Noopept
GVS-111 · N-Phenylacetyl-L-Prolylglycine Ethyl Ester
Noopept (GVS-111) is a synthetic dipeptide-derived nootropic compound developed at
the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology in Moscow, investigated in preclinical and
early clinical research for its BDNF and NGF upregulatory activity, AMPA receptor
potentiation, and neuroprotective properties. Metabolically hydrolysed to the
endogenous neuropeptide cycloprolylglycine, Noopept is supplied by Baltic Peptides
as a research-grade compound at ≥99% analytical purity, independently verified by
third-party HPLC and mass spectrometry analysis.
This compound is made available exclusively for in vitro and preclinical
research purposes by qualified scientific investigators and licensed
research institutions.
Third-Party Verified · COA Available · EU Dispatch
Analytical Purity
HPLC · Mass Spec Verified
g/mol
-111
Key Features
-
Purity — ≥99% by HPLC analysis
-
Form — Fine crystalline powder
-
Storage — Cool, dry, sealed; protected from light
-
Solubility — Water, DMSO, ethanol; readily soluble
-
Metabolite — Produces endogenous cycloprolylglycine in vivo
-
Classification — Research Use Only (RUO)
-
Testing — Independent third-party batch verification
-
Documentation — Certificate of Analysis (COA) per batch
Scientific Overview
Compound Background
Noopept (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester) is a synthetic compound
structurally derived from the endogenous dipeptide cycloprolylglycine, which itself
represents the biologically active core of the established nootropic piracetam’s
proposed active metabolite. It was synthesised and characterised by Tatyana Gudasheva
and colleagues at the Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology (Moscow) in the 1990s, emerging
from a directed medicinal chemistry programme aimed at identifying compounds with
superior CNS pharmacokinetics relative to piracetam — particularly improved oral
bioavailability and CNS penetration at substantially lower doses. Noopept is registered
in Russia and several post-Soviet states as a cognition-enhancing and neuroprotective
drug, marketed under the trade name Ноопепт (Noopept).
Design Rationale & Structural Features
Noopept was designed as a prodrug of cycloprolylglycine, incorporating a phenylacetyl
N-terminus and an ethyl ester C-terminus to confer metabolic stability, enhanced lipid
membrane permeability, and improved oral bioavailability relative to the parent dipeptide.
Unlike piracetam (MW 142 g/mol) — which requires doses in the gram range and has limited
CNS penetration — Noopept is active at approximately 1000-fold lower doses by mass in
rodent models, a potency advantage attributed to its superior BBB penetration and efficient
hydrolytic conversion to the pharmacologically active cycloprolylglycine form within CNS tissue.
Metabolic Activation Pathway
Noopept functions as a prodrug that undergoes sequential hydrolysis following
administration, producing the active metabolite cycloprolylglycine:
naturally occurring brain dipeptide and a positive allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors.
Its endogenous presence in the CNS means that Noopept’s prodrug mechanism involves
supplementation of a naturally occurring bioactive species rather than introduction of
a xenobiotic molecular target — a mechanistic distinction of interest in research on
endogenous cognitive regulatory peptides.
Primary Research Domains
capacity to increase expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and
nerve growth factor (NGF) in hippocampal and cortical tissue. In rodent in vivo
studies, both acute and sub-chronic Noopept administration have been associated
with BDNF and NGF mRNA upregulation, with corresponding downstream effects on
TrkB and TrkA receptor signalling pathways — areas of fundamental relevance to
synaptic plasticity, neuronal survival, and cognitive biology research.
as a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors.
