Peptide Comparison
FOXO4-DRIvsLivagen
A senolytic peptide that clears aged "zombie" cells to support healthy aging — run in short, cycled courses a few times a year.
Tetrapeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) that directly penetrates cell nuclei and binds double-stranded DNA to induce chromatin decondensation in senescent lymphocytes, activate ribosomal genes, inhibit enkephalin-degrading enzymes with an IC50 of 20 μM, and restore protein synthesis capacity in aging cells through selective epigenetic remodeling
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
FOXO4-DRI
1–5 mg
Livagen
2–10 mg
Frequency
FOXO4-DRI
Cycled — short courses 2–4 times per year, not daily year-round
Livagen
Once daily
Administration
FOXO4-DRI
Subcutaneous injection
Livagen
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
FOXO4-DRI
Short "hit-and-run" cycles: either 3 doses over about a week, or a 2-week 5-on/2-off course, repeated every 4–6 months
Livagen
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
FOXO4-DRI
Works in bursts — senescent-cell clearance starts within days, and benefits build over the following weeks
Livagen
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence Level
FOXO4-DRI
Preclinical only — animal and cell-culture studies; no human trials
Livagen
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Senescent cell clearance
Tissue rejuvenation (animal)
Selectivity for old cells
Healthy-aging support
Cell Renewal
Liver Support
DNA Protection
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
FOXO4-DRI
Molecular Formula
C228H388N86O64
Molecular Weight
5358 g/mol
Half-Life
Not formally established in humans; the D-retro-inverso design resists enzyme breakdown, giving longer stability than ordinary L-peptides
Bioavailability
Not established; animal studies used intraperitoneal injection. Oral bioavailability is not established
CAS Number
2460055-10-9
Livagen
Molecular Formula
C18H31N5O9
Molecular Weight
461.5 g/mol
Half-Life
Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides; biological effects persist for weeks through epigenetic chromatin remodeling modifications; metabolized to constituent amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine)
Bioavailability
Resistant to intestinal proteolysis when administered orally (weakly hydrolyzed by intestinal peptidases); efficient absorption from intramuscular injection sites; penetrates cytoplasmic and nuclear membranes to reach cell nuclei and nucleoli
CAS Number
Not assigned (research compound)
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
FOXO4-DRI
Livagen
Applications
Best
suited for
FOXO4-DRI
Senescent ("zombie") cell research
FOXO4-DRI is one of the best-studied tools for selectively clearing senescent cells in the lab. In aged mice and in human cells grown in a dish, it removed these worn-out cells while leaving healthy ones largely alone [1][2].
Healthy-aging and tissue-function research
In its first study, aged mice regained fur density, kidney function, and physical fitness after treatment [1]. Later work showed renewed blood-vessel cell function and less artery stiffness in animals [3]. This makes it a key research compound for understanding how clearing old cells affects whole-body aging.
Mechanism and drug-design research
Because scientists have mapped exactly where it binds p53 [5], FOXO4-DRI is valuable for studying the FOXO4–p53 survival pathway and for designing future senolytic drugs.
Livagen
Comprehensive geroprotective therapy targeting epigenetic chromatin remodeling in aging cells
Livagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on comprehensive geroprotective therapy targeting epigenetic chromatin remodeling in aging cells. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Supporting liver function and hepatoprotection in the context of aging
Livagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on supporting liver function and hepatoprotection in the context of aging. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Restoring protein synthesis and ribosomal function in elderly individuals
Livagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on restoring protein synthesis and ribosomal function in elderly individuals. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Khavinson bioregulator protocols for anti-aging and longevity
Livagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on khavinson bioregulator protocols for anti-aging and longevity. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
FOXO4-DRI
Common
- Temporary tiredness during a cycle
Uncommon
- Injection-site reactions
Serious
- Cancer-pathway caution and allergic reactions
Livagen
Common
- Injection site reaction
- Mild fatigue
- Mild headache
- Digestive enzyme changes
Uncommon
- Transient flu-like symptoms
Serious
- No documented serious adverse effects
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
FOXO4-DRI
Evidence Level
Preclinical only — animal and cell-culture studies; no human trials
FDA Status
Research compound (not approved for human use)
Safety Overview
FOXO4-DRI is generally run in short, spaced-out cycles, which keeps exposure low. The most common experiences are mild and short-lived: some tiredness or a flu-like feeling for a day or two during a cycle as your body clears dead cells, plus the usual minor injection-site soreness. The one real precaution worth taking seriously: because it activates p53, the protein that guards against cancer, anyone with active or recent cancer should only use it under an oncologist's care. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under 18, skip it.
Contraindications
- xNo established human safety profile — any human use is experimental
- xActive or recent cancer (the p53 pathway it acts on is not characterized for this use in humans)
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding
- xChildren and adolescents
Livagen
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Livagen (a liver-derived peptide extract) carries a safety profile established through decades of use in Eastern European hepatology and gastroenterology clinics. As an organ-derived extract rather than a synthetic single peptide, it contains multiple bioactive components promoting hepatocyte regeneration and cytoprotection. Adverse events are minimal in reported clinical experience—mild gastrointestinal upset occurring in <5% of patients. The compound shows no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or immunosensitization in available safety surveillance data from thousands of patients.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to peptide bioregulators or constituent amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine)
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data
- xActive autoimmune conditions in flare without physician supervision
- xConcurrent use of opioid medications — Livagen's enkephalinase inhibition may alter opioid metabolism
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose FOXO4-DRI if...
- Senescent cell clearance research
- Healthy-aging and longevity research
- Laboratory and preclinical study
Choose Livagen if...
- Comprehensive geroprotective therapy targeting epigenetic chromatin remodeling in aging cells
- Supporting liver function and hepatoprotection in the context of aging
- Restoring protein synthesis and ribosomal function in elderly individuals
- Khavinson bioregulator protocols for anti-aging and longevity