N-Phenylacetyl-l-prolylglycine ethyl ester is promoted as a nootropic and is a prodrug of cyclic glycine-proline.

[5] One oft-cited study (originally published in Russian) conducted on rats, suggests that Noopept works via the "antioxidant effect, the anti-inflammatory action, and the ability to inhibit the neurotoxicity of excess calcium and glutamate, and to improve the blood rheology".

[6] Cycloprolylglycine is a modulator of AMPA receptors and exerts neuroprotective effects dependent upon AMPA- and TrkB-Receptor activation.

[7] In cell culture, cycloprolylglycine increases brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).

[8] Some studies suggest that the pharmacological properties of Noopept are derived from its action as an activator of Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1).