Description
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) is a synthetic tetrapeptide of the Khavinson bioregulator class with tissue-specific action on the cerebral cortex. The substance was developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology for investigating cognitive aging models.
Per study reports Cortagen modifies gene expression in cortical neurons via the Khavinson epigenetic mechanism. Preclinical studies describe effects on transcriptional regulation, chromatin organization and inflammatory balance in the CNS. In animal studies Cortagen was associated with improved cognitive performance in aged models and post-stroke rehabilitation settings.
The data comes predominantly from the Khavinson institute and associated Russian laboratories. Multi-year human studies in older adults are reported in Russian literature, with subjective cognitive improvements and improvement of neurological markers.
Typical application is subcutaneous or intramuscular in 10-20 day courses two to three times per year.
You can order Cortagen as lyophilized peptide in 10-pack at 20mg per vial.
This information is for research and educational purposes only. No medical recommendations.
Risks & Safety
Cortagen is classified as very mild in the available literature and is among the most well tolerated compounds of the Khavinson bioregulator class. In the available preclinical and limited human studies, no relevant toxic effects have been documented.
Observed in research and reports:
- Injection site: mild redness or transient irritation with subcutaneous or intramuscular use is the most common observation. The tetrapeptide itself is considered low-reactivity.
- Very thin human data: the data base comes predominantly from the Khavinson institute and associated Russian laboratories, in the form of small, mostly Russian-language studies. Independent peer-reviewed replication and robust long-term data on CNS use are absent.
- Course-based pattern: the use described occurs in short 10-20 day courses. No data exist on the safety profile of continuous administration.
This classification does not replace medical advice. Risk and responsibility for any actual use lie entirely with the buyer.
Studies
- Effect of Tetrapeptide Cortagen on Regeneration of Sciatic Nerve - Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine 2000, Turchaninova et al: functional study of Cortagen action on peripheral nerve regeneration after injury.
- Epigenetic Regulation of “Aged” Heterochromatin by Peptide Bioregulator Cortagen - International Journal of Peptide Research and Therapeutics 2015, Lezhava et al: epigenetics study of heterochromatin reactivation in aging cells.
- Modulatory Effects of Cortexin and Cortagen on Locomotor Activity and Anxiety-Related Behavior in Mice - Open Neuropsychopharmacology Journal 2009, Adriani et al: behavioral study in mice with CNS endpoints.
- Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects - Biogerontology 2010, Anisimov and Khavinson: aging mechanism review of the bioregulator class.
