Cortagen
Also known as: Peptídeo cortical
Molecular Identifiers
Overview
Cerebral cortex bioregulatory tetrapeptide developed by the Khavinson group. Regulates cortical function and modulates gene expression in the central nervous system. Used in short cycles for cognitive function support and neuroprotection.
The interest in Cortagen lies in trophic support to the cerebral cortex: regulation of gene expression in cortical tissues, neuroprotection, and normalization of cerebral bioelectrical activity. It is proposed as an adjunct in mild cognitive decline, chronic mental fatigue, post-stroke recovery, and support in early neurodegenerative conditions.
It has no approval as a medicine by the FDA, EMA, or ANVISA. It circulates mainly through compounding pharmacies and specialized suppliers of Russian-school peptides, in short cycles of 10-20 days, often combined with Pinealon and Epithalon in cerebral bioregulation protocols.
It is part of the family of short bioregulatory peptides developed by Vladimir Khavinson's group in St. Petersburg, derived from the fragmentation of cortical extracts. Most of the evidence comes from Russian-language literature and preclinical studies; robust international clinical trials remain scarce.
Within the Khavinson family, Cortagen is the member aimed at the cerebral cortex and is often stacked with Pinealon (a brain/pineal tripeptide) and Epithalon (a pineal/anti-aging tetrapeptide): while Pinealon and Epithalon focus on the broader pineal/cognitive axis, Cortagen is distinguished by its proposed cortical target. All of this comparative literature is largely Russian and preclinical.
AEDP Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro Half-life
~2-4 hours
Administration Route
Subcutaneous or intramuscular
Category
Cognitive & Neuroprotective
Mechanism of Action
- Regulation of cerebral cortex function
- Modulation of gene expression in the central nervous system
- Neuroprotection and support for neuronal integrity
- Normalization of cerebral bioelectrical activity
- Bioregulatory effect on cortical tissues
Reported Side Effects
Adverse effects described in the literature. Severity and frequency vary between individuals.
- Injection site pain
- Local redness (rare)
Product Properties
| Purity | >95% |
| Appearance | White lyophilized powder |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and bacteriostatic water |
| Source | Solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20°C for up to 2 years, 2-8°C for up to 6 months. Reconstituted: 2-8°C for up to 4 weeks. Protect from light and moisture. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. |
Presentations & Preparation
Vials of Cortagen found in the research market:
Reconstitution
- Diluent: Bacteriostatic water
- Volume: 2 ml per vial
- Inject the diluent slowly against the vial wall
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved
- Never shake
Storage
- Lyophilized: Refrigerated 2-8°C
- Reconstituted: Refrigerated 2-8°C (up to 30 days)
- Protect from direct light
- Do not freeze after reconstitution
Scientific Studies
Published studies on Cortagen.
Elucidation of the Effect of Brain Cortex Tetrapeptide Cortagen on Gene Expression in Mouse Heart by Microarray
Anisimov SV, Khavinson VK, Anisimov VN
Effect of Tetrapeptide Cortagen on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve
Turchaninova LN, Kolosova LI, Malinin VV, Moiseeva AB, Nozdrachev AD, Khavinson VK
Related Peptides
Adamax
100-500 mcg via intranasal or subcutaneous · 1-2 times daily
Cerebrolysin
5-30 ml per injection · Once daily
Dihexa
DSIP
100-300 mcg per subcutaneous injection · Once daily
Epithalon
1-5 mg per subcutaneous injection (some protocols use 5-10 mg per full cycle) · Once daily or every other day
FG Loop
25-200 mg intranasal (single ascending dose Phase 1) · Single dose (tolerability study)