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Cortexin

✓ Approved (Russia) / Preclinical (US)
Cortexin (Porcine Cerebral Cortex Polypeptide Complex)
Also known as: Cortexin-10, cerebral polypeptides, porcine cortex extract
Brand names: Cortexin (Russia/CIS), Cortexin-10
Page last reviewed

Quick Summary

Cortexin is a polypeptide complex extracted from the cerebral cortex of pigs (porcine origin) that contains a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides, amino acids, and protein fractions. It is an approved drug in Russia, used clinically for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and age-related cognitive decline.

Cognitive & Neurological Approved (Russia/CIS)
Cortexin is a polypeptide complex extracted from the cerebral cortex of pigs (porcine origin) that contains a mixture of low-molecular-weight neuropeptides, amino acids, and protein fractions. It is an approved drug in Russia, used clinically for stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, and age-related cognitive decline. The 10-day intramuscular injection cycle is its characteristic treatment pattern. Its mechanism is attributed to neuroprotective, neuroplasticity-enhancing, and anti-excitotoxic properties of its peptide components.
Storage Stability
Lyophilized
1–2 years (-20°C)
Reconstituted
~30 days (2–8°C)
Room temp
Avoid

Mechanism of Action

Cortexin's activity is attributed to its complex peptide mixture acting through multiple neurological pathways.

Neurotrophic Factor Stimulation

Cortexin administration increases expression of endogenous BDNF, NGF, and GDNF, neurotrophic factors supporting neuronal survival, axonal growth, and synaptic plasticity.

Anti-Excitotoxicity

Components of cortexin reduce glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity by modulating NMDA receptor activity. This is relevant to stroke and TBI scenarios where glutamate overstimulation causes secondary neuronal death.

Anti-Oxidant Neuroprotection

Cortexin increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity in brain tissue, reducing oxidative damage. It also reduces lipid peroxidation markers in ischemic brain regions.

Research Summary

Stroke Recovery

Multiple Russian RCTs show Cortexin 10 mg IM daily for 10 days improves neurological deficits and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke when administered within 6 hours. Effect sizes are modest but consistent across studies.

Cognitive Decline

In elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment, 10-day Cortexin cycles repeated quarterly show improvements on MMSE scores relative to controls in 6-month trials.

Epilepsy

Cortexin as adjunct to standard antiepileptics reduces seizure frequency in pediatric studies (Russian literature).

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Research Protocols

Standard Cycle

10 mg IM once daily for 10 consecutive days. May repeat cycle after 3–6 months depending on indication.

Reconstitution

Reconstitute with 1–2 mL of 0.9% saline or sterile water. Administer within 20 minutes of reconstitution.

Administration Site

IM injection, alternating gluteus or deltoid.

Storage & Handling

Store lyophilized" class="wiki-gloss-link">lyophilized vials at 2–8°C. Do not freeze. Reconstitute immediately before use and administer within 20 minutes. Do not store reconstituted solution.


References

  • [1]Skvortsova VI, et al. "Cortexin in acute ischemic stroke: RCT results." Zhurnal Nevrologii i Psikhiatrii, 2006.
  • [2]Gusev EI, et al. "Neuroprotective effects of cortexin." Neurosci Behav Physiol, 2010.
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Data Sources & External References
Source: peer-reviewed literature  ·  Domain: ascendpeptide.org
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