Omberacetam (Noopept)

Overview

Omberacetam is the scientific/INN-style name for the compound sold and widely discussed as Noopept (development code GVS-111). Chemically it is N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, a proline-containing dipeptide synthesised at the Institute of Pharmacology of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences. It was engineered by reproducing the structural features of the classical nootropic piracetam within a dipeptide, yielding a compound active at 10-30 mg/day versus piracetam's gram-scale dosing (Ostrovskaya et al., 2002).

Pharmacologically, noopept acts as a prodrug: it is hydrolysed to N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine and then cyclised to cycloprolylglycine, an endogenous neuropeptide, with release of phenylacetic acid. Reported effects span memory enhancement across acquisition, consolidation and retrieval, a selective anxiolytic action, and neuroprotection in models of ischaemia, oxidative stress and amyloid toxicity.

Human evidence is modest and concentrated in Russian clinical studies. Clinical studies in patients with mild cognitive impairment of post-traumatic and vascular origin reported symptomatic improvement with noopept 20 mg/day, accompanied by favourable EEG changes (Bochkarev et al., 2008; Amelin et al., 2011). Much of the mechanistic and neuroprotective data remains preclinical. Note: a separate noopept entry exists in this wiki; this page covers the same molecule under its scientific name -- omberacetam and Noopept are the same compound.

Mechanism of Action

After oral administration noopept is hydrolysed to the free acid and cyclised to cycloprolylglycine (cPG), a naturally occurring brain dipeptide. A central proposed pathway is enhanced hippocampal expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) (Ostrovskaya et al., 2008), promoting synaptic plasticity. Additional actions include potentiation of acetylcholine currents at very low concentrations, weak AMPA-receptor interaction, stabilisation of HIF-1, and reduction of oxidative and glutamate-excitotoxic damage, giving both cognitive-enhancing and neuroprotective profiles in preclinical models.

Reconstitution Calculator

Safety Profile

Side effects are generally mild and may include headaches, insomnia, irritability, and gastrointestinal discomfort. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe hepatic or renal impairment and during pregnancy or lactation. Omberacetam may enhance the effects of other nootropics and psychostimulants, so careful dose management is recommended.

Pharmacokinetic Profile