For Research Use Only — Not for Human Consumption
Abstract
Noopept (commonly referred to by research code GVS-111) is a synthetic small-molecule nootropic originally developed in Russia. Preclinical studies report cognitive-enhancing, neuroprotective, and anxiolytic-like effects in animal models. Mechanistic work suggests modulation of cholinergic and glutamatergic systems, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and upregulation of neurotrophins such as BDNF and NGF. Noopept remains an investigational research compound and is not approved by major regulatory agencies for therapeutic use.
Introduction & Background
Noopept was developed as a peptide-derived dipeptide analogue with improved oral bioavailability and blood–brain barrier penetration compared with some early peptide nootropics. It has been used in laboratory research to explore memory formation, neuroprotection following ischemia or toxic insult, and as a tool compound for studying molecular pathways involved in learning and plasticity.
Key identifiers:
- Common name: Noopept (GVS-111)
- IUPAC / chemical name: N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester
- CAS Number: 157115-85-0
- Molecular formula: C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₄ (research literature commonly cites this).
- Approximate molecular weight: ~318.37 g·mol⁻¹.
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action (Research Findings)
Noopept’s precise molecular pharmacology is not fully defined, but converging preclinical evidence supports several putative mechanisms:
- Neurotrophin modulation: In animal studies Noopept has been associated with increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in hippocampal regions, which may underlie improvements in synaptic plasticity and memory.
- Cholinergic and glutamatergic effects: Behavioral and biochemical data indicate Noopept can positively influence cholinergic signalling (important for attention and memory) and modulate glutamate receptor-mediated transmission (AMPA/NMDA pathways).
- Neuroprotection & antioxidant activity: Data from ischemia and toxin models show reductions in oxidative stress markers, decreased neuronal apoptosis, and anti-inflammatory effects following Noopept treatment.
- Memory consolidation & synaptic plasticity: Improvements in learning and memory tasks in rodents suggest enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory consolidation processes.
Together, these actions make Noopept a useful research tool for probing molecular mechanisms of cognitive function and neuroprotection.
Preclinical & Clinical Evidence
- Preclinical (rodent) studies: Report improved performance in maze and passive-avoidance tasks, reduced damage in models of cerebral ischemia, modulation of oxidative stress markers, and increased neurotrophin levels.
- Human data: Small, often open or locally conducted clinical reports (primarily regionally published) have described cognitive benefits in selected patient groups; however, large, well-controlled, multi-center randomized trials are limited. Thus, translational conclusions remain provisional.
Research Applications
Noopept is used in laboratory research to investigate:
- Molecular mechanisms of learning and memory (synaptic plasticity, LTP).
- Neuroprotection after ischemic or toxic insult.
- Neurotrophic factor regulation (BDNF/NGF pathways).
- Interactions between cholinergic/glutamatergic systems and cognition.
- Preclinical models of age-related cognitive decline and neurodegeneration.
Formulation, Dosing (Research Context), & Handling
- Formulation: Supplied in research settings as a raw powder or formulated preparation for oral dosing in animal studies. Some clinical/research reports describe oral tablet or solution administration.
- Dosing (preclinical): Doses and regimens vary widely by model and species; consult primary literature for protocol details relevant to your model.
- Storage & handling: Follow supplier recommendations. Use appropriate PPE, store in a cool, dry place or refrigerated if recommended, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles if in solution. Only trained personnel should handle the compound under institutional biosafety protocols.
Safety, Limitations & Regulatory Status
- Noopept is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use in the United States or broadly approved by major western regulatory bodies.
- Long-term safety, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and drug–drug interaction profiles are incompletely characterized in humans.
- Use should be limited to controlled laboratory research or approved clinical investigations with institutional review and appropriate oversight.
Selected References / Where to Look (PubMed/NCBI & Review Literature)
Search terms useful for locating primary literature include: “Noopept”, “GVS-111”, “N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester”, plus combinations with “BDNF”, “neuroprotection”, “memory”, and “ischemia”. Review articles and preclinical papers in neuroscience and pharmacology journals summarize the bulk of available evidence. (I can compile a tailored reference list with direct PubMed links if you’d like.)
Disclaimer
This document is provided for laboratory research purposes only. Noopept is not intended for human consumption, veterinary use, or as a therapeutic product. All experimental work must be performed by qualified personnel under approved institutional protocols and applicable laws and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is Noopept?
Noopept (GVS-111) is a synthetic small-molecule nootropic studied for cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective properties in preclinical research.
2. What is Noopept’s CAS number?
The commonly cited CAS number is 157115-85-0.
3. How does Noopept appear to work?
Preclinical evidence points to modulation of neurotrophins (BDNF/NGF), cholinergic and glutamatergic signaling, antioxidant/neuroprotective effects, and enhancement of synaptic plasticity.
4. Has Noopept been tested in humans?
There are limited human reports and small studies, but large, rigorous clinical trials are lacking; therefore evidence for clinical efficacy and safety in humans remains inconclusive.
5. What are typical research applications?
Used in studies of memory and learning, neuroprotection, mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, and models of cognitive decline.
6. How is Noopept administered in research?
In preclinical work it is generally administered orally or by parenteral routes depending on the study design; human reports describe oral dosing. Exact routes and doses should follow experimental protocols from primary literature.
7. Is Noopept approved by regulatory agencies?
No. It is considered investigational/research-only in many jurisdictions and is not broadly approved as a prescription medication.
8. Are there known safety concerns?
Long-term safety data in humans are limited. In preclinical models it is generally well tolerated at research doses, but formal toxicology and interaction studies are incomplete. Handle under institutional biosafety rules.
9. Where can I find research on Noopept?
Search PubMed/NCBI with terms like “Noopept”, “GVS-111”, or the chemical name; review articles in neuroscience and psychopharmacology journals summarize experimental findings.
10. Can Noopept be used for clinical or self-administration?
No. This material is not for human use. Any clinical investigation requires institutional approvals and regulatory oversight.
