Peptide Profile
Crystagen
Immunogeroprotective tripeptide bioregulator (Glu-Asp-Pro) that optimally stimulates thymic epithelial cell proliferation at 200 ng/mL, suppresses thymocyte apoptosis through p53 downregulation and Ki-67 upregulation, and contributed to a 4.1-fold mortality reduction in a 266-person 6-8 year clinical study when combined with complementary pineal peptides
Dose Range
1-100mcg/kg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C14H21N3O8
Molecular Formula
359.3 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Short plasma half-life typical of tripeptides (minutes); biological effects persist for weeks to months through gene expression modifications and thymic microenvironment restoration; metabolized to constituent amino acids
Half-Life
Absorbed via intestinal peptide transporters (PepT1/POT and LAT carrier families) when administered orally; rapid absorption from subcutaneous injection sites; efficient cellular uptake due to ultra-short tripeptide structure
Bioavailability
Not assigned (patented as immunogeroprotective peptide, US8057810B2)
CAS #
Not separately catalogued
PubChem Status
Developed By · 1990s-2000s (part of Khavinson's systematic peptide bioregulator research program)
Skinvisible Inc.
Skinvisible Inc.
Primary Benefits
Amino Acid Sequence
YGGFL-GYPSSK-GGGGLGGGGLDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
0.01-1 mcg/kg subcutaneously once daily
Conservative protocol based on patent-specified dosing range (0.01-100 μg/kg). Ultra-low doses are effective because Crystagen operates through signal transduction rather than mass-dependent pharmacology. Reconstitute in bacteriostatic water. Administer subcutaneously. Effects are gradual — thymic epithelial rejuvenation and T-cell maturation build over the treatment course.
Standard Dose
5-50 mcg/kg subcutaneously once daily
Standard Khavinson protocol. Can be administered as 5-10 consecutive daily injections per course, or as 5 consecutive days monthly for sustained maintenance. The therapeutic window is extremely wide — therapeutic index exceeds 1000x. Repeat courses every 3-6 months. Can be combined with Epithalon for the synergistic thymic-pineal combination that produced 4.1-fold mortality reduction in clinical study.
Advanced Dose
50-100 mcg/kg subcutaneously once daily
Extended protocol for significant immune compromise. Animal longevity studies used 5 days/week for 12+ months with remarkable safety and efficacy. Often combined with Epithalon for comprehensive thymic-pineal anti-aging support. Medical supervision recommended for advanced protocols. The landmark clinical study used annual peptide courses over 6-8 years.
Timing
Best time to take
Administer Crystagen at the same time each day (or on the same day each week for weekly injections). Many users prefer morning or evening administration. Pick a time you'll remember consistently.
With food?
Crystagen injections can be given regardless of meal timing. However, if GI effects occur, administering on an empty stomach or with a light meal may help reduce discomfort.
If stacking
Crystagen should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've tolerated the current dose for the recommended period without significant side effects
- +Therapeutic goals haven't been met at the current dose level
- +Your healthcare provider recommends dose escalation based on your response
- +Lab work or clinical assessments support a higher dose
Decrease if
- -Side effects are bothersome or impacting daily life despite management strategies
- -You experience any signs of an adverse reaction
- -Lab results indicate the need for dose reduction
- -Your healthcare provider recommends a lower dose based on your response
Signs of right dose
- ✓Therapeutic goals being met with minimal side effects
- ✓Stable and consistent response to treatment
- ✓Lab values or clinical markers trending in the right direction
- ✓Good tolerance with manageable or absent side effects
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Step 1: Peptide Weight
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Restoring thymic function and immune competence in aging individuals with immune senescence
Crystagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on restoring thymic function and immune competence in aging individuals with immune senescence. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Comprehensive Khavinson bioregulator protocols for immune and anti-aging support
Crystagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on comprehensive khavinson bioregulator protocols for immune and anti-aging support. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Supporting immune function during and after illness recovery
Crystagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on supporting immune function during and after illness recovery. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Geroprotective immunomodulation to extend healthspan and reduce age-related disease incidence
Crystagen is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on geroprotective immunomodulation to extend healthspan and reduce age-related disease incidence. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to peptide bioregulators or constituent amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline)
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data
- ×Active autoimmune disease in flare without physician supervision
- ×Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppression — potential interference with immunosuppressive regimens
Use with caution if
- !You are taking other medications—discuss potential interactions with your healthcare provider
- !You have a history of liver or kidney disease
- !You are elderly or have multiple medical conditions
- !You are planning surgery in the near future—inform your surgeon about Crystagen use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Crystagen vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
- •Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Crystagen is a crystalline protein extract (likely containing collagen-derived peptides) from animal tissues that is not FDA-approved and has essentially no published safety data in medical literature. As an undefined and poorly characterized biological mixture, batch consistency, sterility, and identity cannot be verified. Potential risks include allergic reactions to animal proteins, contamination from source tissues, and unknown immunological effects. No formal safety assessments, animal studies, toxicology screening, or human clinical trials exist. The product appears to exist primarily in Russian medical markets, and little information about its actual composition or manufacturing is publicly available.
