The present invention relates to new peptide compounds capable of direct binding to fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and activating said receptor. The compounds of the invention comprise peptide fragments of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) derived from the fibronectin type-III module 1 (F3, 1) of NCAM. Peptide sequences of the invention are capable of stimulating learning and memory and/or neurite outgrowth and/or neural cell survival. Peptide sequences and compounds comprising thereof, according to the invention, may be beneficially used for treatment and/or prevention of different pathological conditions wherein FGFR and/or NCAM play a role in pathology and/or recovery from disease. Accordingly, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the peptide sequences and compounds of the invention are also in the scope of protection.
