PinnyPeptide

Cortagen vs Epithalon

Side-by-side comparison: effects, dosing ranges, side effects, regulatory status, and reconstitution.

Peptide A

Cortagen

Bioregulators

Khavinson short peptide bioregulator targeting cortical neurons and CNS gene expression.

Peptide B

Epithalon

Longevity

Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide that activates telomerase and modulates melatonin production.

Typical vial

20 mg

Typical dose

1,000-5,000 mcg

Half-life

Short (minutes); biological effect persists via gene-expression modulation

FDA status

Not FDA approved.

Typical vial

10 mg

Typical dose

5000-10000 mcg

Half-life

~30 minutes (short half-life but biological effects persist due to gene expression changes)

FDA status

Not FDA approved for human use. No clinical trials submitted…

Cortagen effects

  • Reported support of cortical neuron function and gene expression
  • Improvements in memory and attention (Russian observational)
  • Neuroprotection in cerebral ischemia models
  • Possible support for post-stroke and post-concussive recovery
  • Modulation of neuroplasticity-related gene expression

Epithalon effects

  • Activates telomerase enzyme to elongate telomeres
  • Restores melatonin production in the pineal gland
  • Regulates neuroendocrine function and circadian rhythms
  • Reduces incidence of spontaneous tumors in animal models
  • Modulates gene expression patterns associated with aging

Cortagen side effects

  • Generally well-tolerated in Russian clinical use
  • Mild injection-site reactions
  • Limited Western safety validation
  • Possible mild sleep disturbance with late-day dosing

Epithalon side effects

  • Mild injection site irritation
  • Occasional drowsiness (related to melatonin effects)
  • Rare mild headache
  • Transient changes in sleep patterns

Cortagen dosing ranges

Cognitive support

1-5 mg · Once daily morning (SubQ) or intranasal · 10-20 day cycles, repeated 2-3 times per year

Epithalon dosing ranges

Anti-aging and telomere support

5-10 mg · Once daily (SubQ) · 10-20 days, repeated 1-2 times per year

Full Cortagen guide → Full Epithalon guide →

Cortagen vs Epithalon — common questions

What is the difference between Cortagen and Epithalon?

Cortagen: Khavinson short peptide bioregulator targeting cortical neurons and CNS gene expression. Typical dose 1,000-5,000 mcg. Epithalon: Synthetic pineal tetrapeptide that activates telomerase and modulates melatonin production. Typical dose 5000-10000 mcg. Both fall under the Bioregulators and Longevity categories.

Can you stack Cortagen and Epithalon?

Stacking Cortagen with Epithalon is a protocol-design question best raised with a clinician — it depends on your goal, current bloodwork, and whether both peptides target overlapping mechanisms. Both peptides should be tracked independently with separate injection sites and timing. PinnyPeptide supports multi-peptide stacks with automatic injection site rotation.

Which is dosed more frequently, Cortagen or Epithalon?

Cortagen is typically dosed: Once daily morning (SubQ) or intranasal for Cognitive support. Epithalon is typically dosed: Once daily (SubQ) for Anti-aging and telomere support.

Are Cortagen and Epithalon FDA approved?

Cortagen: Not FDA approved. Epithalon: Not FDA approved for human use. No clinical trials submitted to the FDA.

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