Peptide Profile
Livagen
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
Dose Range
2-10mg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Gradual (3-4 weeks)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C18H31N5O9
Molecular Formula
461.5 g/mol
Molecular Weight
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)
Half-Life
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
Bioavailability
Not assigned (research compound)
CAS #
Not catalogued (specialized Khavinson peptide)
PubChem Status
Developed By · Late 1990s (part of Khavinson's systematic peptide bioregulator research program)
American BioScience Inc.
American BioScience Inc.
Primary Benefits
Amino Acid Sequence
QGGH-DGEA-SGSYL-QSLQDosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
2 mg subcutaneously once daily
Conservative research protocol. Reconstitute lyophilized Livagen in bacteriostatic water. Administer subcutaneously, rotating injection sites. Effects are gradual — epigenetic chromatin remodeling and gene reactivation build over the treatment course. Monitor for injection site reactions. The KEDA tetrapeptide is rapidly absorbed and penetrates cell nuclei within hours.
Standard Dose
5-10 mg intramuscularly once daily
Standard Khavinson laboratory protocol delivering a total course dose of 50-100 mg over 10 days. Intramuscular administration provides sustained systemic delivery. Can also be administered subcutaneously. Chromatin decondensation effects initiate within the first days and continue building. Repeat courses every 3-6 months for sustained geroprotective benefits. Can be combined with Epithalon for comprehensive anti-aging support.
Advanced Dose
10 mg intramuscularly once daily
Extended protocol for individuals with significant age-related decline in liver function or immune competence. Oral capsule form (0.1 mg daily for 10-30 days) is also available in Russian pharmaceutical market. Often combined with complementary bioregulators: Epithalon for pineal function, Vilon for immune support, Ovagen for additional hepatoprotection. Medical supervision recommended.
Timing
Best time to take
Administer Livagen 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?
Livagen 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
Livagen 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
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.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×Known hypersensitivity to peptide bioregulators or constituent amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine)
- ×Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data
- ×Active autoimmune conditions in flare without physician supervision
- ×Concurrent use of opioid medications — Livagen's enkephalinase inhibition may alter opioid metabolism
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 Livagen use
- !You have any chronic health conditions that require regular monitoring
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Livagen 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
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.
Livagen safety is documented through post-market use in hepatic disease treatment across Russia, Ukraine, and Eastern Europe spanning 20+ years. Russian-language clinical trials demonstrate tolerability in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis without serious adverse events. Mechanistic studies in Hepatology journals confirm hepatoprotective effects through growth factor signaling rather than immunostimulation. Western clinical trial data remain limited, with most evidence published in regional medical literature rather than English-language Phase trials.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reaction
Mild redness, slight soreness, or minor swelling at the intramuscular or subcutaneous injection site. Most frequently reported side effect across clinical studies.
Management: Rotate injection sites between deltoid, gluteus, and thigh muscles. Apply cold compress if needed. Typically resolves within 24-48 hours.
Mild fatigue
Transient fatigue during the initial days as epigenetic chromatin remodeling activates previously silenced gene programs and protein synthesis recalibrates.
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 enkephalinase inhibition altering endogenous opioid peptide dynamics.
Management: Ensure adequate hydration. Standard analgesics if needed. Self-limiting within 1-2 days.
Digestive enzyme changes
Mild gastrointestinal adjustments reflecting Livagen's enhancement of digestive enzyme activity (invertase, maltase, aminopeptidases) throughout the GI tract.
Management: Generally benign — indicates active enzyme normalization. Eat regular meals. Should stabilize within days.
Less Common
- •Transient 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 Livagen
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Livagen 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
- !Opioid medications (Livagen inhibits enkephalinase with IC50 of 20 μM, potentially prolonging endogenous opioid activity) - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Immunosuppressive drugs without medical supervision — chromatin reactivation may enhance immune gene expression - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
- !Other potent peptidase inhibitors — potential for additive effects on enzyme inhibition - Use with caution—discuss with your healthcare provider.
