MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Educational research guidelines only. Lyophilized peptides are investigational chemical compounds and are NOT approved for human consumption, diagnosis, or therapy. Consult a licensed physician before any research application.
Cardiogen Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Cardiogen (CardioCytogen) is a synthetic cardiac bioregulator: the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg (AEDR, about 489.5 Da) from Vladimir Khavinson's short-peptide program. Rather than binding a surface receptor, it is hypothesized to enter the cell nucleus and bind specific DNA promoter sequences, nudging cardiomyocyte and vascular-cell gene expression toward a younger, more proliferative, less apoptotic state (PMID 34834147, 36611900). Preclinical and patent data describe reduced p53-driven apoptosis and improved myocardial recovery after experimental injury, but there are no human clinical trials, and Cardiogen is an unapproved research compound. It is marketed both as oral Cytogen capsules and as a 20 mg injectable vial. The educational subcutaneous reference protocol uses roughly 1-2 mg per day during short 10-day courses, repeated two to three times a year. Reconstitute a 20 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water (10 mg/mL) so a 1-2 mg dose is 10-20 units on a U-100 syringe. This is reference information, not medical advice.
Reconstitute: Add 2 mL bacteriostatic water → 10 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 1-2 mg/day SC (10-day courses)
Easy measuring: At 10 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.1 mg (100 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized vial: store at -20 °C long term, or 2-8 °C for short periods, protected from light. Once reconstituted, keep refrigerated at 2-8 °C and use within about 3-4 weeks.
Half-life: Not formally characterized; the intact tetrapeptide plasma half-life is likely minutes (rapid peptidase hydrolysis), with effects attributed to downstream gene-expression changes that outlast the peptide.
Route: Marketed as oral Cytogen capsules and as a lyophilized injectable vial; this page models a once-daily subcutaneous reconstitution reference, a route not clinically validated for Cardiogen.
Status: Not FDA or EMA approved; no published human trials; a preclinical Khavinson bioregulator sold for research use only.
About Cardiogen
Cardiogen is a cardiac-targeted Khavinson bioregulator (the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg, AEDR) studied for its proposed ability to normalize gene expression in heart and vascular tissue [1][2]. In the original Russian gerontology framework these short peptides were given as oral capsules (the "Cytogen" line) and as parenteral lyophilized preparations; clinically this class is taken by mouth or by intramuscular injection, and the subcutaneous figures below are an educational reconstitution reference modeled on the 20 mg injectable vial commonly sold for research, not a validated clinical regimen. There are no published human trials of Cardiogen, so every dose here is illustrative only.\n\nEducational guide for reconstitution and short-course dosing.\n\nFrequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously during a short course of roughly 10 days, with courses typically repeated two to three times per year in the bioregulator literature [3]. Reconstituting a 20 mg vial with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 10 mg/mL, so a 1-2 mg daily dose corresponds to 10-20 units on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Quick Protocol Navigation
Reconstitution Instruction & Mixing Step-by-Step
Lyophilized powder must be reconstituted carefully. Agitating peptide chains can shear disulfide bonds and render the peptide biologically inert.
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject it slowly down the inner wall of the 20 mg Cardiogen vial; do not spray it directly onto the lyophilized powder.
Gently swirl or roll the vial until the powder fully dissolves into a clear solution; never shake, which can shear the peptide and cause foaming.
The result is 10 mg/mL, so 1 mg is 10 units (0.1 mL) and 2 mg is 20 units (0.2 mL) on a U-100 insulin syringe; swab the stopper and draw your daily dose.
Inject subcutaneously once daily during the course, store the vial refrigerated at 2-8 °C between uses, and discard after the stability window (about 3-4 weeks).
Interactive Cardiogen Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 20 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 20mg dry powder in 2mL water yields 10.00 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 2.5 units (3 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Phase | Dose per injection | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative course (days 1-10) | 1000 mcg (1 mg) | 10 units (0.10 mL) |
| Standard course (days 1-10) | 2000 mcg (2 mg) | 20 units (0.20 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 2 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the 20 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Cardiogen, 20 mg each):
- checkOne 10-day course at the standard 2 mg/day uses a full 20 mg vial (a 1 mg/day course uses about half a vial).