AMPA receptor potentiation is associated with enhanced synaptic transmission, improved
signal-to-noise ratio in hippocampal circuits, and increased BDNF expression downstream
of calcium-mediated signalling. This ampakine-like activity positions Noopept within
a mechanistically distinct category from conventional racetam compounds, which do not
all share direct AMPA receptor interaction as a primary mechanism.
of acetylcholine neurotransmission in hippocampal and cortical circuits, including
increased ChAT activity and enhanced muscarinic receptor sensitivity in memory-related
brain regions. These cholinergic effects have been examined in passive avoidance and
Morris water maze paradigms, positioning Noopept as a research tool in studies
examining cholinergic contributions to memory acquisition and consolidation independent
of acetylcholinesterase inhibition.
in models of excitotoxicity, oxidative damage, and amyloid β toxicity. The compound
has demonstrated capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species production, attenuate
glutamate-induced neuronal death, and inhibit amyloid β aggregation in cell culture
models — findings that have attracted research interest in the context of
neurodegeneration and Alzheimer’s disease pathology research programmes.
Noopept vs. Piracetam: Mechanistic Comparison (Research Context)
| Parameter | Noopept (Preclinical) | Piracetam (Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| Active metabolite | Cycloprolylglycine (endogenous) | Uncertain / complex |
| AMPA receptor modulation | PAM activity via CPG metabolite | Indirect / modest |
| BDNF / NGF upregulation | Documented in hippocampal models | Not characteristic |
| Oral dose range (rodent models) | 0.1–10 mg/kg range effective | 100–1000 mg/kg range required |
| Neuroprotection evidence | Amyloid β / oxidative models | Ischaemia / hypoxia models |
| Russian regulatory status | Registered (cognitive disorders) | Registered (established racetam) |
| EMA / FDA approval | Not approved | Not approved (EU/US) |
in vitro and preclinical animal model research, with limited Phase II clinical data from
Russian institutions. The findings do not constitute therapeutic claims. This compound
is supplied exclusively for laboratory investigation by qualified researchers.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compound Name | Noopept (GVS-111; Ноопепт) |
| IUPAC Name | N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester |
| Compound Class | Synthetic dipeptide-derived nootropic; cycloprolylglycine prodrug |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₇H₂₂N₂O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 318.37 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 157115-85-0 |
| LogP (estimated) | ~1.5 (moderate lipophilicity; good CNS penetration predicted) |
| Purity | ≥99% (HPLC verified per batch) |
| Form | Fine crystalline powder |
| Appearance | White to off-white fine crystalline solid |
| Water Solubility | ≥10 mg/mL (stirring at room temperature); readily soluble |
| DMSO Solubility | ≥50 mg/mL (stock solution) |
| Ethanol Solubility | ≥25 mg/mL |
| Storage (powder) | Room temperature (15–25 °C), sealed, dry; protect from light and moisture |
| Long-Term Storage | 2–8 °C or −20 °C for multi-year storage; desiccated |
| Solution Stability | Aqueous: use within 24–48 hours; DMSO stock: 12 months at −20 °C |
| Primary Research Domain | Cognitive neuroscience, BDNF biology, glutamate receptor pharmacology |
| Research Classification | Research Use Only (RUO) |
Lab Testing & Quality Assurance
Noopept’s ester functionality — the ethyl ester at the glycine C-terminus — introduces
a hydrolysis-susceptible group that can yield the deethylated acid form (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine)
under alkaline or prolonged aqueous conditions. Analytical verification of each Baltic Peptides
Noopept batch specifically monitors for this hydrolysis product alongside standard purity
and identity assessment. All testing is conducted by independent third-party accredited
laboratories.
HPLC Purity Analysis
Reverse-phase HPLC confirms ≥99% purity with quantified impurity profiling per batch, specifically monitoring for the deethylated hydrolysis product and related diastereomers arising from potential L-Pro epimerisation.
Mass Spectrometry
ESI-MS confirms the correct molecular mass of 318.37 g/mol, verifying the intact ester-containing structure and distinguishing Noopept from its hydrolysis products (290.32 g/mol for the free acid form).
Certificate of Analysis
A batch-specific COA documenting HPLC purity data including hydrolysis product profiling, mass spectrometry identity, lot number, manufacturing and testing dates, and method references is issued per production lot.
Third-Party Verification
All analytical data is generated by independent accredited external laboratories, providing researchers with fully auditable, conflict-free quality documentation for each production batch of Noopept research compound.
