01 / RESEARCH SUMMARY
Cortagen Research Summary
Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) from the Khavinson bioregulator family, modeled on peptides derived from brain cortex tissue. Animal studies have examined its effects on nerve regeneration and recovery after nervous system injury. Research is limited and mostly published by a single research group.
Read the full guide →02 / WHY RESEARCHERS STUDY IT
Why Cortagen draws research interest
These are the areas researchers and the peptide community explore Cortagen for most often. They describe what is being studied — not proven benefits, approved uses, or promised results.
Nerve regeneration
Studied for nerve repair after injury in animals.
Brain bioregulation
Modeled on peptides from brain cortex tissue.
Cognitive aging
Explored for supporting the aging nervous system.
Evidence ranges from early lab work to large clinical trials depending on the use — see the sections below for the data and sources.
03 / DOSING & RECONSTITUTION
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
A single practical dilution with accurate dosing, step by step
Standard Approach (2 mL = 10 mg/mL)
- Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water to one 20 mg vial → final concentration 10 mg/mL (10,000 mcg/mL).
- Typical range: 2–5 mg (per course) 1x daily · daily (course).
- Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit ≈ 100 mcg on a U-100 syringe, so doses read at 20–50 units.
- Storage: Lyophilized: store at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and do not freeze the mixed solution.
| Protocol | Dose range | Frequency | Half-life | Fasted | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Injectable · Subq | 2–5 mg (per course) | 1x daily · Daily (course) | ~30 min | No | Subq |
04 / RECONSTITUTION CALCULATOR
Mix & measure Cortagen · 20 mg
Pre-filled with this protocol's recommended BAC water and starting dose — edit any field to run your own numbers.
- CONCENTRATION
- 10.00 mg/mL
- DRAW VOLUME
- 0.200 mL
- ON THE SYRINGE
- 20.0 units
- DOSES / VIAL
- 10
Reconstitution math only. U-100 syringe: 100 units = 1 mL.
Reconstitution GuideFull calculator →05 / STORAGE
Storage Instructions
Lyophilized (powder)
Store in the freezer at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage, or refrigerated at 2–8 °C for shorter periods. Keep dry, sealed and away from light. Let a frozen vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
Reconstituted
Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) and use within about 28 days. Do not freeze. Keep away from heat and direct light, and avoid repeated temperature swings. Swirl gently — never shake.
Reconstitution steps
- Wipe the vial stopper with an alcohol swab.
- Draw the BAC water and release it slowly down the inside wall of the vial.
- Swirl or roll gently until fully dissolved — don't shake.
- Label with the date and concentration and refrigerate.
06 / RESEARCH FINDINGS
What Research Shows
Preclinical / limited human evidence
- Neuronal-cell function and peptide-mediated regulation have been explored.
Research context
Mechanistic research does not establish memory improvement, brain repair, or clinical effectiveness.
07 / MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism unresolved
Proposed research targets
Neuronal-cell function and peptide-mediated regulation have been explored.
The molecular target remains under investigation; analogs and blends require separate characterization.
Adamantane & the blood–brain barrier
Chemically attaching an adamantane group to a peptide can increase its lipid (fat) solubility. Researchers hypothesize that this modification may help certain compounds cross the tightly regulated blood–brain barrier. The effect depends on the specific modified molecule; greater lipid solubility alone does not establish brain delivery or clinical benefit. This does not apply automatically to the unmodified peptide and is not a reconstitution additive.
08 / LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Lifestyle Factors
- Cycle it: run on/off cycles to maintain responsiveness.
- Timing: dose stimulating peptides (Semax family) early in the day; calming ones (Selank, DSIP) later.
- Sleep and hydration have a bigger effect on cognition than any peptide.
- Limit caffeine stacking to avoid overstimulation.
09 / BENEFITS & SIDE EFFECTS
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Improved focus and mental clarity
- Reduced anxiety and stress reactivity
- Better mood and motivation
- Neuroprotective support (BDNF-related peptides)
Side Effects
- Nasal irritation with intranasal use
- Mild headache
- Overstimulation or irritability (Semax-type)
- Drowsiness (Selank, DSIP)
10 / STUDIES
Studies & references
11 / SAFETY
Safety considerations
- Verify the active identity, lot number, and matching certificate of analysis. Testing does not by itself establish sterility or suitability for human use.
- Follow documented product-specific storage and preparation requirements; stability and diluent compatibility depend on the formulation.
- Research powders are not interchangeable with prescription formulations. Do not infer an injection or nasal protocol from a concentration calculation.
- For medical care, pregnancy, existing conditions, or medication interactions, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
12 / RECOMMENDED SOURCE
Recommended Source
For research peptides, we point researchers to Orbitrex Peptides for Cortagen.
Why Orbitrex?
- Family-owned & independently tested: Multiple laboratories verify quality, with batch-specific testing in every COA.
- Everyday value: Buy 4, Get 1 Free on eligible products.
- Loyalty credit: 5% back in loyalty credit for future purchases.
- VerifyPass discount: 20% off for qualifying groups — stacks with affiliate codes.
- Free 2nd Day shipping: Free UPS 2nd Day Air on orders $200+, applied automatically at checkout.
All products are for research use only. Availability and offers subject to change.