- check8-week window (about 2 short courses): 2 vials.
- check12-week window (about 3 short courses): 3 vials.
- check16-week window (about 4 short courses): 4 vials.
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkOne 0.3 mL (30-unit) syringe per daily injection, about 10 per 10-day course.
- check8-week window: roughly 20 syringes.
- check12-week window: roughly 30 syringes.
- check16-week window: roughly 40 syringes.
Bacteriostatic Water (30 mL bottles): Use 2 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- checkEach reconstituted 20 mg vial consumes 2 mL of bacteriostatic water.
- checkEven 4 vials across a 16-week schedule use only about 8 mL, so a single 30 mL bottle covers every course.
- checkDiscard any vial not used within its stability window rather than over-diluting to extend it.
Alcohol Swabs: clean the vial stopper and injection site before each use.
- checkUse 2 swabs per injection (vial top plus skin), about 20 per 10-day course.
- check8-week window: about 40 swabs; 12-week window: about 60 swabs; 16-week window: about 80 swabs.
- checkA single 100-count box comfortably covers a full year of seasonal courses.
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Cardiogen is the trade name for the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg (AEDR; CardioCytogen), one of the tissue-specific "cytogen" short peptides developed within Vladimir Khavinson's bioregulation framework at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology [1][6]. It belongs to a class of di-, tri-, and tetrapeptides that, unlike conventional peptide hormones, are not thought to act on cell-surface receptors. Instead, the prevailing hypothesis is that these very short, charged peptides are small enough to enter the cytoplasm and nucleus, where they bind specific nucleotide sequences in gene promoter regions, locally weaken the DNA double helix, and modulate transcription of a defined set of genes [2][4][8]. In this model AEDR behaves as an epigenetic-style regulator that helps "switch on" tissue-appropriate gene programs rather than supplying a signaling ligand [5].\n\nThe four-residue sequence is reported to be selective for cardiac and vascular tissue. Preclinical reports from the Khavinson group and the foundational patent describe AEDR stimulating proliferation of cardiomyocyte and cardiac explant cultures, lowering accumulation of the pro-apoptotic protein p53, and supporting expression of cytoskeletal and proliferation markers; the patent's animal examples claim improved survival and faster myocardial recovery after experimental ischemic injury [1][3]. A 2022 review of cardiovascular senescence places AEDR among peptides proposed to regulate the molecules that drive inflammaging and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype in heart and vessel-wall cells [3]. It must be stressed that all of this evidence is in vitro or in animals and originates largely from a single research lineage; no independent human pharmacology exists.\n\nPharmacokinetics have not been formally characterized for Cardiogen. As a small unmodified tetrapeptide it is expected to be rapidly hydrolyzed by plasma and tissue peptidases, giving a free-peptide plasma half-life on the order of minutes; any sustained effect is attributed to downstream changes in gene expression rather than continued presence of the intact peptide. Oral bioavailability of such peptides is low because of gastrointestinal proteolysis, which is why the Russian Cytogen products use enteric capsules and why injectable lyophilized vials are also marketed.\n\nClinically and historically these bioregulators have been delivered as oral capsules (about 200-400 mcg/day) or by intramuscular injection in short seasonal courses; the once-daily subcutaneous reconstitution described on this page is an educational modeling convention, not a route validated for Cardiogen [6]. Reconstituting a 20 mg vial in 2 mL of bacteriostatic water gives 10 mg/mL, so a 1-2 mg dose corresponds to 10-20 units on a U-100 syringe. Cardiogen remains an unapproved research compound, and the dosing here should be read as reference information only, not therapeutic guidance.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starThe foundational US patent (US 7,662,789, Khavinson and colleagues, titled "Peptide substance restoring myocardium function") reports a series of animal examples in which the AEDR tetrapeptide improved survival and accelerated functional recovery of the myocardium after experimental injury, forming the original basis for Cardiogen's cardioprotective claims [1].
