Cortagen (20mg)
Cortagen dosing protocols are designed around this synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) belonging to the Khavinson bioregulator class, studied for its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. Research suggests Cortagen may support peripheral nerve regeneration, enhance cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress in neural tissues, and promote cellular repair mechanisms. This protocol outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
How It Works
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the amino acid analysis of the natural cerebral cortex preparation, Cortexin. It acts as a gene expression regulator and epigenetic modulator, influencing the synthesis of proteins involved in neuronal development, differentiation, and stress resistance. Preclinical studies suggest it can increase neurotrophic factors, reduce markers of oxidative stress, and accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration—increasing the rate of nerve fiber growth and conduction velocity by 27–40% in injury models.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 6.67 mg/mL (6670 mcg/mL) concentration.
- Typical Daily Range: 1000–2000 mcg once daily (morning administration preferred).
- Storage: Lyophilized: freezer −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerator 2–8 °C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Standard Approach (3 mL = 6.67 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1000 mcg | 15 Units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 2000 mcg | 30 Units (0.30 mL) |
Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously, preferably in the morning.
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw up 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/rotate until dissolved (do not shake).
- Date and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protecting from light.
Protocol Overview
- Objective: Support neural regeneration, cognitive function, and cellular repair mechanisms.
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 4 weeks (extendable to 8 weeks if desired).
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze-thaw.
Dosing Protocol
- Initiation: 1000 mcg (1 mg) daily for Weeks 1–2.
- Target: 2000 mcg (2 mg) daily for Weeks 3–4.
- Frequency: Once daily (subcutaneously).
- Cycle Duration: 4 weeks typically; optional extension to 8 weeks.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (10–20 days), a 3–6 month pause is recommended. Khavinson bioregulator peptides have a prolonged action—typically 2–3 cycles/year.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (10–20 days), a 3–6 month pause is recommended. Khavinson bioregulator peptides have a prolonged action—typically 2–3 cycles/year.
Minimum wait period: 12 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C for long-term; 2–8 °C acceptable for short-term.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 4 weeks; avoid freeze-thaw.
- Let vials reach room temperature before opening.
Important Notes
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Supports peripheral nerve regeneration with improved growth rate and conduction velocity in injury models.
- Neuroprotective effects in ischemia models by reducing lipid peroxidation.
- May enhance cognitive function and memory through promoting synaptic plasticity.
- Regulation of gene expression in cardiac and neural tissues.
- Generally well-tolerated with no significant adverse effects at therapeutic doses.
Potential Side Effects:
- Mild injection site reactions (redness, itching).
- Transient fatigue or 'flu-like' feeling (rare).
- Limited human data (bioregulator peptide).
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Cerebral cortex bioregulator — unclear effects
Targets cerebral cortex. Modifies neuropeptide signaling. No independent safety studies or pharmacokinetic data.
📄 Khavinson VK — Neuroendocrinol Lett 2002References
- Tetrapeptide Cortagen Effect on Sciatic Nerve Regeneration — Effect of the tetrapeptide Cortagen on sciatic nerve regeneration
View Source - Cortexin and Cortagen in Chronic Cerebral Ischemia — Cortexin and Cortagen as corrective agents in chronic cerebral ischemia
View Source - PubMed (Neuroendocrinology Letters) — Effect of the cerebral cortex tetrapeptide Cortagen on gene expression
View Source - PubMed (Biogerontology) — Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects
View Source - MDPI (Molecules) — Peptide regulation of gene expression: a systematic review
View Source
Recommended Supplements
Multivitamin (High-quality)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Кортаген® · Cerebral cortex / Neuroprotection (2007)
Approved in Russia (Khavinson bioregulator)
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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