Cortexin vs PEG-MGF

A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.

Cortexin

Cortexin is a polypeptide complex derived from pig brain cortex, used clinically in Russia and Eastern Europe for neurological conditions including stroke recovery, traumatic brain injury, and cognitive decline.

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PEG-MGF

PEG-MGF (PEGylated Mechano Growth Factor) is a variant of IGF-1 that is produced in response to muscle damage. PEGylation extends its half-life from minutes to several hours, making it practical for use.

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Aspect	Cortexin	PEG-MGF
Dose Range	10 mg–20 mg	400 mcg–1.2 mg
Frequency	1x daily	Less than daily
Cycle Length	1–2 weeks	4–6 weeks
Route	intramuscular	subcutaneous
Mechanism	Contains a mixture of neuropeptides and amino acids that support neuronal metabolism, provide neuroprotection, and enhance synaptic transmission. Specific mechanisms not fully characterized.	Activates muscle satellite cells (stem cells) and promotes their fusion to existing muscle fibers for repair and growth. MGF is produced naturally in response to mechanical stress on muscles.
Typical Dosage	Clinical protocols: 10mg intramuscularly once daily for 10-20 days. May be repeated after 3-6 month interval.	Research protocols typically use 200-400mcg injected into targeted muscle groups 2-3 times weekly, usually post-workout.
Administration	Intramuscular injection. Comes as lyophilized powder requiring reconstitution. Treatment given in courses rather than continuously.	Intramuscular injection, ideally into muscles trained that day. Best administered post-workout when satellite cell activation is relevant.
Side Effects	Generally well-tolerated. May cause injection site reactions or mild allergic responses in sensitive individuals.	Injection site soreness, potential hypoglycemia, and localized swelling. Generally well-tolerated.
Best For	Recovery & Healing Cognitive Performance	Muscle Growth Recovery & Healing