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.
Vesugen Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Vesugen is a Khavinson-class synthetic tripeptide with the sequence Lys-Glu-Asp (KED), designed at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a tissue-specific short peptide bioregulator of the vascular endothelium. Khavinson and colleagues hypothesize that Lys-Glu-Asp translocates into endothelial cell nuclei and binds regulatory regions of double-stranded DNA, modulating expression of genes governing nitric oxide synthesis, endothelial proliferation, vascular tone, and antioxidant defense in stressed or aged vessels (PMID: 24527506). Animal and small Russian human studies have reported that pulsed Vesugen administration improves microvascular reactivity, reduces circulating markers of endothelial dysfunction, and supports recovery after experimental vascular injury or hypoxic stress (PMID: 25762927). Researchers study Vesugen for age-associated endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, cerebrovascular insufficiency, and as the vascular tissue-specific component of multi-peptide Khavinson longevity protocols paired with Pinealon and Epitalon.
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 6.67 mg/mL concentration.
Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL = 0.0667 mg (67 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Half-life: Plasma clearance of the tripeptide is minutes; downstream effects on endothelial gene expression and microvascular function are reported to persist days to weeks per ten-day pulsed course.
Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in research protocols; oral capsule supplements are sold in Russia but lack controlled efficacy data.
Status: Khavinson-licensed research peptide bioregulator; not FDA, EMA, or MHRA approved. Marketed in Russia as a dietary peptide supplement rather than a registered medication.
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 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe[9].
Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[11].
Interactive Vesugen Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the Lys-Glu-Asp) (20 mg vial reconstituted with 3 mL bacteriostatic water. Adjust the target dose to dynamically render syringe units.
Reconstitution Calculation: 20mg dry powder in 3mL water yields 6.67 mg/mL. To evaluate a 250mcg dose, pull to 3.8 units (4 syringe ticks).
U-100 Syringe Representation
3.8 Units (4 Ticks)
Educational reference visual. Assumes standard U-100 insulin syringe where 1.0 mL volume = 100 units.
Titration & Dose Escalation Schedules
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 500 mcg (0.5 mg) | 7.5 units (0.075 mL) |
| Week 2 | 1000 mcg (1.0 mg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Week 3 | 1500 mcg (1.5 mg) | 22.5 units (0.225 mL) |
| Weeks 4–8+ | 1500–2000 mcg (1.5–2.0 mg) | 22.5–30 units (0.225–0.30 mL) |
Administration guidelines: Refer to guidelines | 3 mL Reconstitution
Research Supplies Quantity Planner
Scientific mathematical planning of syringes, bacteriostatic water and dry vials needed for extended research blocks using the Lys-Glu-Asp) (20 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Vesugen, 20 mg each):
- check8 weeks (~84 mg total) ≈ 5 vials
- check12 weeks (~126 mg total) ≈ 7 vials
- check16 weeks (~168 mg total) ≈ 9 vials
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- checkPer week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- check8 weeks: 56 syringes
- check12 weeks: 84 syringes
- check16 weeks: 112 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8 weeks (5 vials): 15 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- check12 weeks (7 vials): 21 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- check16 weeks (9 vials): 27 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- checkPer week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- check8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- check12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- check16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Vesugen (Lys-Glu-Asp, KED) was developed by Khavinson and colleagues by directed synthesis from the amino acid composition of vascular wall protein extracts, with the goal of producing a defined short-peptide bioregulator targeting the vascular endothelium. Like other Khavinson cytogens, Vesugen is hypothesized to penetrate plasma and nuclear membranes by passive diffusion and bind specific DNA sequences in promoter regions, modulating chromatin condensation and tissue-specific gene programs [1]. Structural and biochemical work has identified candidate Vesugen binding sites: the peptide binds the MKI67 gene promoter at positions -14 to +12 base pairs relative to the transcription start site, and modulates expression of endothelin-1 (EDN1), connexin 43 (GJA1/Cx43), and SIRT1 in vascular endothelial cells [3]. These targets are relevant to age-related vascular dysfunction: endothelin-1 dysregulation contributes to vasoconstriction and hypertension, connexin 43 mediates intercellular communication essential for endothelial barrier function, and SIRT1 is a central longevity-associated deacetylase that protects against oxidative stress and senescence in vascular tissue. By modulating these gene programs, Vesugen is hypothesized to support endothelial proliferation and repair, reduce age-related endothelial dysfunction, and shift vascular cell phenotype away from senescence toward proliferation. Preclinical work supports these effects: cell culture studies show Vesugen reduces markers of endothelial senescence (p16, p21, senescence-associated beta-galactosidase), increases proliferation indices (Ki67), and improves barrier integrity in endothelial monolayers. In aged rat models, Vesugen administration restores endothelium-dependent vasodilation, reduces markers of atherosclerosis, and improves microvascular blood flow. Pharmacokinetically, Vesugen behaves like other Khavinson tripeptides: very short plasma half-life (under 5 minutes when given parenterally), but biological effects on gene expression and vascular phenotype persist for days to weeks after dosing. Administration is parenteral (subcutaneous or intramuscular) or oral; oral capsule formulations at higher milligram doses are used in outpatient Russian bioregulator practice despite low expected oral bioavailability of tripeptides. Standard research and clinical protocols use 100–500 mcg subcutaneously per day across 10–20 day cycles, repeated 2–4 times per year. Russian observational use of Vesugen in elderly patients with age-related vascular disease (atherosclerosis, hypertension, microvascular insufficiency) reports subjective improvements in exercise tolerance, blood pressure stability, and microvascular symptoms, although controlled trials are absent from the indexed literature. Vesugen is also reported to support vascular regeneration in diabetic microangiopathy and wound healing models, consistent with endothelial-supportive gene-program modulation. Mechanistic Western validation through ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, or controlled human pharmacodynamic studies remains absent, and translation to evidence-based human cardiovascular therapy is not yet established.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starKhavinson and colleagues identified that Vesugen binds the MKI67 gene promoter at positions -14 to +12 base pairs from the transcription start site, providing a structural basis for proliferation-supportive effects on endothelial cells [3].
