Pancragen
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Synthetic tetrapeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) bioregulator proposed to support pancreatic function, insulin secretion, and glucose metabolism via tissue-specific gene expression regulation.
Methodological Note: >95% of published research on this peptide originates from the Khavinson bioregulation group (Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, St. Petersburg). Independent replication by Western laboratories is lacking. All evidence should be interpreted with this single-group limitation in mind.
Quick Facts
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | KEDW tetrapeptide, Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp |
| Category | Metabolic / Khavinson Bioregulator |
| Sequence | Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp (KEDW, 4 amino acids) |
| Molecular Weight | ~548 Da |
| Molecular Formula | C24H33N5O9 |
| PubChem CID | N/A — research peptide |
| Administration | SubQ |
| Typical Dose Range | 10-20 mcg/day (from Khavinson protocols) |
| Half-Life | Very short (minutes; typical of tetrapeptides) |
| Storage | Lyophilized: -20C long-term; 2-8C short-term. Reconstituted: 2-8C for 2-4 weeks |
| FDA Status | NOT FDA-approved. Approved in Russia as bioregulator; no Western regulatory approval |
| WADA Status | Prohibited under S0 (non-approved substances) |
Mechanism of Action
Pancragen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by the Khavinson group, derived from the amino acid analysis of pancreatic tissue extracts. It is proposed to regulate gene expression specifically in pancreatic tissue through direct peptide-DNA interaction and chromatin remodeling.
In vitro studies demonstrated that Pancragen stimulated the expression of differentiation factors in both acinar cells and islets of Langerhans cells in "young" and "aged" pancreatic cell cultures, with the most pronounced effects observed in aged cultures (PMID: 23486591). This is consistent with the Khavinson theory that bioregulator peptides restore age-related functional decline.
In an animal model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, Pancragen reduced blood glucose levels, decreased pathological capillary permeability, and improved adhesion parameters (PMID: 18642713). These results suggest potential glucose-lowering and vascular-protective effects, though the streptozotocin model primarily represents type 1 diabetes.
In studies on old female rhesus monkeys, Pancragen corrected impaired glucose tolerance, normalized insulin and C-peptide levels, suggesting a recovering effect on disturbed glucose tolerance (PMID: 28509500). This primate study represents the highest-quality preclinical evidence available for any Khavinson bioregulator.
Key Research Areas
- Pancreatic cell differentiation — Restoration of age-related decline in pancreatic cell function markers
- Glucose metabolism — Blood glucose reduction in diabetic animal models
- Glucose tolerance — Correction of impaired glucose tolerance in aged primates
- Vascular protection — Reduced diabetic capillary permeability in animal models
Evidence Level Summary
| Evidence Type | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Human RCTs | 0 | No randomized controlled trials |
| Human observational | 0 | No human clinical studies |
| Animal in vivo | 2 | Rat diabetes model; rhesus monkey glucose tolerance |
| In vitro | 2 | Pancreatic cell differentiation; THP-1 cell study |
| Systematic reviews | 1 | Khavinson self-review of peptide gene regulation (2021) |
Clinical Applications
- Type 2 Diabetes — Proposed glucose regulation support (animal evidence only)
- Metabolic Syndrome — Proposed pancreatic function restoration (animal evidence only)
Protocols Using This Peptide
- No established clinical protocols. Used in Khavinson bioregulation research protocols only.
Ageless Peps Products
- APWS-Pancragen-Vial — Pancragen Vial, wholesale only
Dosing Reference
Research Dosing Ranges (from literature)
| Route | Dose Range | Frequency | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SubQ | 10-20 mcg | Daily | 10-20 days | Khavinson protocols |
Cycling
Khavinson protocols typically recommend 10-20 day treatment courses with 1-3 month intervals. No independent validation exists.
Contraindications & Safety
- Contraindications: Unknown — no systematic safety studies. Caution in patients on hypoglycemic medications (theoretical risk of additive glucose-lowering)
- Common side effects: Unknown — no human clinical data
- Drug interactions: Theoretical interaction with insulin and oral hypoglycemics (unconfirmed)
- Pregnancy/nursing: Contraindicated (no safety data)
- Special populations: No data available
Synergistic Combinations
Per Khavinson protocols (unvalidated):
Related Research
| PMID | Title | Year | Study Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18642713 | Pancragen Effects on Blood Glucose in Experimental Diabetes | 2008 | Animal in vivo |
| 23486591 | Pancragen Effects on Pancreatic Cell Differentiation During Aging | 2013 | In vitro |
| 34834147 | Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review | 2021 | Systematic Review |
| 35408963 | Peptides Regulating Proliferative Activity in THP-1 Cell Line | 2022 | In vitro |
References
- PMID 18642713 — Diabetes model blood glucose/capillary permeability
- PMID 23486591 — Pancreatic cell differentiation in aged cultures
- PMID 28509500 — Rhesus monkey glucose tolerance correction
- PMID 34834147 — Systematic review of peptide gene regulation
Related
#peptide #metabolic #khavinson-bioregulator #subq