Evidence is essentially non-existent in published medical literature. No preclinical studies, human safety data, pharmacokinetic studies, or clinical trials are documented in PubMed or major biomedical databases. Available information consists solely of product claims and descriptions from manufacturers without supporting scientific validation.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reaction
Mild redness, slight soreness, or minor swelling at the subcutaneous injection site. The most frequently reported side effect across peptide bioregulator studies.
Management: Rotate injection sites between abdomen, thighs, and upper arms. Apply cold compress if needed. Resolves within 24-48 hours.
Mild fatigue
Transient fatigue during initial treatment days as thymic function enhancement and immune gene programs activate and recalibrate.
Management: Rest as needed. Usually resolves within 2-3 days. Ensure adequate sleep and hydration.
Mild headache
Occasional headache during the first few days, potentially related to immune activation and cytokine level adjustments.
Management: Ensure adequate hydration. Standard analgesics if needed. Self-limiting.
Minor digestive changes
Mild gastrointestinal adjustments related to immune-gut axis modulation as systemic immune function recalibrates.
Management: Generally benign and self-resolving. Eat regular meals.
Less Common
- •Flu-like symptoms
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Crystagen
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Crystagen should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
- ✓May be used together under medical guidance.
With medications
- !Immunosuppressive medications (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, mycophenolate) without medical supervision — immunostimulatory effects may counteract immunosuppression - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !High-dose corticosteroids — may interfere with Crystagen's T-cell activation mechanisms - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Other potent immunostimulants at high doses without monitoring — risk of immune overactivation - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Crystagen. Space doses apart if taking oral formulations to ensure optimal absorption.
- ✓Electrolyte supplements - Helpful if experiencing any GI side effects that could lead to dehydration. Safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Days 1-10 (during treatment course)
What you might notice
- •Minimal perceptible changes — immune mechanisms work through gene regulation at the cellular level
- •Mild injection site reactions that resolve quickly
- •Possible mild fatigue as thymic function enhancement begins
- •Thymic epithelial cells are being stimulated and thymocyte apoptosis is being suppressed
What's normal
- •Crystagen works through signal transduction at ultra-low concentrations
- •Thymic epithelial cell rejuvenation takes time to translate into functional T-cell improvements
- •p53 downregulation and Ki-67 upregulation are occurring at the molecular level
- •Effects are building even if not yet noticeable
What's next
- →Complete the full treatment course for maximum thymic restoration
- →Immune improvements will continue developing for weeks after the course ends
- →Plan to combine with Epithalon in subsequent courses for synergistic anti-aging effects
Week 2-8 (during and after treatment)
What you might notice
- •Improved immune resilience — potentially fewer or shorter infections
- •Enhanced recovery from illness or physical stress
- •Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue as immune function normalizes
- •Gradual improvements in overall health parameters
What's normal
- •T-cell maturation is enhanced from thymic epithelial cell rejuvenation
- •Cytokine production and neutrophil function are improving
- •These molecular improvements translate gradually into functional immune benefits
- •The 266-person study showed benefits including reduced respiratory infections
What's next
- →Benefits continue developing for weeks to months after the treatment course
- →Repeat courses every 3-6 months for sustained immune restoration
- →The clinical study showed cumulative benefits over years of periodic treatment
Month 2-12+ (long-term maintenance)
What you might notice
- •Sustained immune improvements and reduced disease incidence
- •In the clinical study: 2.0-2.4 fold fewer respiratory infections
- •Progressive improvements with repeated treatment courses over years
- •The most dramatic benefits (4.1-fold mortality reduction) accumulated over 6+ years of annual courses
What's normal
- •Khavinson protocols are designed for long-term cyclical use
- •Each course reinforces thymic restoration from previous treatments
- •The animal longevity studies showed 12-13% lifespan extension with ongoing treatment
- •Benefits compound over time — the 266-person study showed increasing benefit over 6-8 years
What's next
- →Continue periodic Crystagen courses as part of long-term geroprotective maintenance
- →The thymic + pineal peptide combination showed the greatest benefits in clinical study
- →Comprehensive programs may rotate Crystagen with Vilon, Epithalon, and other bioregulators
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Crystagen over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life"
Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG, 2003
Finding: Thymic and pineal peptides (Thymalin and Epithalamin) reduced mortality in elderly patients by 2-4 fold over 6-8 years while improving cardiovascular, immune, and metabolic function.
View Study"Effect of synthetic thymic and pineal peptides on biomarkers of ageing, survival and spontaneous tumour incidence in female CBA mice"
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Mikhalski AI, 2001
Finding: Research (2001) on crystagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Immunomodulatory synthetic dipeptide L-Glu-L-Trp slows down aging and inhibits spontaneous carcinogenesis in rats"
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Morozov VG, 2000
Finding: Research (2000) on crystagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Results and Prospects of Using Activator of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation in Complex Therapy for Patients with COVID-19"
Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Trofimova SV, 2021
Finding: Clinical evidence (2021) supports the therapeutic use of crystagen in medical treatment protocols.
View Study"Peptidergic regulation of thymocyte differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis during aging of the thymus"
Lin'kova NS, Polyakova VO, Trofimov AV, 2011
Finding: Research (2011) on crystagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions