Cerebrolysin (developmental code name FPF-1070) is a 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).
I am currently trying Cerebrolysin, which is believed to be an efficient BDNF / NGF booster. For best results, this should be used in the acute or subacute stage.
The protocol as per my neurologist is 21 days minimum of daily IM or IV injection of the 5ml ampoule. You should not expect to see results before the 3 weeks marker if that's the case. I have no idea about the 10ml ampoules but maybe they could be useful if you are finding benefits and can tolerate it well. It is considered a safe drug and used in strokes , traumatic brain injury and dementia treatment.
The treatment period can increase to 3-4 months if patient is responding to it (as per my neurologist)
Researches regarding BDNF/NGF for tinnitus are lacking a lot. But, a study suggests that patients with tinnitus have elevated plasma levels on BDNF, but it does not correlate to an increase in tinnitus. So, it is a therapeutic effect (the brain trying to heal).
Another study unfortunately, reports the exact opposite. The tinnitus patients have lower BDNF levels.
I will be giving this a trial for 3 weeks. Those below lines are copied from the FAQs about the drug.
- WHAT ARE NEUROPEPTIDES?
Neuropeptides are small protein-like molecules used by neurons to communicate with each other.
- IS CEREBROLYSIN® A MULTI-MODAL DRUG AND HOW DOES CEREBROLYSIN® WORK?
Similar to neuropeptides Cerebrolysin® interacts with several pathways of intracellular signal transduction and is therefore considered as multi-modal drug. The cellular integration of these signals results in the observed neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects.
- IS CEREBROLYSIN® A SAFE DRUG?
As Cerebrolysin® is meanwhile used for many years and the safety profile of the drug is well-established. Therefore the submission frequency for Periodic Safety Update Reports was set to 13 years by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
- WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENTLY REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS OF CEREBOLYSIN?
The side effects of Cerebrolysin® are rare and of mild intensity. The most frequently reported adverse reactions with Cerebrolysin® are dizziness, headache, sweating, and nausea.
- IS THE CEREBROLYSIN® DOSAGE ADJUSTED FOR THE PATIENT'S BODY WEIGHT?
There is no data available about adjustment for the patient's body weight.
- WHEN SHOULD CEREBROLYSIN® BE GIVEN AFTER STROKE?
Time is Brain is one of the most important messages for patients, caregivers and doctors. All treatments for acute stroke, if indicated, should be given as fast as possible. Cerebrolysin® supports neuroprotection and neurorecovery and the earlier the patient receives the agent, the more the patient will benefit from them. Newest data also show beneficial effects if Cerebrolysin® is administered at a later stage.
- DOES CEREBROLYSIN® SUPPORT RECOVERY WHEN ADMINISTERED IN THE SUB ACUTE PHASE AFTER STROKE?
Yes, Cerebrolysin® stimulates natural recovery processes after stroke. These processes are most prominent during first 3 months post-stroke. Therefore, Cerebrolysin® can be given within this broad treatment window. Both the research and clinical data for Cerebrolysin® indicate that the best treatment effects are seen when Cerebrolysin® is administered as soon as it is possible after stroke and continued during the natural recovery phase.
- IS CEREBROLYSIN® USED AFTER TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
Yes, Cerebrolysin® is used after TBI, including concussions, the most common and least serious type of traumatic brain injury.