placebo.

Key resultCognition at 4 weeks SMD -0.40 (95% CI -0.66 to -0.13; p = 0.0031); global clinical change at 4 weeks OR 3.32 (95% CI 1.20-9.21; p = 0.0212)

Study details
Studied
Patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease
Compared with
Placebo
Main outcome
Cognitive function and global clinical change
Sample
6 randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials (participant total not stated in abstract)
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin showed an overall beneficial effect and a favorable benefit-risk ratio in mild-to-moderate AD; safety was comparable to placebo.
Limitations
Cognitive benefit not significant at 6 months; small number of trials.

DOI 10.1159/000377672 PubMed 25832905
✓ Positive meta-analysisNeurol Sci · 2021
Cerebrolysin after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury: prospective meta-analysis of the CAPTAIN trial series.
Humans185 peopleRandomized trialsOutcomes at Day 10, 30 and 90
Prospective meta-analysis of two phase IIIb/IV randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (CAPTAIN)

Prospective meta-analysis of two RCTs (185 patients) in moderate-severe traumatic brain injury: small-to-medium benefit on a combined outcome at days 30 and 90; similar safety to placebo.

Key resultDay 30 MWcombined = 0.60 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.66, p = 0.0156); Day 90 MWcombined = 0.60 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.68, p = 0.0146)

Study details
Studied
Patients with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury (GCS 6 to 12)
Compared with
Physiological saline placebo
Main outcome
Multidimensional ensemble of functional and neuropsychological outcomes
Sample
185 patients across two trials
Authors' conclusion
Small-to-medium effect favoring Cerebrolysin with comparable safety; the authors suggest guideline integration should be considered after careful review.
Limitations
Only two trials, 185 patients.

DOI 10.1007/s10072-020-04974-6 PubMed 33620612
~ Mixed meta-analysisBrain Sci · 2023
Cerebrolysin in Patients with TBI: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Humans8,749 people10 studies pooled
Systematic review and meta-analysis of retrospective and prospective studies

Meta-analysis of 10 retrospective and prospective TBI studies (8,749 patients): improvements in GCS and GOS, but no effect on mortality or length of stay.

Study details
Studied
Patients with traumatic brain injury
Main outcome
GCS, GOS, mortality, length of stay
Sample
10 clinical studies, 8749 patients (retrospective and prospective)
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin was associated with statistically significant changes in GCS and GOS, but mortality and length of stay were not affected; further multi-center studies are needed.
Limitations
Includes retrospective studies; abstract gives no effect sizes.

DOI 10.3390/brainsci13030507 PubMed 36979317 Free full text
✓ Positive meta-analysisAlzheimers Dement · 2025
Therapeutic strategies in vascular cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Humans22k people173 trials pooled
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 173 trials

Broad meta-analysis of 173 vascular cognitive impairment trials: cerebrolysin was among interventions with small-to-moderate cognitive improvements, with overall low certainty of evidence.

Key resultSmall to moderate cognitive improvements were shown for several interventions including cerebrolysin; Ginkgo biloba showed the largest effect (Cohen's d: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.00 to 1.67)

Study details
Studied
People with vascular cognitive impairment
Main outcome
Cognition and functional outcomes
Sample
173 trials of many interventions, 22,347 participants in total (not Cerebrolysin-specific)
Authors' conclusion
Some interventions, including cerebrolysin, showed modest effects on cognition, but heterogeneity was substantial and certainty of evidence is overall low.
Limitations
Cerebrolysin is one of 91 interventions; heterogeneity and low certainty.

DOI 10.1002/alz.70840 PubMed 41198594 Free full text
✓ Positive human RCTStroke · 2016
Cerebrolysin and Recovery After Stroke (CARS): A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind, Multicenter Trial.
Humanssize not reportedRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blind21 days treatment, day 90 endpoint
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial

CARS: in early rehabilitation after ischaemic stroke, 21 days of Cerebrolysin gave better day-90 arm function (Action Research Arm Test) than placebo (Mann-Whitney 0.71, 95% CI 0.63-0.79); safety similar to placebo, but exploratory and small.

Key resultMann-Whitney estimator 0.71 (95% CI, 0.63-0.79; P<0.0001) favouring Cerebrolysin; premature discontinuation 3.8%.

Study details
Studied
Patients with acute stroke starting treatment 24-72 hours after onset, with standardized rehabilitation
Compared with
Saline placebo
Main outcome
Action Research Arm Test score at day 90
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin had a beneficial effect on function and global outcome in early rehabilitation after stroke with safety comparable to placebo; the authors say results need confirming in a large trial.
Limitations
Described by authors as exploratory with a relatively small sample size.

DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.115.009416 PubMed 26564102 Free full text
✗ Negative human RCTStroke · 2012
Cerebrolysin in patients with acute ischemic stroke in Asia: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial.
Humans1,070 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blind10 days treatment, 90 days follow-up
Double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial, plus aspirin

CASTA: in 1,070 Asian patients with acute ischaemic stroke, Cerebrolysin for 10 days did not beat placebo on the primary combined endpoint; a post hoc trend in severe strokes (NIHSS >12) needs confirmation.

Key resultNo significant difference on the primary endpoint; post hoc in NIHSS >12, 90-day mortality 20.2% placebo vs 10.5% Cerebrolysin.

Study details
Studied
Patients with acute ischemic hemispheric stroke randomized within 12 hours
Compared with
Saline placebo
Main outcome
Combined global test of mRS, Barthel Index and NIHSS
Sample
1070 patients (529 Cerebrolysin, 541 placebo)
Authors' conclusion
The confirmatory endpoint was neutral; a favourable trend in severely affected patients should be confirmed by a further trial.
Limitations
Subgroup finding is post hoc.

DOI 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.628537 PubMed 22282884
✓ Positive human RCTNeurol Sci · 2020
Efficacy and safety of cerebrolysin in neurorecovery after moderate-severe traumatic brain injury: results from the CAPTAIN II trial.
Humans142 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blind10 days plus two 10-day cycles; assessed at 10, 30, 90 days
Single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIIb/IV trial

CAPTAIN II: in 139 analysed patients with moderate-severe TBI, Cerebrolysin added to standard care gave a small-to-medium benefit on a combined 13-scale outcome at day 90 (P=0.0119); safety similar to placebo.

Key resultSmall-to-medium effect favouring Cerebrolysin (MW combined 0.59, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.66, P = 0.0119).

Study details
Studied
Patients with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (GCS 7-12)
Compared with
Saline placebo
Main outcome
Ensemble of 13 outcome scales at day 90
Sample
142 enrolled, 139 analysed
Authors' conclusion
The trial confirms previous beneficial effects of Cerebrolysin on overall outcome after moderate-severe TBI; findings should be aggregated with existing literature.
Limitations
Single center.

DOI 10.1007/s10072-019-04181-y PubMed 31897941
~ Mixed human RCTNeurol Sci · 2020
Safety and efficacy of Cerebrolysin in acute brain injury and neurorecovery: CAPTAIN I-a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Asian-Pacific trial.
Humans46 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blind10 days plus two 10-day cycles
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase IIIb/IV multicentre trial

CAPTAIN I: in 46 patients with moderate-severe TBI, the primary combined outcome narrowly missed significance in the ITT analysis (significant per protocol); three single outcomes favoured Cerebrolysin; safety similar to placebo.

Key resultITT primary ensemble pWei-Lachin < 0.1 (MW combined 0.63, 95% CI 0.48-0.77); per-protocol pWei-Lachin = 0.0240.

Study details
Studied
Patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury
Compared with
Saline placebo
Main outcome
Multidimensional ensemble of 14 outcome scales
Sample
46 patients (22 Cerebrolysin, 24 placebo)
Authors' conclusion
Beneficial effects of Cerebrolysin after TBI are suggested; results should be confirmed by a larger RCT.
Limitations
Small trial; primary analysis not significant in ITT population.

DOI 10.1007/s10072-019-04053-5 PubMed 31494820
✓ Positive human RCTEur J Neurol · 2011
Efficacy and safety of Cerebrolysin in moderate to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease: results of a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial investigating three dosages of Cerebrolysin.
Humans133 peopleRandomizedPlacebo-controlledDouble-blind12 weeks treatment, assessed at week 24
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled dose-finding trial (subgroup analysis)

Dose-finding trial subgroup: in moderate to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease, 12 weeks of Cerebrolysin (10, 30 or 60 ml) improved global clinical function at week 24 versus placebo; secondary measures such as MMSE were not significant.

Study details
Studied
Patients with moderate to moderately severe Alzheimer's disease
Compared with
Saline placebo
Main outcome
ADAS-cog+ and CIBIC+
Sample
133 patients with moderate to moderately severe AD in the ITT subgroup (MMSE 14-20)
Authors' conclusion
Cerebrolysin improved global clinical function at all three doses and cognition and other measures at specific doses; benefits in advanced AD need to be confirmed in larger trials.
Limitations
Subgroup analysis of a dose-finding study; small groups.

