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Reviewed by MyPeptideMatch Editorial TeamLast reviewed February 2026Updated February 2026

Cortagen Dosing Protocol: 20 mg Vial — Brain & Spinal Cord Bioregulator Guide

Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro tetrapeptide) Russian brain cortex and spinal cord bioregulator dosing guide — neuroprotection, cognitive decline prevention, and neuronal gene normalization.

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Quickstart highlights

Cortagen (AEDP sequence) is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Khavinson specifically for cerebral cortex and spinal cord neurons.

  • Concentration: 2 mg/mL (20 mg vial + 10 mL bac water).
  • At 2 mg/mL: 200 µg = 10 units; inject morning for cognitive performance support.
  • Cortagen targets brain cortex and spinal cord neuronal gene expression normalization.
  • Combine with Semax for BDNF upregulation synergy in comprehensive neuro protocols.
  • Russian application: cognitive aging prevention, post-stroke support, spinal cord rehabilitation.

Dosing table

For educational reference only. Your prescribing provider may adjust doses based on your clinical profile and response.

WeekDose (µg)UnitsFrequencyNotes
1-2 (10-day course)20010Once daily (morning)200 µg — 10 units; standard 10-day course; 20 mg vial = 100 doses
Maintenance20010Every other day200 µg EOD — chronic neuroprotective maintenance

Reconstitution steps

  1. Reconstitute in 2.5 mL bac water portions; inject slowly down vial wall.
  2. Swirl gently until dissolved; do not shake.
  3. Final concentration: 2 mg/mL. At 2 mg/mL: 200 µg = 10 units.
  4. Label with date; refrigerate 2–8 °C. Use within 28 days.

Supplies needed

10_day-week plan

  • 1 vial
  • 10 syringes
  • 2 mL bac water
  • 10 alcohol swabs
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Protocol overview & cycle notes

Normalize neuronal gene expression in aging brain cortex and spinal cord, supporting neuroprotection and cognitive function maintenance through the Cortagen tetrapeptide bioregulator 10-day intensive course protocol.

Off-cycle: 4–6 months between intensive courses.

Storage & handling

Lyophilized: store below 25 °C. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C; use within 28 days.

Injection & tracking tips

  • Inject subcutaneously in the morning — Cortagen targets brain and spinal cord function, and morning injection supports daytime cognitive performance.
  • Cortagen is often combined with Cerebrolysin (for acute neuroprotection) or Semax (for BDNF upregulation) in comprehensive cognitive aging protocols.
  • Standard Russian neuroprotective protocol: Cortagen 200 µg/day x 10 days, 2–3 courses per year.

Tracking

Logging helps you and your provider spot patterns and adjust dose or timing.

  • MoCA cognitive assessment at baseline and 3 months post-course.
  • Track reaction time and digit span tests weekly.
  • Log daily cognitive clarity and focus quality (0–10).
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How this works & references

Cortagen (AEDP sequence) is a tetrapeptide bioregulator developed by Khavinson specifically for cerebral cortex and spinal cord neurons. It belongs to the same short peptide family as Epithalon and Cardiogen but with brain cortex tissue specificity. Russian research describes Cortagen's ability to penetrate neuronal chromatin and normalize expression of neurotrophic factors (BDNF, NGF), neuroprotective enzymes (SOD, catalase), and synaptic plasticity genes (AMPA receptor subunits) in aging neurons. Applied in Russian clinical settings for cognitive aging prevention, post-stroke recovery support, and spinal cord injury rehabilitation.

Sources

  • Source: Khavinson VK et al. — Neuroprotective effects of peptide bioregulators. Cell Biochem Biophys. 2014

Frequently asked questions

How does Cortagen differ from Pinealon and Semax for brain health?
Three distinct mechanisms: Pinealon (EDR) targets pineal gland melatonin synthesis and circadian neuroprotection; Semax (ACTH 4-7 analogue) actively increases BDNF transcription via receptor-mediated signaling; Cortagen (AEDP) is a gene expression normalizer for cortical neurons — not a receptor agonist but an epigenetic modulator that restores baseline neuronal function. They can be stacked sequentially.
Can Cortagen cross the blood-brain barrier?
This is a fundamental question for all SC-injected CNS-targeting peptides. Russian research claims bioregulator peptides penetrate target tissues including the brain based on autoradiography studies showing labeled peptide accumulation in target organs. Independent verification of BBB penetrance for Cortagen in peer-reviewed Western journals is lacking.
Is Cortagen appropriate for Parkinson's disease support?
Russian bioregulator applications include Cortagen in Parkinson's support protocols alongside standard medications, targeting preservation of dopaminergic neuron function. This is not a replacement for levodopa/carbidopa or MAO-B inhibitors. The proposed neuroprotective gene expression normalization mechanism is compatible with Parkinson's pathophysiology but not validated by clinical trials.
What is the maximum safe dose of Cortagen?
The standard Russian bioregulator dose is 200 µg/day. Higher doses have not been formally studied for safety or efficacy in peer-reviewed literature. The 200 µg dose is based on Khavinson's pharmacological principle that organ-specific bioregulators produce maximal effect at minimally effective concentrations — exceeding this may not enhance and could alter gene expression patterns.
How long before MoCA scores improve with Cortagen?
Russian clinical experience reports subjective cognitive improvement within 2–4 weeks of the 10-day course, with MoCA score improvements documented at 3-month follow-up in aging patients. Objective cognitive test score changes require longer time frames (months) due to the protein synthesis requirement for structural synaptic changes.

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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy. Dosing and protocols may vary by formulation and prescriber.

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