Cerebrolysin

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^[1]

Clinical data
Trade names	速利清
Other names	FPF-1070, 脑蛋白水解物 [cerebroprotein hydrolysate]
AHFS/Drugs.com	[2]
Identifiers
CAS Number	12656-61-0
DrugBank	DB16599
UNII	37KZM6S21G

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]

Research

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.

Adverse effects

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]

Pharmacology

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]

Regulatory

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]

As of October 2020, cerebrolysin was not an approved drug in the United States.^{[18][19][better source needed]}