Side-by-side · Research reference
CortagenvsTesofensine
Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.
AAnimal-MechanisticHUMAN-REVIEWED11/35 cited
BPhase 3AUTO-DRAFTED10/40 cited
Cortagen
Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson-School
Injectable · Animal models
Tesofensine
SNDRI · Phase 3 obesity candidate
Oral · Once daily morning
01Mechanism of Action
Parameter
Cortagen
Tesofensine
Primary target
Cerebral cortex tissue — molecular targets under investigation
Serotonin / norepinephrine / dopamine transporters (SERT / NET / DAT)Astrup 2008
Pathway
Antioxidant pathway modulation — suppression of LPO cascade, reduction of protein oxidative modificationKozina 2007
Triple monoamine reuptake inhibition → ↑synaptic 5-HT, NE, DA → appetite suppression + thermogenesisAstrup 2008
Downstream effect
Decreased lipid peroxidation products, reduced oxidative protein damage, altered gene expression in cardiac tissueKozina 2007Anisimov 2004
Strong appetite suppression, mild thermogenic effect, weight lossAstrup 2008
Feedback intact?
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Origin
Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from amino acid analysis of natural brain cortex peptide preparation CortexinAnisimov 2004
Small molecule developed by NeuroSearch (Denmark) for CNS indications, repurposed for obesityAstrup 2008
Antibody development
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—
02Dosage Protocols
Parameter
Cortagen
Tesofensine
Animal model dose (rat)
Injection protocol (dose not specified in abstracts)
Multiple injections over study period.
—
Avian model dose (chicken)
40-day injection courseKuznik 2008
Compared to epithalon in hypophysectomized and aged birds.
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Human peripheral nerve study
Therapeutic course (protocol details not provided)
Posttraumatic recovery context — reference cited but not detailed.
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Route
Injectable (inferred from animal protocols)
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Frequency
—
Once daily, morning
Lower / starter dose
—
0.125 mg / day
Duration
—
24 weeks per studied cycle
Form
—
Oral capsule
Timing
—
Morning to avoid sleep disruption
Half-life
—
~9 days (very long)
04Side Effects & Safety
Parameter
Cortagen
Tesofensine
Antioxidant suppression
Suppression of antioxidant activity noted alongside LPO reductionKozina 2007
Mechanism unclear — possible homeostatic adaptation.
—
Immune/hemostasis effects
No effect on immunity or hemostasis parameters in avian hypophysectomy model (unlike epithalon)Kuznik 2008
Epithalon reversed deficits; cortagen did not.
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Human safety data
No adverse events reported in peripheral nerve recovery context
Limited detail in available abstracts.
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Insomnia
—
Dose-related; mitigate with morning timing
Dry mouth
—
Common
Nausea
—
Common
Mood changes
—
Anxiety / agitation possible
Cardiovascular events
—
Phase 3 trial monitoring; not yet FDA-cleared
Pregnancy / OB
—
Contraindicated
Absolute Contraindications
Cortagen
—Tesofensine
- ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
- ·Severe cardiovascular disease
- ·Concurrent MAOI use
Relative Contraindications
Cortagen
—Tesofensine
- ·Hypertension
- ·Anxiety disorder
- ·Insomnia
05Administration Protocol
Parameter
Cortagen
Tesofensine
1. Preparation
Reconstitute lyophilised peptide with bacteriostatic water per supplier protocol. Exact volumes depend on concentration supplied.
Oral capsule (investigational; not commercial).
2. Injection site
Subcutaneous injection typical for bioregulatory peptides — abdomen or thigh. Rotate sites.
Swallow whole with water, morning only.
3. Timing
Animal protocols used repeated dosing over weeks. Human timing not established — evening administration common in Khavinson tradition.
Morning to mitigate insomnia. Do not dose evening.
4. Storage
Lyophilised: refrigerate or freeze per supplier. Reconstituted: refrigerate 2–8 °C, use within guideline window.
Room temp ≤25 °C, dry place.
5. Caveat
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Monitor BP + HR + mood. Avoid stimulants + MAOIs.