Sign In to Request a Protocol
Sign In to Request a Protocol

Cortagen (20 mg Vial)

  • Table of Contents

Cortagen Dosage Chart

Cortagen is dosed at 1 mg–2 mg daily via subcutaneous injection in educational protocols. A 20 mg vial reconstituted with bacteriostatic water yields about 6.67 mg/mL. This information is for research and educational use only.

  • Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 6.67 mg/mL (6670 mcg/mL) concentration.
  • Typical daily range: 1000–2000 mcg once daily (morning administration preferred).
  • Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 66.7 mcg on a U-100 insulin syringe.
  • Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.

Cortagen dosage protocols are based on the synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro), a member of the Khavinson bioregulator class that has been studied for its neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. Research suggests that Cortagen may support peripheral nerve regeneration, enhance cognitive function, reduce oxidative stress in neural tissues, and promote cellular repair mechanisms when used in research settings. This educational protocol outlines a once-daily subcutaneous administration approach using a practical dilution to provide clear and consistent insulin syringe measurements.

  • Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and weekly dosing

Standard Approach (3 mL = 6.67 mg/mL)

WeekDaily Dose (mcg)Units (per injection) (mL)
Weeks 1–21000 mcg15 units (0.15 mL)
Weeks 3–42000 mcg30 units (0.30 mL)

Frequency: Administer once daily via subcutaneous injection, preferably in the morning. This protocol uses a 3.0 mL dilution to provide clear and consistent insulin syringe measurements. For doses below approximately 700 mcg, a 50-unit or 30-unit insulin syringe may offer improved measurement readability.

Reconstitution Steps

  • 1. Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water using a sterile syringe.
  • 2. Inject the water slowly down the inside wall of the vial to minimize foaming.
  • 3. Gently swirl or roll the vial until the contents are fully dissolved. Do not shake.
  • 4. Label the vial and store it refrigerated at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.

Important: This guide is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. For research use only. Not for human consumption.

  • Supplies Needed

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 an average dose of 1,500 mcg/day = approximately 42 mg total)
  • 8 weeks: ≈ 5 vials
  • Insulin Syringes (U-100)
  • Per week: 7 syringes (1 per day)
  • 4 weeks: 28 syringes
  • 8 weeks: 56 syringes
  • Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles):Use 3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
  • 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 per day)
  • 4 weeks: 56 swabs → Recommended: 1 × 100-count box
  • 8 weeks: 112 swabs → Recommended: 2 × 100-count boxes
  • Protocol Overview

A concise overview of the once-daily peptide protocol.

  • Goal: Support neural regeneration, cognitive function, and cellular repair mechanisms over time.
  • Schedule: One subcutaneous injection daily for 4 weeks, with the option to continue for up to 8 weeks if desired.
  • Dose Range: 1,000–2,000 mcg daily, with optional gradual titration based on the planned protocol.
  • Reconstitution: Reconstitute each 20 mg vial with 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water to achieve a concentration of 6.67 mg/mL for accurate dosing.
  • Storage: Store lyophilized vials frozen until use. After reconstitution, refrigerate and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
  • Dosing Protocol

A suggested daily dosing approach based on the planned research protocol.

  • Weeks 1–2: 1,000 mcg (1 mg) once daily.
  • Weeks 3–4: Increase to 2,000 mcg (2 mg) once daily, if following the gradual titration plan.
  • Frequency: One subcutaneous injection per day.
  • Cycle Length: Standard protocol is 4 weeks, with an optional extension to 8 weeks if desired.
  • Timing: Morning administration is preferred. Rotate injection sites regularly to support consistent injection practices.
  • Storage Instructions

Proper storage helps maintain peptide stability and quality

  • Lyophilized Vials: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) for long-term storage. For short-term storage (weeks to months), 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F) is acceptable.
  • Reconstituted Solution: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F). Use within 4 weeks and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles.
  • Before Opening: Allow the vial to reach room temperature before opening to help minimize condensation inside the vial.
  • Important Notes

Practical considerations to help maintain consistency throughout the protocol.

