Noopept (Omberacetam) — Peptide-Derived Nootropic — Brain
Dipeptide-derived nootropic developed in Russia with purported 1000x potency of piracetam. Not FDA-approved.
Overview
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, GVS-111, Omberacetam) is a peptide-derived nootropic developed at the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences in the 1990s. Although structurally distinct from racetams, noopept is often grouped with them due to similar cognitive-enhancing properties. Noopept is claimed to be approximately 1000 times more potent than piracetam on a per-milligram basis, with effective doses of 10-30 mg compared to piracetam's 2,400-4,800 mg. This potency difference is largely due to noopept's higher bioavailability and BBB penetration rather than dramatically different receptor affinity. Noopept is approved in Russia as a prescription nootropic for cognitive disorders. Its mechanism involves modulation of AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression, and antioxidant neuroprotective effects. Russian clinical studies report improvements in attention, memory, and learning in patients with mild cognitive impairment and organic brain disorders. Noopept has a very short half-life (approximately 5-10 minutes as the parent compound), but its active metabolite cycloprolylglycine has longer-lasting effects. The compound is available as a prescription drug in Russia and as a supplement in many other markets.
Indications
- Approved (Russia): Cognitive disorders, organic brain syndrome, post-concussive syndrome
- Not FDA-approved in the United States
- Off-label: Cognitive enhancement and neuroprotection
- Off-label: Anxiety reduction
Mechanism of Action
Modulates both AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptors, enhancing synaptic plasticity and long-term potentiation
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noopept | 10 mg | Two to three times daily | Standard dose (20-30 mg total daily) |
| Noopept | 10-20 mg | Twice daily | Sublingual may improve bioavailability |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Generally well-tolerated at standard doses (10-30 mg)
- Irritability and headache reported at higher doses
- Insomnia if taken late in the day
- Very limited Western clinical data — most evidence from Russian literature
- Not FDA-approved — regulatory status uncertain in US
- Short parent compound half-life (~5-10 min) — active metabolite mediates effects