Cortagen (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing of Cortagen, a peptide fragment studied for vascular repair and tissue regeneration support.

Dosing & Reconstitution Guide

Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing

Subcutaneous Protocol (3 mL = 6.67 mg/mL)

Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. Cortagen supports tissue regeneration with weekly dosing. Note: A single 20 mg vial provides approximately 2–4 weeks of research material at maintenance doses.

Reconstitution Steps

1. Remove the vial from freezer storage (−20 °C / −4 °F) and allow to equilibrate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.
2. Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
3. Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
4. Gently swirl/roll until dissolved—solution should be clear (do not shake).
5. Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light; use within 2–4 weeks.

How This Works

Cortagen is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the C-terminal fragment of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), specifically amino acids 126-133. This region contains the active site responsible for IGF-1's cardiovascular effects. Cortagen acts as a selective agonist at IGF-1 receptors in vascular tissue, supporting endothelial function and vascular homeostasis.

Through selective IGF-1 receptor activation in cardiovascular tissue, Cortagen may support vascular endothelial growth, improve microcirculation, and maintain vascular integrity. Research suggests it may help protect against age-related vascular changes and support overall cardiovascular health without the broader metabolic effects of full IGF-1.

Potential Benefits & Side Effects

Observations from preclinical and early research literature.

• May support reductions in fat mass while preserving lean muscle in animal models
• Associated with elevated NAD+ levels and SIRT1 activation in preclinical studies
• Enhanced grip strength observed in aged mice when combined with exercise
• Generally well tolerated; occasional reports of mild headache, transient jitteriness, or injection-site reactions
• Long-term human safety data not established; this compound remains investigational

Injection Technique

General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources.

1. Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
2. Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
3. Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
4. Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
5. Slow injection may minimize any stinging sensation associated with the compound.

Important Notes

Practical considerations for consistency and safety.

• Use new sterile insulin syringes for each administration; dispose in a sharps container.
• Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
• Inject slowly; a mild stinging sensation may occur due to the quinolinium structure.
• Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
• The 10 mg vial format is suited for short-term tolerance assessment; extended protocols require multiple vials.

References