  • Use a new sterile insulin syringe for each injection and dispose of used syringes in an appropriate sharps container.
  • Rotate injection sites (such as the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms) to help reduce local irritation.
  • Inject slowly and wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
  • Keep a daily record of the dose administered and the injection site used to maintain consistency throughout the protocol.
  • How This Works
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the amino acid sequence identified in the natural brain cortex preparation known as Cortexin. It is studied for its potential role as a gene expression modulator and epigenetic regulator, influencing the production of proteins involved in neuronal growth, cellular differentiation, and the body’s response to cellular stress. Preclinical research suggests that Cortagen may help support the expression of neurotrophic factors, reduce markers associated with oxidative stress, and promote peripheral nerve regeneration. In laboratory models of nerve injury, researchers observed improvements in nerve fiber growth and conduction velocity. Additional preclinical studies in models of chronic cerebral ischemia also reported improvements in behavioral recovery alongside reduced oxidative damage.
  • Potential Benefits & Side Effects

The following observations are based primarily on preclinical research and limited published literature.

  • May support peripheral nerve regeneration, with improvements in nerve growth and conduction observed in preclinical injury models.
  • Demonstrates neuroprotective properties in preclinical studies by helping reduce oxidative stress and support normal antioxidant activity.
  • May help support cognitive function and memory through mechanisms associated with synaptic plasticity and neurite growth.
  • Has been studied for its potential role in gene expression regulation in both neural and cardiac tissues.
  • Lifestyle Factors

Healthy lifestyle habits may help support overall wellness alongside the planned protocol.

  • Follow a nutrient-rich diet that includes adequate protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant-rich foods to support overall neural health.
  • Stay physically and mentally active through regular exercise and cognitive activities to help support healthy brain function and neuroplasticity.
  • Prioritize quality sleep and practice effective stress management to support normal recovery and cellular repair processes.
  • Note: Lifestyle habits can support overall health but are not a substitute for appropriate medical care or professional guidance.
  • Injection Technique

General guidance for subcutaneous injection based on established clinical best practices.

  • Clean the vial stopper and the injection site with an alcohol swab, then allow both to dry completely before injecting.
  • Pinch a fold of skin and insert the needle into the subcutaneous tissue at a 45°–90° angle, depending on the injection site and needle length.
  • Inject slowly and steadily. Aspiration is generally not required for subcutaneous injections.
  • Rotate injection sites regularly (such as the abdomen, thighs, and upper arms) to help minimize local irritation and reduce the risk of tissue changes with repeated injections.
  • Product Quality Considerations
When selecting research materials, consider the following quality factors:

Why Vitality Labs Peptides?

  • - Purity: Look for products with clearly stated purity specifications and quality testing.
  • - Quality Documentation: Batch-specific documentation and quality control information can help support product consistency.
  • - Storage & Handling: Proper manufacturing, packaging, and cold-chain handling help maintain product stability during storage and transport.
Contact on Telegram
  • Important Note

This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice.

  • References

PubMed

— Effect of tetrapeptide cortagen on regeneration of sciatic nerve (nerve growth rate and conduction velocity improvements)
More Info

PubMed

— Cortexin and cortagen as correcting agents in functional and metabolic disorders in the brain in chronic ischemia
More Info

PubMed (Neuroendocrinology Letters)

— Elucidation of the effect of brain cortex tetrapeptide Cortagen on gene expression in mouse heart by microarray
More Info

PubMed (Biogerontology)

— Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects (lifespan extension and biomarker modulation)
More Info

Bentham Open (Open Neuropsychopharmacology Journal)

— Modulatory effects of Cortexin and Cortagen on locomotor activity and anxiety-related behavior in mice
More Info

MDPI (Molecules)

— Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review (epigenetic mechanisms)
More Info

Springer (Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine)

— Mechanisms Underlying Geroprotective Effects of Peptides
More Info

MedlinePlus

Subcutaneous (SQ) injections: technique, site rotation, and best practices

More Info

CDC (Subcut Injection PDF)

— Vaccine Administration: Subcutaneous (SUBCUT) Injection technique and guidance
More Info

Bachem

Handling and Storage Guidelines for Peptides (stability and storage conditions)

More Info

MDPI (International Journal of Molecular Sciences)

— Short Peptides Protect Fibroblast-Derived Induced Neurons from Age-Related Changes
More Info

Wikipedia

Cortagen (tetrapeptide overview and background)

More Info

Vitality Labs Peptides

 Cortagen (20 mg) product page (quality and batch documentation)

More Info