At a glance
A tetrapeptide explored in neuronal and tissue-response experiments.
This profile separates the compound’s scientific background from specification-specific preparation and source schedules. Begin with the research findings and limitations, then select the formulation you want to examine.
How it works
Potential benefits & side effects
Interpret each outcome in the context of the study population, formulation and evidence type. Research findings do not establish a personal treatment outcome.
Potential benefits & research findings
The source describes experimental nerve and ischemia-related findings. The origin of each result, particularly animal versus human evidence, is essential context.[1][2][4]
Read the original publications to see the measured endpoints, comparator, duration and uncertainty. Mechanistic plausibility and a favorable experimental result are different from demonstrated clinical benefit.
Side effects & evidence limitations
Interpret the reported adverse effects together with the study population, route and observation period. Small or short studies can miss uncommon and delayed harms. Evidence from a related compound does not establish the safety of Cortagen.
Source-reported adverse effects and cautions
Observations from preclinical and limited clinical literature.
Sources are available for independent reading. Individual claims and research schedules have not yet undergone an independent clinical review by Pep Science.
- Editorial responsibility
- Pep Science editorial desk
- Last independent review
- Not yet recorded
SPECIFICATIONS & SOURCE SCHEDULES
Explore a vial size
Select the exact formulation. Vial content, target dose and prepared concentration are different measurements.
Showing 20 mg · 1 source tables
Standard Approach (3 mL = 6.67 mg/mL)
| 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) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously, preferably in the morning[5]. This schedule uses the largest practical dilution (3.0 mL) to keep per-injection units ≥15 for accurate measurement. For doses under ~10 units (<700 mcg), consider using 50-unit or 30-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Additional schedule context & duration
Concise summary of the once-daily regimen.
- Goal: Support neural regeneration, cognitive function, and cellular repair mechanisms over time[1][3].
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 4 weeks (extend to 8 weeks if desired).
- Dose Range: 1000–2000 mcg daily with optional gradual titration.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 20 mg vial (6.67 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Suggested daily dosing approach based on research.
- 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.
Preparation
Reconstitution Steps
- 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.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality[10].
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term; 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) acceptable for short-term (weeks to months).
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); use within 4 weeks and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Materials & quantity planning
Source materials checklist · 20 mg
Plan based on a 4-week daily protocol with gradual titration (1000–2000 mcg/day).
-
Peptide Vials (Cortagen, 20 mg each):
- 4 weeks ≈ 3 vials (at average 1500 mcg/day = 42 mg total)
- 8 weeks ≈ 5 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- 4 weeks: 28 syringes
- 8 weeks: 56 syringes
-
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- 4 weeks (3 vials): 9 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
- 8 weeks (5 vials): 15 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
-
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- 4 weeks: 56 swabs → recommend 1 × 100-count box
- 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
Calculate a phased quantity
Enter each finite phase from the schedule you are studying. Open-ended phases need an explicit duration. Calculation uses 20 mg per vial and 3 mL per vial.
Complete each phase to calculate totals.
Quantity estimates exclude preparation losses and expiry. Follow the formulation’s handling and disposal requirements.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
References & further reading
Original publications and source documents cited across this product’s variants. A listed source is not an independent endorsement of a dosing schedule.
- 01
Research publication
PubMed — Effect of tetrapeptide cortagen on regeneration of sciatic nerve (nerve growth rate and conduction velocity improvements) (opens in a new tab)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Back to overview ↑ - 02
Research publication
PubMed — Cortexin and cortagen as correcting agents in functional and metabolic disorders in the brain in chronic ischemia (opens in a new tab)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Back to overview ↑ - 04
Research publication
PubMed (Biogerontology) — Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects (lifespan extension and biomarker modulation) (opens in a new tab)pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Back to overview ↑ - 08
Public health resource
MedlinePlus — Subcutaneous (SQ) injections: technique, site rotation, and best practices (opens in a new tab)medlineplus.gov
Back to overview ↑ - 12
Source document
Wikipedia — Cortagen (tetrapeptide overview and background) (opens in a new tab)en.wikipedia.org
Back to overview ↑
Continue exploring
Related topics are not interchangeable compounds or formulations.