The short-peptide synthetic counterpart of the cattle-cortex extract cortexin.
Also known as: AEDP peptide · Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, AEDP) is a synthetic tetrapeptide from the Khavinson family of bioregulators, designed as the defined-sequence counterpart to the brain-cortex extract cortexin. It has been studied in Russian research on neural tissue and gene expression. It is not authorized by Health Canada, and this page is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic tetrapeptide derived by directed synthesis from the natural cortex preparation cortexin
Primary research or clinical context: Investigational bioregulator studied in Russian neuroscience and aging research; not authorized by Health Canada
From extract to defined peptide
Cortagen was obtained by directed synthesis based on amino acid analysis of the natural brain-cortex preparation cortexin. Reducing a tissue extract to a single defined tetrapeptide reflects the core Khavinson strategy: identify a short, tissue-associated sequence and study it as a reproducible research compound rather than an ill-defined mixture.
Evidence and regulatory status
Published work, largely from a single research lineage, hypothesizes tissue-specific gene-expression effects and reports changes in heterochromatin in aged-cell models. Independent Western replication is limited. Cortagen is investigational, sold for research use only, and is not authorized by Health Canada. This page is educational and asserts no therapeutic benefit.
Sequence
One-letter sequence commonly cited for Cortagen (educational; isoforms and modifications may differ):
AEDP
Residues plotted ~100° apart around an α-helix — clustering of one color reveals an amphipathic face.
FAQ about Cortagen
What is Cortagen?+
Cortagen (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, AEDP) is a synthetic tetrapeptide from the Khavinson family of bioregulators, designed as the defined-sequence counterpart to the brain-cortex extract cortexin. It has been studied in Russian research on neural tissue and gene expression. It is not authorized by Health Canada, and this page is educational only.
Is Cortagen an approved medicine?+
Cortagen is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Investigational bioregulator studied in Russian neuroscience and aging research; not authorized by Health Canada. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Cortagen?+
Cortagen is commonly described as approximately 4 amino acids (Synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator (Khavinson class)).