Bioregulator Peptide
Cortagen
Also known as: Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) from the Khavinson bioregulator family, designed from analysis of the natural brain-cortex extract Cortexin, and studied in a rat peripheral nerve regeneration model.
Overview
Cortagen is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by directed synthesis based on amino acid analysis of Cortexin, an earlier natural brain-cortex extract preparation — part of the same Khavinson bioregulator family as Vilon and Pinealon, but targeted toward nervous tissue specifically.
Proposed Mechanism of Action
As with other short peptides in this family, Cortagen's proposed mechanism involves modulation of gene expression in target tissue — here, nervous tissue — rather than a conventional receptor-mediated pathway.
Research Context
The cited study transected and surgically repaired the sciatic nerve in rats, then administered daily intramuscular Cortagen for 10 days. Treated animals showed meaningfully faster nerve fiber regrowth (27% faster growth rate) and better functional recovery (40% faster conduction velocity) than untreated controls — a fairly specific, measurable outcome in a well-established injury model.
Limitations of the Current Evidence
- This is a single animal study from the originating research group; we did not find independent replication in the sources reviewed for this profile.
- The nerve-regeneration outcome measured here is specific to peripheral nerve injury — it does not, by itself, support broader claims about general cognitive or brain-health effects sometimes made about Cortagen in secondary/vendor sources.
Research-Setting Dosing (as reported in literature)
| Route | Range (as reported) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intramuscular injection | 10–10 µg/kg | Daily for 10 days | Turchaninova et al. (2000), starting immediately after surgical transection and suturing of the rat sciatic nerve; increased nerve fiber growth rate by 27% and conduction velocity by 40% versus untreated controls. |
Figures above are extracted directly from the cited preclinical/research literature. They describe what researchers administered to study subjects (frequently animal models) — they are not human dosing recommendations and are not medical advice.
Cited Studies
Effect of tetrapeptide cortagen on regeneration of sciatic nerve
Turchaninova LN, Kolosova LI, Malinin VV, Moiseeva AB, Nozdrachev AD, Khavinson VK · Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine · 2000
Animal study (rat, sciatic nerve transection model)View source →
Last updated August 1, 2026