Cortagen — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

Cortagen is a Khavinson bioregulator peptide that targets cerebral cortex tissue, supporting cognitive function, neuroprotection, and cortical neuron health. Developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it modulates gene expression in cortical neurons to support memory, attention, and mental processing speed. It is used in Russian gerontological practice for age-related cognitive decline and as part of comprehensive brain health protocols.

Cortagen interacts with chromatin in cortical neurons, modulating the transcription of genes involved in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter synthesis, and cellular defense against oxidative and excitotoxic stress. Key downstream effects include: upregulation of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) expression, which supports synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival; enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission through increased choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) expression; maintenance of dendritic complexity and spine density in aging cortical neurons; upregulation of antioxidant defense enzymes (SOD, glutathione peroxidase) that protect against age-related oxidative damage; and reduced expression of pro-apoptotic factors in stressed neurons. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, Cortagen works by restoring tissue-specific peptide levels that decline with aging, shifting cortical neuron gene expression toward a younger, more functional phenotype. This approach is fundamentally restorative rather than stimulatory — it doesn't force enhanced cognition through receptor agonism but rather supports the brain's innate cognitive capacity.

• Khavinson Institute studies demonstrated improved cognitive test scores (memory, attention, processing speed) in elderly patients receiving Cortagen cycles over 12 months.
• Neuroprotective effects demonstrated against oxidative stress in cortical neuron cell cultures — reduced neuronal death by 40–60% compared to untreated controls.
• Part of the validated bioregulatory peptide family with 30+ years of clinical safety data from Russian gerontological practice.
• Short peptides confirmed to cross the blood-brain barrier in sufficient concentrations to modulate cortical gene expression in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies.
• Long-term cognitive function preservation in elderly cohorts receiving regular bioregulator protocols including Cortagen — slower rate of age-related cognitive decline compared to untreated controls.

• Standard dose: 10 mg subcutaneous injection daily.
• Typical cycle: 10–20 days.
• Repeat every 3–6 months for ongoing cognitive support.
• Often combined with Pinealon (pineal gland bioregulator) for comprehensive brain and sleep support.
• Can be used alongside nootropic peptides (Semax, Selank) which work through different mechanisms — Cortagen provides epigenetic foundation while nootropics provide acute cognitive enhancement.
• No food timing restrictions.

Known Side Effects

• Injection site reactions — mild and uncommon.
• No significant CNS side effects (no stimulation, no sedation, no mood disturbance) — the bioregulatory mechanism is gentle and restorative.
• No cognitive overstimulation or anxiety — unlike nootropic stimulants.
• No reported drug interactions with neurological or psychiatric medications.
• Short treatment cycles limit any theoretical risks.

Safety Profile

Cortagen has the excellent safety profile characteristic of Khavinson bioregulator peptides, with decades of clinical use in elderly patients — the population most vulnerable to both cognitive decline and medication side effects. It does not interact with cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine), memantine, or other cognitive medications, making it suitable for use alongside standard dementia/MCI treatments. No CNS stimulation or sedation occurs. Contraindications are limited to hypersensitivity and pregnancy/breastfeeding. Safe in patients with seizure disorders (no seizure threshold effects).

Days 1–10: No immediate cognitive effects. The bioregulator is interacting with cortical neuron gene regulatory regions at the molecular level. Days 11–20: Epigenetic modulation is establishing. Some users report subtle improvements in mental clarity or reduced brain fog toward the end of the cycle. Weeks 3–8 (post-cycle): Cognitive benefits become more apparent — improved memory recall, faster processing, better sustained attention, clearer thinking. These improvements reflect the restored gene expression patterns in cortical neurons. Months 2–6: Benefits persist throughout the inter-cycle period. Repeat cycles every 3–6 months maintain and accumulate the cognitive benefits. Long-term users of bioregulator protocols report sustained cognitive preservation compared to age-matched peers.

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