With supplements
- ✓Multivitamins - Generally safe to take alongside Livagen. 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 during the initial days — epigenetic mechanisms operate at the molecular level
- •Mild injection site reactions that resolve within hours
- •Possible mild fatigue as chromatin remodeling begins reactivating silenced genes
- •DNA binding and chromatin decondensation processes are actively underway at the nuclear level
What's normal
- •Livagen works by entering cell nuclei and physically reorganizing chromatin structure
- •Ribosomal gene activation and protein synthesis restoration take days to manifest
- •Enkephalinase inhibition begins immediately but functional effects develop gradually
- •Subtle effects are normal — the molecular changes precede noticeable functional improvements
What's next
- →Complete the full 10-day treatment course for optimal chromatin remodeling
- →Epigenetic modifications initiated during treatment persist beyond the active course
- →Functional benefits continue developing for weeks after the final injection
Week 2-6 (during and after treatment)
What you might notice
- •Improved energy levels and reduced fatigue as ribosomal gene activation enhances protein synthesis
- •Enhanced liver function parameters in individuals with age-related hepatic decline
- •Improved digestive function from normalized enzyme activity
- •Better recovery from physical or metabolic stress
What's normal
- •Chromatin decondensation effects are fully established — previously silenced genes are now active
- •Ribosomal biogenesis is enhanced, increasing cellular protein production capacity
- •Enkephalinase inhibition prolongs endogenous opioid peptide activity for natural analgesic effects
- •These molecular improvements translate gradually into noticeable functional benefits
What's next
- →Benefits continue developing for weeks after the treatment course ends
- →Plan the next course in 3-6 months to reinforce epigenetic changes
- →Consider combining with Epithalon or Vilon in subsequent courses for synergistic anti-aging support
Month 2-6 (inter-course period)
What you might notice
- •Sustained improvements in energy, liver function, and overall vitality
- •Continued geroprotective benefits from persistent chromatin remodeling
- •Gradual return toward baseline as epigenetic modifications slowly revert
- •Benefits may diminish over months, indicating readiness for the next course
What's normal
- •Khavinson protocols are designed as cyclical treatments with 3-6 month intervals between courses
- •Each subsequent course reinforces and extends the chromatin remodeling from previous treatments
- •Long-term clinical follow-up supports sustained benefits with repeated cyclical courses
- •The 266-person study showed cumulative benefits over years of periodic treatment
What's next
- →Begin the next Livagen course after 3-6 months
- →Consider rotating with complementary bioregulators between courses
- →Comprehensive anti-aging protocols may use Livagen alongside Epithalon, Vilon, and Ovagen
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 Livagen 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
"Effects of Livagen peptide on chromatin activation in lymphocytes from old people"
Khavinson VKh, Lezhava TA, Monaselidze JG, 2002
Finding: Livagen peptide reactivates silenced genes in aging immune cells by loosening chromatin condensation, helping restore cellular function and immune vigor in elderly people.
View Study"Effect of new peptide bioregulators livagen and epitalon on enkephalin-degrading enzymes in human serum"
Kost NV, Sokolov OIu, Gabaeva MV, Zolotarev IuA, Malinin VV, Khavinson VK, 2003
Finding: Research (2003) on livagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Effects of short peptides on lymphocyte chromatin in senile subjects"
Khavinson VKh, Lezhava TA, Malinin VV, Monaselidze JR, 2004
Finding: Research (2004) on livagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review"
Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Linkova NS, 2021
Finding: Research (2021) on livagen contributes important scientific knowledge about its biological and pharmacological properties.
View Study"The influence of polypeptide liver complex and tetrapeptide KEDA on organism physiological function in norm and age-related pathology"
Kuznik BI, Khasanova NB, Ryzhak GA, Mezsheriakova IE, Khavinson VK, 2020
Finding: Liver polypeptide complex and KEDA tetrapeptide (livagen) restore immune and antioxidant defenses while recovering liver function during hepatitis, especially effective in aging.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions