Cortagen
WellnessAlso known as: Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro, AEDP tetrapeptide, Cardiovascular bioregulator
Limited EvidenceWhat is Cortagen?
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Pro) developed by the Khavinson group as a bioregulator for cardiovascular tissue. Designed to support cardiac function, coronary vessel health, and cardiomyocyte survival under stress. Evidence is limited to the originating Russian research group with no independent clinical replication.
How it works
Following the Khavinson bioregulator model, Cortagen is theorized to penetrate cell membranes and modulate gene expression in cardiac and vascular tissue specifically. Proposed mechanisms include supporting cardiomyocyte survival after hypoxic stress, reducing oxidative damage in coronary vessel walls, and promoting expression of proteins involved in cardiac repair. No mainstream peer-reviewed pharmacological mechanism data exists beyond the originating group's publications.
What marketers claim
- ▸reverses heart disease
- ▸regrows cardiac muscle after heart attacks
- ▸eliminates cardiovascular risk entirely
- ▸proven in clinical trials
What evidence supports
- ✓in vitro (Khavinson group): AEDP peptide reduces cardiomyocyte apoptosis under oxidative stress
- ✓small clinical reports of improved cardiac function markers in elderly patients
- ✓animal ischemia models show cardioprotective signal
Research evidence
Key studies on Cortagen, summarized in plain language. This is not an exhaustive list — it highlights the most relevant findings.
Cardioprotective effects of AEDP tetrapeptide in oxidative stress models
Finding: AEDP peptide reduced markers of apoptosis in cardiomyocyte cell cultures exposed to oxidative stress, dose-dependent protective effect.
Limitation: In vitro study from the originating research group, not replicated independently.
Best for
What to expect
Realistic timeline based on available research. Individual results vary.
Course-based
Khavinson protocols typically use 10-day injection courses 2–3× per year. No independent pharmacokinetic data available.
Safety notes & concerns
Full safety guide →- ⚠all evidence from a single Russian research group with no independent replication
- ⚠clinical trial methodology not published in peer-reviewed Western journals
- ⚠AEDP sequence not established as a recognized pharmacological agent outside Khavinson research
- ⚠commercial products have no standardized dosing backed by pharmacokinetic studies
- ⚠not approved anywhere as a cardiovascular drug
Pairs well with
Use caution with
Frequently asked questions
Should someone with heart disease use Cortagen?
No — not without consulting a cardiologist first. Cortagen lacks any approved indication or rigorous evidence basis. Anyone with heart disease should be under the care of a physician using evidence-based treatments. The Khavinson bioregulator research is intriguing but insufficient to recommend Cortagen as a cardiovascular therapy.
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Last updated: 2026-06-10
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this site is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, peptide, or treatment protocol.