DOI 10.1111/j.1468-1331.2010.03092.x PubMed 20500802
✓ Positive human trialBMC Neurol · 2023
Cerebrolysin as an Early Add-on to Reperfusion Therapy: Risk of Hemorrhagic Transformation after Ischemic Stroke (CEREHETIS), a prospective, randomized, multicenter pilot study.
Humans126 Cerebrolysin plus 215 controlsRandomizedOpen-label14 days treatment, 90 days follow-up
Prospective, randomized, open-label pilot with active control

CEREHETIS: in 341 stroke patients given alteplase, adding Cerebrolysin (126) cut symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation versus alteplase alone (OR 0.248) with no serious related adverse events, but no 90-day functional difference.

Key resultSymptomatic HT odds ratio 0.248 (95% CI 0.072-0.851; p = 0.019); no difference in mRS at day 90.

Study details
Studied
Patients with acute ischaemic stroke treated with alteplase
Compared with
Alteplase alone
Main outcome
Rate of any and symptomatic haemorrhagic transformation
Authors' conclusion
Early add-on of Cerebrolysin was safe and decreased symptomatic HT and early deficit; no effect on day 90 functional outcome.
Limitations
Open-label pilot study.

DOI 10.1186/s12883-023-03159-w PubMed 36973684 Free full text

Reported side effects

reportedNon-fatal serious adverse events (increased vs placebo in acute stroke) [ref] [ref]

In stroke trials total adverse events were similar to placebo, but Cochrane reviews flag more non-fatal serious adverse events.

40 registered human trials (8 active)

✓ positive · ✗ negative · ~ mixed · ? inconclusive, judged on each paper's own main outcome. Grades: A strong human evidence → D little or none. Papers and verdicts are drawn from PubMed, Europe PMC and Russian journals (CyberLeninka); not medical advice.

Registered clinical trials 40 on ClinicalTrials.gov · 8 active · 18 completed · 3 with posted results

Trial	Status	Phase	People	Sponsor
Cerebrolysin in Critically Ill Patients With Delirium NCT06677502 · started 2024-01-01	Enrolling by invitation	–	500	Medical University of Lublin
Combined Acupuncture-Based Therapy for Rehabilitation After Ischemic Stroke NCT07846488 · started 2026-12-01	Not yet recruiting	–	440	National Hospital of Acupuncture, Vietnam
Cerebrolysin After Reperfusion in Extended-window EndoVascular Thrombectomy NCT06339411 · started 2026-09-01	Not yet recruiting	Phase 2	100	Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Efficacy of Prednisolone Versus Cerebrolysin in the Treatment of Bell's Palsy NCT05821075 · started 2023-08-24	Recruiting	Phase 1, Phase 2	90	October 6 University
Safety and Feasibility of Using Cerebrolysin in the Treatment of Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage - a Prospective Randomized Open Blinded End-point Trial NCT06899464 · started 2025-10-01	Not yet recruiting	Phase 4	30	Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University
Cerebrolysin in Early Stroke Rehabilitation - Tertiary Study NCT07043686 · started 2025-06-13	Recruiting	–	30	University Medical Centre Ljubljana
CERebrolysin In CADASIL NCT05755997 · started 2023-11-29	Active, not recruiting	Phase 2	30	Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH
Efficacy and Safety of Cerebrolysin on Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness NCT04427241 · started 2023-06-01	Recruiting	Phase 4	12	Konkuk University Medical Center
A Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of 20 ml Cerebrolysin in Patients With Vascular Dementia NCT00947531 · started 2006-10 · results posted	Completed	Phase 4	242	Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH
Comparative Study to Test Safety and Efficacy of Neurotrophic and Cholinergic Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease NCT00911807 · started 2004-10 · results posted	Completed	Phase 2	217	Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH
Dl-3-n-butylphthalide and Cerebrolysin Treatment in Acute Ischemic Stroke NCT02149875 · started 2010-01 · results posted	Completed	Phase 1, Phase 2	84	Shanghai 6th People's Hospital
Cerebrolysin REGistry Study in Stroke - a High-quality Observational Study of Comparative Effectiveness NCT03480698 · started 2018-04-24	Completed	–	1,851	Ever Neuro Pharma GmbH

All 40 Cerebrolysin trials, with countries and summaries · Search ClinicalTrials.gov · Recruiting trials for every peptide

Full Cerebrolysin research page

Discussions elsewhere

Experiences and questions about Cerebrolysin on other sites. Treat anecdotes with care.

r/CerebrolysinDiscussion of Cerebrolysin and related neurological drugs used in Eastern Europe. 4k weekly visitors · Cerebrolysin vendors may participate with identifying flair

Search all of Reddit Search r/Biohackers Search r/Nootropics Search r/Peptides All communities

Cerebrolysin: questions people ask

What is Cerebrolysin?