Certificates of Analysis for current Noopept batches are available upon request through
the Baltic Peptides support portal. All lot-specific documentation is archived and
traceable from synthesis through to final release testing.
Storage & Handling Guidelines
Noopept is chemically stable as a crystalline solid under dry conditions but contains
an ethyl ester group susceptible to hydrolysis in aqueous solution, particularly under
alkaline conditions or with prolonged storage of dissolved material. The following
conditions are recommended:
Powder (Routine)
Store at room temperature (15–25 °C) in a sealed, dry, light-protected container. Stable for 24–36 months under recommended conditions.
Powder (Long-Term)
2–8 °C or −20 °C for extended storage. Desiccant recommended. Allow to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation on powder.
Aqueous Solutions
Use within 24–48 hours. Maintain neutral pH (6.5–7.4). Alkaline conditions accelerate ester hydrolysis — avoid pH >8. Prepare fresh for critical biological assays.
DMSO Stock Solutions
Stable for 12 months at −20 °C in sealed amber vials. Dilute to ≤0.1% DMSO in biological systems. Warm to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture ingress.
⚠ Research Use Only — Important Notice
All products supplied by Baltic Peptides are designated exclusively for
in vitro research, preclinical investigation, and laboratory study
by qualified professionals operating within appropriately licensed or regulated
research environments.
Noopept (GVS-111) is not approved for human or veterinary therapeutic use
by any Western national medicines regulatory authority, including the EMA, FDA, or MHRA.
Its Russian registration does not confer approval status in any other jurisdiction.
It is not intended for self-administration, cognitive enhancement outside of clinical
research settings, or any use beyond legitimate controlled scientific investigation.
By completing a purchase, the buyer confirms their status as a qualified researcher
and explicitly acknowledges the research-use-only classification of this compound.
Baltic Peptides assumes no liability for any use of this product beyond its stated
research designation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Noopept used for in scientific research?
Noopept is investigated as a nootropic tool compound across a range of preclinical
cognitive neuroscience and neuroprotection research domains. Documented research
applications include:
- BDNF and NGF expression studies — neurotrophin upregulation in hippocampal tissue models
- AMPA receptor positive allosteric modulation — cycloprolylglycine metabolite pharmacology
- Memory consolidation research — passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and contextual fear paradigms
- Neuroprotection — amyloid β aggregation inhibition and glutamate excitotoxicity models
- Oxidative stress — reactive oxygen species modulation in neuronal cell culture
- Cholinergic pharmacology — ChAT activity and muscarinic receptor sensitivity studies
- Prodrug metabolism research — cycloprolylglycine production kinetics in CNS tissue
- Piracetam mechanistic comparison — dose-effect and receptor-level comparative studies
Noopept is not approved for any therapeutic indication and is supplied strictly for
laboratory-based scientific investigation.
How does Noopept differ mechanistically from piracetam?
While Noopept and piracetam are both classified as nootropic compounds in the Russian
pharmacological literature and share some overlapping behavioural effects in rodent
paradigms, their mechanisms of action differ in several important respects. Piracetam’s
mechanism remains incompletely characterised, with proposed activity at membrane
phospholipids, AMPA receptors, and voltage-gated ion channels; it does not produce
a well-characterised active metabolite and does not consistently upregulate BDNF or NGF
in published research. Noopept, by contrast, is a prodrug with a defined active metabolite —
cycloprolylglycine — which has been characterised as a positive allosteric modulator of
AMPA receptors and whose endogenous presence in the brain has been documented. Noopept
also produces consistent BDNF and NGF upregulation in hippocampal models not typically
observed with piracetam. Additionally, Noopept is effective in rodent studies at
approximately 1000-fold lower doses by mass — 0.1–10 mg/kg versus the 100–1000 mg/kg
range for piracetam — attributed to superior CNS penetration and prodrug activation
efficiency. For researchers comparing these compound classes, these mechanistic
distinctions support treating them as pharmacologically distinct research tools
rather than interchangeable agents.
Why does Noopept’s ester group matter for storage and experimental use?