- starA 2021 systematic review in Molecules summarizing the Khavinson short-peptide program describes how 2-7 residue peptides, including cardiac-targeted sequences, regulate tissue-specific gene expression and protein synthesis; it provides the mechanistic rationale for AEDR but reports no human efficacy data [2].
- starA 2022 review in Cells on cardiovascular senescence and inflammaging identifies the AEDR tetrapeptide among peptides hypothesized to modulate senescence-associated secretory phenotype molecules in cardiomyocytes and vascular cells, while explicitly framing the underlying evidence as preclinical and requiring confirmation [3].
- starFedoreyeva and colleagues (2011) showed with fluorescence-labeled Khavinson peptides that such short peptides penetrate the cytoplasm, nucleus, and nucleolus of HeLa cells and bind specific DNA oligonucleotide sequences in vitro, lending experimental plausibility to the nuclear DNA-binding mechanism proposed for AEDR [4].
- starKhavinson, Shataeva, and Chernova (2005) reported that regulatory peptides bind the DNA double helix in a manner analogous to transcription factors, supporting the gene-regulation model invoked for cardiac bioregulators such as Cardiogen [8].
- starA 2019 review in Clinical Epigenetics independently catalogued Khavinson di- to tetrapeptides as endogenous epigenetic modulators that can act as DNA-methylation inhibitors, situating the AEDR concept within a broader, externally authored peptide-epigenetics literature [5].
- starAt the class level, a 15-year randomized follow-up by Korkushko, Khavinson, and colleagues found that the pineal bioregulator epithalamin slowed cardiovascular aging and lowered mortality in elderly coronary patients; this is the strongest clinical signal for the Khavinson peptide family, but it studied a different peptide and cannot be extrapolated to Cardiogen [7].
- starKhavinson's overarching "Peptides and Ageing" review lays out the tissue-specific geroprotector framework under which Cardiogen was designed, but it presents AEDR as a preclinical cardiac analogue rather than a clinically validated therapy [6].
Side Effects & Tolerability Profile
Clinical subjects transiently report mild side effects. Slowly escalating the titration dose represents the single most effective intervention to limit side effects.
- warningNo controlled human safety data exist for Cardiogen; its adverse-effect profile is unknown, and the points below are extrapolated from injectable peptides and the Khavinson bioregulator class generally.
- warningSubcutaneous injection can cause local reactions including redness, itching, swelling, bruising, or transient pain at the injection site.
- warningAny injected peptide carries a theoretical risk of immune or hypersensitivity reactions; stop use and seek care for rash, hives, facial or throat swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- warningResearch-grade peptides are not manufactured to pharmaceutical standards, so contamination, endotoxin, incorrect sequence, or inaccurate vial content are realistic risks; sterility and purity cannot be assumed.
- warningThere are no drug-interaction studies; people taking cardiac, anticoagulant, or other medications should not assume Cardiogen is inert or compatible.
- warningCardiogen has not been evaluated in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, or in people with active heart disease, and should be avoided in these groups.
- warningBecause the proposed mechanisms involve modulating cell proliferation and apoptosis (including p53), long-term and oncologic safety is entirely uncharacterized.
- warningRegulatory status: Cardiogen is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or any major regulator as a drug; it is sold for laboratory research only and is not a dietary supplement or medicine.
Subcutaneous Injection Technique
Most research peptides require subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue. Never inject directly into a blood vessel or deep muscle tissue unless clinically detailed.
1. Site Selection
Common locations include the abdomen (2 inches from navel), outer upper arms, or thighs.
2. Sanitization
Thoroughly clean the selected site, stopper and vial top using 70% isopropyl alcohol prep swabs.
3. Angle & Push
Pinch the skin and insert the needle at a 45 to 90-degree angle. Depress plunger smoothly.
