Cortagen: Reference Overview and Reconstitution Notes

July 9, 2026

Cortagen

What it is

Cortagen is a synthetic short-chain peptide, specifically the tetrapeptide with the amino acid sequence Alanine-Glutamic acid-Aspartic acid-Proline (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, sometimes written AEDP). It belongs to the Khavinson family of peptide bioregulators, a group of short peptides derived from analysis of naturally occurring tissue peptide preparations, in this case the brain-cortex preparation known as cortexin.

Research context and categorization

Cortagen is generally categorized as a neural or brain-cortex bioregulator within the broader Khavinson bioregulator and anti-aging peptide research area. It was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.

In neutral research terms, Cortagen is commonly discussed in relation to the "bioregulator hypothesis," which proposes that very short peptides may interact with tissue-specific gene expression. It has been investigated in laboratory and animal models for topics such as peripheral nerve regeneration after injury, responses of neural tissue to reduced blood flow, and shifts in gene-expression profiles associated with cortical tissue and aging. One published microarray study examined how the peptide influenced gene expression in animal tissue.

These uses are investigational and framed within a research setting. Cortagen is not FDA-approved, and none of the effects discussed above are confirmed, established, or approved outcomes in humans. They represent areas of study rather than proven benefits.

Status

Regulatory status: Research-only. Cortagen is not FDA-approved for any indication and is handled as a research compound.
Sport status: Not specifically named on the WADA Prohibited List. However, the WADA Prohibited List includes a catch-all category (S0) covering substances with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use. Because Cortagen is an unapproved experimental peptide, that non-approved-substance provision may apply. Anyone subject to anti-doping rules should confirm current status directly with WADA or their governing body.

Reconstitution notes (general)

For lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptides supplied as a powder, concentration is calculated as milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 20 mg vial brought up with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water gives roughly 6.67 mg/mL. To work out a target concentration or fill volume for any vial size, use the calculator at /pages/tools.

Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)

Cortagen is typically supplied as a lyophilized powder in vial sizes such as 10 mg, 20 mg, or 50 mg, intended to be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water. Because it is a very small tetrapeptide with no cysteine residues and therefore no disulfide bonds, it generally goes into solution readily and does not tend to gel, cloud, or precipitate the way some larger or more hydrophobic peptides do. The result should be a clear, colorless liquid. Typical reconstitution volumes reported across suppliers fall in the low single-digit millilitre range, for example around 2 mL to 3 mL per 20 mg vial (roughly 10 mg/mL down to about 6.67 mg/mL). The chosen volume is driven mainly by how finely a handler wants to measure on a graduated syringe rather than by any solubility limit.

Handling quirks are the usual ones for small lyophilized peptides. Add the diluent slowly, aiming the stream against the inner glass wall rather than directly onto the powder, and let the vial sit and swirl gently instead of shaking. Vigorous shaking introduces foam and shear and makes the fill level harder to read, so gentle swirling until the solution is clear is the standard approach. If material does not fully clear or particulate remains after swirling, that is a reason to set the vial aside rather than force it. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles once the vial is in solution.

Handling and storage

Store reconstituted vials refrigerated at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep them out of direct light. Wipe the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab before each puncture, and label the vial with the mix date so the age of the solution is always known. Observe the general working window of about four weeks under refrigeration for a reconstituted vial. Discard anything that turns cloudy or discolored, or that develops visible floaters or particulate.

Tools and supplies

For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.