- starCell culture studies show Vesugen modulates endothelin-1 (EDN1), connexin 43 (GJA1/Cx43), and SIRT1 expression in vascular endothelial cells, three pathways relevant to age-related vascular dysfunction [3].
- starVesugen reduces markers of endothelial senescence including p16, p21, and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase in stressed endothelial cultures, while increasing proliferation markers, supporting an anti-senescence vascular phenotype.
- starIn aged rat models, cyclic Vesugen administration restores endothelium-dependent vasodilation and reduces markers of atherosclerosis, consistent with restored nitric oxide signaling and reduced endothelin-1 tone.
- starRussian observational use of Vesugen in elderly patients with age-related vascular disease (atherosclerosis, hypertension, microvascular insufficiency) reports subjective improvements in exercise tolerance and microvascular symptoms.
- starVesugen has been studied in diabetic microangiopathy models with reports of improved capillary density and reduced markers of microvascular damage, supporting potential applications in diabetic vascular complications.
- starAnisimov and Khavinson include Vesugen in the broader Khavinson bioregulator family for which lifespan-extension data have been reported across rodent strains, although Vesugen-specific lifespan data are less extensive than those for Vilon and Epitalon [4].
- starCombination of Vesugen with other Khavinson bioregulators (Epitalon, Vilon, Cortagen) is described in Russian gerontology protocols for complex bioregulator therapy targeting multiple age-related systems simultaneously.
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.
- warningVesugen is generally well tolerated in Russian observational use; reported adverse effects are infrequent and mild.
- warningThe most common reported effect is transient injection-site discomfort with subcutaneous administration.
- warningOccasional mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools) has been reported with oral capsule formulations.
- warningTheoretical hypotensive effects on initial dosing have been reported anecdotally in users with pre-existing low blood pressure, possibly reflecting reduced endothelin-1 tone; this is generally transient.
- warningNo tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal phenomena have been reported, consistent with epigenetic rather than receptor-occupancy mechanism.
- warningHypersensitivity reactions are rare; allergic skin responses should prompt discontinuation.
- warningNo HPA axis activation, hormonal disturbance, or significant metabolic effects documented at research-typical doses.
- warningReproductive, pregnancy, and lactation safety data are absent; use during these periods is not recommended.
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 Vesugen dosage?expand_more
Research dosing is 100–500 mcg subcutaneously per day across 10–20 day cycles, repeated 2–4 times per year. Oral capsule formulations in Russian bioregulator practice use 1–10 mg/day across 20–30 day cycles. There is no Western clinical reference standard.
How is Vesugen administered?expand_more
Vesugen is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or orally. Subcutaneous injection achieves higher systemic exposure; oral capsules at higher milligram doses are used in outpatient Russian bioregulator practice despite low expected tripeptide bioavailability.
Can Vesugen be stacked?expand_more
Vesugen is commonly combined with other Khavinson bioregulators (Epitalon, Vilon, Cortagen) in Russian gerontology protocols targeting multiple age-related systems. Vascular-specific stacks with cardiovascular peptides like BPC-157 are described anecdotally without controlled-trial data.
What are the side effects of Vesugen?expand_more
Reported side effects are mild and infrequent: occasional injection-site discomfort, rare mild gastrointestinal upset with oral use, and rare transient hypotension in users with low baseline blood pressure. No serious adverse events documented in Russian observational use.
Is Vesugen FDA approved?expand_more
No. Vesugen is registered in Russia under peptide-bioregulator and dietary-supplement legislation but is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or MHRA. In the United States and EU it is sold only as a research chemical and is not licensed for therapeutic use.
Academic References & Study Citations
Khavinson VK, Malinin VV. Gerontological aspects of genome peptide regulation. Karger Publishers, Basel; 2005. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK. Peptides and ageing. Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. View Scientific Paper →
Lin'kova NS, Drobintseva AO, Orlova OA, Kuznetsova EP, Polyakova VO, Kvetnoy IM, Khavinson VK. Peptide regulation of cell renewal processes in cultures of skin fibroblasts in elderly people. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2016;161(1):175-178. View Scientific Paper →
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology. 2010;11(2):139-49. 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 VK, Solovyev AY, Tarnovskaya SI, Lin'kova NS. Mechanism of biological activity of short peptides: cell penetration and epigenetic regulation. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2013;154(3):403-410. View Scientific Paper →
Kuznik BI, Khavinson VK, Linkova NS. Heat shock proteins: age-related changes, role in pathology, and ways of correction. Adv Gerontol. 2012;25(2):216-25. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Tarnovskaya SI, Lin'kova NS. Peptides and CCL11 and HMGB1 as molecular markers of aging. Adv Gerontol. 2014;27(2):359-66. View Scientific Paper →