Cortexin
Bovine cortex polypeptide extract, Russian Rx, neurological indications.
WHAT IS CORTEXIN?
Detailed overview
Cortexin (Geropharm, Russia) is a low-molecular-weight (<10 kDa) polypeptide fraction isolated from bovine and porcine brain cortex (~20 distinct peptide components). A prescription i.m. injection in Russia since 1999, with clinical indications: ischemic stroke + post-stroke rehabilitation, chronic cerebral ischemia, paediatric cerebral palsy + developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, chronic encephalopathy. **Compared to Cerebrolysin, smaller peptide size (<10 kDa vs Cerebrolysin <10 kDa, but Cortexin uses uniform fragments)** → faster BBB passage but shorter duration. Typical protocol: 10 mg i.m. daily for 10 days. Clinical evidence is mainly from Russian-language publications (Skvortsova, Gusev groups); poorly represented in Western peer-review literature, hence not registered in Western Europe or the USA.
Mechanism
Neurotrophic polypeptide extract
Route
i.m. injection
Legal status
Russia + CIS Rx
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Hypersensitivity / allergic reactions (animal-derived peptide extract, the main documented adverse effect)
- Psychostimulant effect: restlessness, agitation, insomnia (hence dosing in the first half of the day)
- Headache
- Injection-site reactions: pain, redness at the i.m. site
- Autonomic symptoms: blood-pressure rise, palpitations (anecdotally reported)
Contraindications · 5
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (contraindicated due to lack of safety data)
- Known hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation
- Animal (bovine/porcine brain tissue) origin: theoretical prion / transmissible-agent concern, biological-origin caution
- States with marked agitation or anxiety: the stimulating effect may worsen symptoms
- Not registered in the West, only Russian/CIS manufacturer labeling: limited independent safety data, not recommended without medical supervision
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Same therapeutic category
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The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.