The ethyl ester at the glycine C-terminus of Noopept serves an important pharmacokinetic
function — it facilitates CNS membrane penetration and is subsequently cleaved by tissue
esterases to release the active cycloprolylglycine metabolite in CNS parenchyma. However,
this ester group also introduces chemical lability in aqueous solution, particularly under
alkaline conditions (pH >8), where spontaneous or enzyme-catalysed hydrolysis yields the
deethylated free acid form (N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine, MW 290.32 g/mol). This hydrolysis
product lacks the ethyl ester and would exhibit different membrane permeability and CNS uptake
characteristics. For researchers, this has two practical implications: first, aqueous Noopept
solutions should be prepared in neutral pH buffers and used promptly (within 24–48 hours);
second, DMSO stock solutions at −20 °C are significantly more stable and are recommended for
researchers requiring long-term solution storage. For analytical verification of solution
integrity before biological experiments, HPLC or UV spectrophotometry can confirm the ratio
of intact Noopept to its hydrolysis product.
What does ≥99% purity mean for Noopept and how is it assessed?
A purity specification of ≥99% indicates that at least 99% of the total material, by mass,
is confirmed to be intact Noopept (MW 318.37 g/mol), determined by reverse-phase HPLC and
confirmed by ESI-MS at the correct molecular mass. For Noopept, the analytically significant
impurities monitored include: the deethylated free acid form (from ester hydrolysis), the
D-Pro diastereomer (from incomplete stereochemical control at the proline centre during
synthesis), and the N-phenylacetyl-L-proline fragment (from incomplete coupling of the
glycine terminus). Each of these impurities has a different mass and/or retention time
from intact Noopept and is quantified separately in the HPLC impurity profile. High purity
is particularly important for AMPA receptor pharmacology and BDNF assays, where the
D-Pro diastereomer of cycloprolylglycine — produced from an impure D-Pro-containing Noopept —
may exhibit reduced or reversed receptor activity.
Is a Certificate of Analysis available for Noopept?
Yes. Baltic Peptides issues a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis for every production
lot of Noopept research compound. Each COA documents HPLC purity data including
quantified impurity profiling (hydrolysis products, diastereomers), mass spectrometry
identity confirmation of the intact ester structure, lot number, manufacturing and testing
dates, and the analytical method parameters applied by the independent testing laboratory.
Researchers may request the current batch COA via the Baltic Peptides support portal prior
to or following purchase. Historical lot documentation is archived and available on inquiry.
What solvents are recommended for preparing Noopept research solutions?
Noopept has considerably better aqueous solubility than Bromantane, achieving ≥10 mg/mL
in water with stirring at room temperature — making it compatible with direct aqueous
preparation for many in vitro applications. For higher concentrations or when a stable
stock solution is required, DMSO (≥50 mg/mL) or ethanol (≥25 mg/mL) are preferred vehicles,
with subsequent aqueous dilution to working concentration. The critical practical considerations
are pH and storage time: aqueous solutions should be prepared in PBS or HEPES buffer at pH
7.0–7.4 and used within 24–48 hours to minimise ester hydrolysis. Avoid sodium bicarbonate
buffers or any vehicle above pH 8. DMSO stock solutions stored at −20 °C in sealed amber
vials are stable for at least 12 months and represent the recommended approach for researchers
conducting multi-week experimental series. When using DMSO stocks in cell culture, dilute to
≤0.1% final DMSO concentration and include a vehicle control in all biological assays.
What are the shipping and packaging conditions for Noopept orders?
Noopept crystalline powder is dispatched in sealed, dry, light-protected containers — typically
amber glass vials or sealed polypropylene tubes with desiccant inserts — appropriate for a
stable crystalline research compound. Standard shipping is at ambient temperature, as Noopept
powder exhibits excellent thermal stability and does not require cold-chain handling during
transit in its solid form. Baltic Peptides dispatches from within the EU, providing shorter
transit times and reduced customs exposure for European research institutions. Each shipment
includes product labelling stating lot number, compound identity, storage conditions,
recommended handling information, and research-use-only classification. Expedited shipping
is available for time-sensitive research requirements on request.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.