Brain-derived peptide mixture. A preparation of small peptides from pig brain with nerve-growth-factor-like activity, given by injection; studied for stroke, brain injury and dementia.

How much does Cerebrolysin cost?

The cheapest Cerebrolysin from an independently tested vendor is $0.097 per mg (Andy Peps Studio, CBL60 Cerebrolysin 60mg * 10 vials, $58.00). Across 19 listings from 17 vendors the median is $0.208 per mg.

Where can I buy Cerebrolysin?

17 vendors tested by Finnrick sell Cerebrolysin. The cheapest per mg right now: Andy Peps Studio ($0.097), Baohua Dongnuo Biotechnology BHD ($0.097), LN Peptides ($0.097). 0 of them publish a lab report (COA) for Cerebrolysin; compare lab scores and reports in the table above before buying.

How much bacteriostatic water for 60 mg of Cerebrolysin?

Adding 2 mL of bacteriostatic water to a 60 mg vial of Cerebrolysin gives 30 mg/mL: each 10 units on a U-100 insulin syringe holds 3,000 mcg. With 1 mL it's 60 mg/mL (6,000 mcg per 10 units); with 3 mL, 20 mg/mL (2,000 mcg per 10 units). More water makes small amounts easier to measure. Mixing charts: 60 mg.

Is Cerebrolysin FDA approved?

Approved in a number of countries in Europe and Asia; not approved in the US.

Can Cerebrolysin be compounded in the US?

Not an FDA-approved drug and not nominated for FDA's 503A bulks list, so US pharmacies can't legally compound it. Compounding status for every peptide.

Does Cerebrolysin work? What does the research say?

Evidence grade B (some human evidence), from 13 papers: Many RCTs but conflicting: Cochrane and large stroke trials show no benefit on death or recovery, while small trials and meta-analyses in TBI and dementia report modest gains. Cerebrolysin (a porcine brain peptide mixture) has many human RCTs and meta-analyses, but results are mixed: Cochrane reviews find no benefit on death in acute ischaemic stroke and a possible rise in non-fatal serious adverse events, while smaller and often industry-linked analyses report modest gains in dementia and traumatic brain injury. Added randomized trials in stroke, traumatic brain injury and Alzheimer's disease show small benefits in some (CARS, CAPTAIN II, an Alzheimer's dose-finding study) and a neutral large Asian stroke trial (CASTA), so the mixed picture and grade B stand. See the papers.

Are there clinical trials of Cerebrolysin?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 40 registered trials of Cerebrolysin: 8 active, 18 completed, 7 in phase 3, 3 with posted results. Examples: Cerebrolysin in Critically Ill Patients With Delirium (Enrolling by invitation, 500 people); Combined Acupuncture-Based Therapy for Rehabilitation After Ischemic Stroke (Not yet recruiting, 440 people); Cerebrolysin After Reperfusion in Extended-window EndoVascular Thrombectomy (Not yet recruiting, Phase 2, 100 people).

What dose of Cerebrolysin was used in studies?

Cerebrolysin is studied in people. adults with acute ischaemic hemispheric stroke within 12 h of onset, plus aspirin (CASTA, double-blind, placebo-controlled): 30 mL once daily; adults with vascular dementia, add-on to aspirin (double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre): 20 mL once daily, in 2 treatment cycles; adults with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury, GCS 7-12 (CAPTAIN II, double-blind, placebo-controlled): 50 mL daily for 10 days, then two further cycles of 10 mL daily for 10 days once daily in cycles. These are amounts used in published studies or official labels, not a recommendation.

What are the side effects of Cerebrolysin?

Reported in the research: Non-fatal serious adverse events (increased vs placebo in acute stroke). In stroke trials total adverse events were similar to placebo, but Cochrane reviews flag more non-fatal serious adverse events.

Where do people discuss Cerebrolysin? Is there a Cerebrolysin Reddit?

Communities focused on it include r/Cerebrolysin. Experiences shared there aren't evidence, and some allow vendor promotion. All communities.

More on Cerebrolysin

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