Quick summary
Noopept (Omberacetam) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative roughly 1000-fold more potent than piracetam. It acts via AMPA receptor modulation and BDNF/NGF upregulation, registered as a prescription drug in Russia though no FDA-regulated trials exist.
Overview
Noopept (INN: Omberacetam) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative developed in Russia by the Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology. Its chemical structure is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolyl-glycine ethyl ester, representing the ethyl ester prodrug of the endogenous cycloprolylglycine (CPG) dipeptide. Effective at doses approximately 1000-fold lower than piracetam by weight, it is among the most potent studied nootropic compounds. It was developed for cognitive impairment associated with aging, vascular disorders, and traumatic brain injury.
Mechanism of action
After oral absorption, Noopept is hydrolyzed to its active metabolite cycloprolylglycine (CPG), which modulates AMPA-type glutamate receptors and facilitates long-term potentiation in hippocampal circuits. Noopept also increases cerebral NGF (nerve growth factor) and BDNF expression, supporting neuronal survival and synaptic density. Additional mechanisms include modulation of voltage-dependent calcium channels and calcium-activated potassium channels, regulating neuronal excitability. Research has identified HIF-1 (hypoxia-inducible factor-1) DNA-binding activity as another proposed primary mechanism, potentially providing neuroprotection under hypoxic or ischemic conditions. Antioxidant activity via inhibition of intracellular reactive oxygen species accumulation contributes to its neuroprotective profile.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cognitive enhancement research | oral | 10–30 mg | twice daily | Start at 10 mg once daily. Most users report effects at 10–30 mg/day. Cycle 56 days on, 4 weeks off. Sublingual or intranasal routes reported as faster-onset alternatives. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Russian preclinical studies across multiple animal models document cognitive enhancement, reduced anxiety, and neuroprotection against ischemia, oxidative stress, and amyloid toxicity. A PMC-indexed study (GVS-111 prevents oxidative damage in Down's syndrome neurons) demonstrated dose-dependent neuroprotection with IC50 of 1.21 μM, significantly outperforming piracetam and vitamin E antioxidants. The compound displays oral bioavailability with confirmed brain penetration. Russian clinical trials in patients with mild cognitive impairment showed improvements in memory and attention; however, these trials have not been replicated under ICH-GCP standards. No FDA-regulated clinical trials have been completed as of 2026.[1][2][3][4]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Noopept for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Not FDA-approved in the US. Registered as a prescription drug in Russia (Noopept brand). Unscheduled and unregulated in the UK and many other jurisdictions, allowing legal purchase. Sold as a research compound or dietary supplement in the US without formal regulatory classification.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
Noopept is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
Noopept (Omberacetam, GVS-111) is a synthetic dipeptide derivative developed in Russia as a prodrug of cycloprolylglycine. It is one of the most potent studied nootropics, effective at doses approximately 1000-fold lower than piracetam by weight.
After oral absorption, Noopept is hydrolyzed to cycloprolylglycine (CPG), which modulates AMPA glutamate receptors and facilitates long-term potentiation in hippocampal circuits. It also increases NGF and BDNF expression, modulates calcium and potassium channels, and activates HIF-1 DNA-binding for neuroprotection under hypoxic conditions.
Common side effects include headache (especially without choline supplementation), irritability at high doses, brain fog or fatigue, and sleep disturbance if dosed late. It is a registered prescription drug in Russia but is not FDA-approved; it is unscheduled in the UK and many other jurisdictions.
The standard oral dose is 10 to 30 mg daily, starting at 10 mg once daily. The recommended cycle is 56 days on followed by 4 weeks off. Sublingual or intranasal routes are reported as faster-onset alternatives.
Research references
- Neuroprotective properties of nootropic dipeptide GVS-111 in in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation, glutamate toxicity and oxidative stressPubMed
- Noopept stimulates the expression of NGF and BDNF in rat hippocampusPubMed
- Neuroprotective effect of novel cognitive enhancer noopept on AD-related cellular model involves the attenuation of apoptosis and tau hyperphosphorylationPubMed
- Proline-containing dipeptide GVS-111 retains nootropic activity after oral administrationPubMed