4. Site Rotation
Rotate injection sites continuously to avoid lipodystrophy or tissue scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical Cardiogen dosage?expand_more
There is no clinically validated human dose. In supplier and research protocols the most commonly cited Cardiogen dosage is about 1-2 mg per day subcutaneously, reconstituted from a 20 mg lyophilized vial and run as a short course of roughly 10 days, repeated two to three times per year. The oral Cytogen capsule form is usually described at about 200-400 mcg per day for 10-30 days. Treat all of these as illustrative reference figures, not therapeutic recommendations, because no controlled trials have established a safe or effective Cardiogen dose in humans.
Is Cardiogen FDA approved?expand_more
No. Cardiogen is not approved by the FDA, the EMA, or any other major regulator as a drug, and there are no published human clinical trials of any design. The compound originates from the Khavinson bioregulator program in Russia and is sold for laboratory research only. It is not a medicine or a dietary supplement, and nothing on this page should be read as a claim that it is safe or effective for treating any condition.
How do you reconstitute Cardiogen?expand_more
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water and inject it slowly down the inner wall of a 20 mg Cardiogen vial, then swirl gently (never shake) until the powder dissolves into a clear solution. This gives a concentration of 10 mg/mL, so 1 mg is 10 units (0.1 mL) and 2 mg is 20 units (0.2 mL) on a U-100 insulin syringe. Swab the stopper before each draw, keep the vial refrigerated at 2-8 °C, and discard it after about 3-4 weeks. This Cardiogen reconstitution math is an educational reference only.
What is Cardiogen's half-life?expand_more
Cardiogen's half-life has not been formally characterized in published pharmacokinetic studies. As a small, unmodified tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg), the intact molecule is expected to be broken down rapidly by plasma and tissue peptidases, giving a free-peptide plasma half-life on the order of minutes. The Khavinson framework attributes any longer-lasting effect to downstream changes in gene expression that outlast the peptide itself, rather than to sustained circulating drug levels, which is part of why the peptides are dosed in short courses rather than continuously.
Can Cardiogen be stacked with other Khavinson bioregulators?expand_more
In the bioregulator literature, tissue-specific cytogens are often described as being combined (for example a cardiac peptide alongside vascular, thymic, or pineal peptides such as Vesugen, Vladonix, or Epitalon), and Cardiogen is frequently marketed alongside them. However, there are no controlled data on the safety, interactions, or added benefit of any such stack, and combining unapproved research peptides multiplies the unknown risks. This is general information, not medical advice; anyone considering these compounds should consult a qualified clinician.
Related Guides & Tools
Step-by-step references for reconstituting, measuring, and storing Cardiogen, plus the universal dosing calculator.
Academic References & Study Citations
Khavinson VK, Ryzhak GA, Grigoriev EI, Ryadnova IY. Peptide substance restoring myocardium function (tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Arg). United States Patent US 7,662,789 B2; assignee Peptid Products LLC; granted 2010. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Linkova NS, Mironova ES, Ilina AR. Peptide Regulation of Gene Expression: A Systematic Review. Molecules. 2021;26(22):7053. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson V, Linkova N, Dyatlova A, Kantemirova R, Kozlov K. Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype of Cardiovascular System Cells and Inflammaging: Perspectives of Peptide Regulation. Cells. 2022;12(1):106. View Scientific Paper →
Fedoreyeva LI, Kireev II, Khavinson VKh, Vanyushin BF. Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells and in vitro specific interaction of the peptides with deoxyribooligonucleotides and DNA. Biochemistry (Mosc). 2011;76(11):1210-1219. View Scientific Paper →
Janssens Y, Wynendaele E, Vanden Berghe W, De Spiegeleer B. Peptides as epigenetic modulators: therapeutic implications. Clin Epigenetics. 2019;11(1):101. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VKh. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. View Scientific Paper →
Korkushko OV, Khavinson VKh, Shatilo VB, Antonyk-Sheglova IA. Peptide geroprotector from the pituitary gland inhibits rapid aging of elderly people: results of 15-year follow-up. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2011;151(3):366-369. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson V, Shataeva L, Chernova A. DNA double-helix binds regulatory peptides similarly to transcription factors. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005;26(3):237-241. View Scientific Paper →