Cortagen
Also called AEDP; Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro
A four-amino-acid bioregulator peptide studied for nerve tissue and gene expression. Animal and patent findings do not establish it as a memory or "brain repair" treatment.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic tetrapeptide developed from research on Cortexin, a brain-derived polypeptide mixture. Cortagen and Cortexin are not interchangeable.
How it works
In mouse heart tissue, it changed the activity of 110 known genes. In a rat brain-ischemia study, it affected lipid peroxidation and antioxidant measures.
What the research shows
In rats with a cut and repaired sciatic nerve, it increased nerve-fiber growth rate by 27% and conduction speed by 40% over ten days; these are animal nerve measurements, not human brain speed. A mouse study found anxiety-related effects that varied with dose. A patent describes small groups of brain-injury and older patients without randomization or blinding.
Studied for
- Peripheral nerve regenerationrats
- Brain ischemiarats
- Anxiety-related behaviormice, mixed
- Traumatic brain injurypatent reports
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
No reliable human side-effect or long-term data. Persistent brain fog or memory change deserves evaluation for causes like sleep, medications or mood.
Regulatory status
Not approved by the FDA for any use.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Cortagen (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 20 mg Cortagen
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 6.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 66.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Typical range
- 1000–2000 mcg once daily (morning administration preferred).
- Cycle length
- 4 weeks standard; optional extension to 8 weeks.
Standard Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 1000 mcg | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 2000 mcg | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
How to mix
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Start: 1000 mcg (1 mg) daily for Weeks 1–2.
- Target: 2000 mcg (2 mg) daily for Weeks 3–4.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 4 weeks standard; optional extension to 8 weeks.
- Timing: Morning administration preferred; rotate injection sites.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Follow the exact product’s labeled storage temperature and expiration date; do not infer a shelf life from refrigeration or freezing alone.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by instructions and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Is Cortagen a nootropic?
It is marketed that way, but no reliable human cognitive benefit has been shown.
Is it the same as Cortexin?
No. Cortexin is a complex mixture; Cortagen is one defined sequence.
Do gene-expression changes mean brain protection?
No. Gene changes need to be linked to meaningful outcomes.
Related in Brain and Cognitive Health
Sources and further reading (5)
- Anisimov SV, et al. Cortagen and gene expression in mouse heart by microarray. Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2004.
- Turchaninova LN, et al. Cortagen and sciatic nerve regeneration. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2000.
- Adriani W, et al. Cortexin and Cortagen on locomotor activity and anxiety in mice, 2009.
- National Institute on Aging. Memory problems, forgetfulness and aging.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).