Intravenous and intracerebral NPC delivery similarly induced neurological recovery, but only intravenous NPC delivery yielded sustained neuroprotection that persisted in the post-acute stroke phase. Intracerebral NPF delivery associated with higher brain concentrations of BDNF, FGF, and VEGF. Intravenous, but not intracerebral NPC delivery stabilized blood–brain barrier, reduced activation of MMP9 and decreased formation of reactive oxygen species. The gene discussed is MMP9; the disease is stroke disorder.