Pancragen
Also known as: KEDW Tetrapeptide, Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp, Pancreas Bioregulator
Key Facts: Pancragen
- Category
- Metabolic
- FDA Status
- Not FDA Approved
- Clinical Status
- Approved in Russia - Clinical use for pancreatic support
- Administration
- Oral capsules, before meals
- Typical Dose
- 1-2 capsules (10-20 mg) daily
- Frequency
- 1-2x daily, before meals
- Duration
- 30-day courses with 3-6 month breaks
Mechanism of Action
Pancragen is proposed to work like the other tissue-specific Khavinson peptides: small enough to reach the cell nucleus, bind DNA in the major groove, and tune the activity of genes that build and maintain pancreatic cells. In lab studies the peptide has been linked to increased expression of master pancreatic genes such as PDX1, NGN3, PAX6, FOXA2, NKX2-2, NKX6-1 and PAX4, the transcription factors that govern how insulin-producing beta cells develop and mature. The intended downstream result is better insulin output and healthier islet function. As with the whole family, the direct DNA-binding model is the developers' hypothesis and has not been broadly confirmed by independent groups.
Research Summary
The standout study is Goncharova, Khavinson and colleagues in Advances in Gerontology (2014, PMID 25946840), which gave intramuscular Pancragen at 50 micrograms per animal per day for 10 days to old female rhesus monkeys. The aged monkeys, which started with sluggish glucose clearance and abnormal insulin and C-peptide responses, showed improved glucose disappearance and more normal hormone dynamics, with some benefit still present three weeks after dosing stopped. That is a genuine primate result and more compelling than pure cell-culture work, but it is still a small animal study, not a human trial. The gene-expression findings come from in vitro and ex vivo experiments, again largely from one research lineage. There are no randomized controlled trials in people, so claims that Pancragen treats diabetes or prediabetes in humans are not yet supported by the evidence.
Dosing Information
Typical Dosingⓘ
Community experience
1-2 capsules (10-20 mg) daily
10-20 mg per day
1-2x daily, before meals
Khavinson bioregulator for pancreatic and metabolic support. Studies in aged rhesus monkeys showed improvement in glucose tolerance. Used in Russia for chronic pancreatitis and as adjunct for type 2 diabetes. Should not replace standard diabetes treatment.
Research Dosingⓘ
Scientific studies
Khavinson bioregulator dosing - clinically used in Russia
Doses from Studies
10-20 mg daily oral
Russian Clinical Practice - Chronic pancreatitis and T2D support protocols ↗
10 mg daily (primate studies)
Bull Exp Biol Med 2013 - Pancragen effects on pancreatic differentiation during aging ↗
Duration
30-day courses with 3-6 month breaks
Administration
Oral capsules, before meals
Timing & Administration
Best Time to Take
Morning, before breakfast
1-2 times daily
Food Recommendation
With or without food
Why This Timing?
Pancreatic support peptide taken fasted for optimal absorption. Timing with meals may support glucose metabolism.
Possible Side Effects
Not everyone experiences these effects. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal factors.
- ●Generally well-tolerated
- ●No significant adverse effects reported in studies
- ●Individual intolerance possible
- ●Should not replace diabetes medications
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25946840/
- https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/22/7053
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10522-009-9249-8
Research This Peptide Further
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Pancragen do?
Pancragen is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator, Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp (KEDW), from the Khavinson group, designed to target pancreatic tissue. It is studied for supporting blood-sugar control and the insulin-producing endocrine pancreas, especially in aging. It is a research compound with no approval and no published human clinical trials. The notable evidence comes from aged primates, not people.
How does Pancragen work?
Pancragen is proposed to work like the other tissue-specific Khavinson peptides: small enough to reach the cell nucleus, bind DNA in the major groove, and tune the activity of genes that build and maintain pancreatic cells. In lab studies the peptide has been linked to increased expression of master pancreatic genes such as PDX1, NGN3, PAX6, FOXA2, NKX2-2, NKX6-1 and PAX4, the transcription factors that govern how insulin-producing beta cells develop and mature. The intended downstream result is better insulin output and healthier islet function. As with the whole family, the direct DNA-binding model is the developers' hypothesis and has not been broadly confirmed by independent groups.
Is Pancragen FDA approved?
No, Pancragen is not currently FDA approved. Current status: Approved in Russia - Clinical use for pancreatic support
What are the side effects of Pancragen?
Reported side effects include: Generally well-tolerated, No significant adverse effects reported in studies, Individual intolerance possible, Should not replace diabetes medications. Individual responses vary based on dosage, duration, and personal health factors.
What is the typical dose of Pancragen?
Community-reported common dose: 1-2 capsules (10-20 mg) daily (1-2x daily, before meals). Range: 10-20 mg per day. Administration: Oral capsules, before meals. Community-reported doses. Not FDA approved. Not a substitute for diabetes medication. Consult healthcare provider.
Related Peptides
Peptides commonly compared with Pancragen or used in similar applications.
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Weight LossRetatrutide
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Weight LossMK-677
Clinical TrialsMK-677 (ibutamoren) is not actually a peptide, it is a small, orally active non-peptide molecule that mimics ghrelin, your hunger and growth-hormone hormone. Taken as a daily pill, it reliably pushes up growth hormone and IGF-1 levels, which is why it is popular for muscle and recovery. It has been through real human trials but was never approved as a drug, and the trials that mattered most for older adults and Alzheimer's came up short.
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