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.
Vilon Dosage Chart, Schedule & Reconstitution Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Vilon is a Khavinson-class synthetic dipeptide with the sequence Lys-Glu (KE), developed at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a short peptide bioregulator of the thymus and the broader immune system. Mechanistically, Khavinson and colleagues propose that Lys-Glu penetrates the plasma and nuclear membranes and binds promoter regions of immune-related genes, restoring T-lymphocyte differentiation, interleukin-2 signaling, and macrophage function in aged or chronically stressed animals (PMID: 11968058). Anisimov's long-term rodent studies reported that pulsed Vilon administration extended median lifespan, reduced spontaneous tumor incidence, and normalized circadian and immune parameters in female CBA mice followed across the second half of life (PMID: 14523189). Researchers study Vilon for immunosenescence, age-related thymic involution, broad geroprotection, and as a short-sequence comparator to Khavinson's tetrapeptide Thymalin in immune-restorative pulsed dosing protocols.
Reconstitute: Add 3 mL bacteriostatic water → 6.67 mg/mL concentration.
Typical dose: 67–670 mcg once daily for 5 consecutive days per cycle.
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: The dipeptide is cleared from plasma within minutes; downstream transcriptional effects on immune cell populations are reported to persist for several weeks per ten-day pulsed course.
Route: Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in research protocols; oral formulations exist in Russian commercial supplements but have not been validated by controlled human trials.
Status: Khavinson-licensed research peptide bioregulator; sold in Russia as a dietary peptide supplement, but not FDA, EMA, or MHRA approved as a therapeutic agent.
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.
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[9].
Interactive Vilon Syringe Calculator
Currently visualizing the 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
| Phase / Cycle | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1, Day 1 | 67 mcg (0.067 mg) | 1 unit (0.01 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 2 | 133 mcg (0.133 mg) | 2 units (0.02 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 3 | 200 mcg (0.20 mg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 4 | 267 mcg (0.267 mg) | 4 units (0.04 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 5 | 333 mcg (0.33 mg) | 5 units (0.05 mL) |
| Cycle 2+ (Days 1–5) | 333–667 mcg (0.33–0.67 mg) | 5–10 units (0.05–0.10 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 20 mg vial.
Peptide Vials (Vilon, 20 mg each):
- check8 weeks (2 cycles, 10 injections) ≈ 1 vial
- check12 weeks (3 cycles, 15 injections) ≈ 1 vial
- check16 weeks (4 cycles, 20 injections) ≈ 1 vial
Insulin Syringes (U‑100, 30‑ or 50‑unit preferred):
- checkPer cycle: 5 syringes (1/day × 5 days)
- check8 weeks: 10 syringes
- check12 weeks: 15 syringes
- check16 weeks: 20 syringes
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use 3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- check8–16 weeks (1 vial): 3 mL → 1 × 10 mL bottle
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- checkPer cycle: 10 swabs (2/day × 5 days)
- check8 weeks: 20 swabs
- check12 weeks: 30 swabs
- check16 weeks: 40 swabs → recommend 1 × 100‑count box
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Vilon (Lys-Glu, single-letter code KE) is the simplest active member of the Khavinson short-peptide library and represents an extreme test of the bioregulator hypothesis: that even a dipeptide carrying basic and acidic side chains can exert tissue-specific gene-regulatory effects through direct DNA binding and chromatin modulation. The peptide was developed by directed synthesis from Thymalin, the bovine thymic extract used in Russian clinical practice since the 1970s for immunodeficiency, age-related immune decline, and post-surgical recovery. Lys-Glu emerged as one of the most abundant and reproducibly active short sequences in the parent preparation, and as the simplest possible bioregulator (one basic and one acidic amino acid forming a zwitterion) it provides a tractable model for mechanistic investigation. Mechanistically, Khavinson and colleagues propose that Vilon penetrates plasma and nuclear membranes by passive diffusion (the dipeptide is small enough and its zwitterionic charge profile is compatible with both lipid bilayer transit and aqueous nuclear translocation), then binds specific double-stranded DNA sequences in promoter regions through electrostatic complementarity and minor-groove interactions [4]. NMR and molecular modeling work has identified candidate Vilon binding sites with preferred sequence motifs in interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 gene promoters and other immune-relevant loci. Once bound, Vilon is hypothesized to displace inhibitory chromatin modulators, recruit transcription machinery, and reverse age-related silencing of immune and thymopoietic gene programs. The downstream effects observed in animal and observational human studies are consistent with thymic and immune rejuvenation: increased thymocyte counts in aged mice, restored CD4/CD8 ratios, improved T-cell proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation, normalization of interferon-gamma production, and reduced markers of age-related immune dysfunction. Vilon also modulates non-immune gene programs: pineal melatonin synthesis, hepatic protein turnover, and chromatin condensation in fibroblast cultures. In CBA mice receiving Vilon at 1 mcg subcutaneously three times weekly starting at 6 months of age, Anisimov and Khavinson reported 20–40% extension of mean lifespan, with reduced spontaneous mammary tumor incidence and improved physical activity in aged animals [3]. Pharmacokinetically, Vilon has a very short plasma half-life (under 5 minutes when given parenterally), but biological effects on gene expression and immune phenotype persist for days to weeks after dosing, consistent with epigenetic mechanism rather than receptor occupancy. Vilon is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or orally; oral capsule formulations are used in outpatient Russian bioregulator practice at 1–10 mg/day despite low expected oral bioavailability. Effects on immune parameters are most reproducibly documented in elderly subjects with age-related immune dysfunction, suggesting that Vilon's bioregulator activity is more apparent when the target system is dysregulated than in young, healthy subjects. Western mechanistic validation by ChIP-seq or controlled human pharmacodynamic studies remains absent, and translation to evidence-based human therapy is limited.
Clinical Trial Efficacy Highlights
- starAnisimov and Khavinson reported in CBA mice that chronic Vilon administration (1 mcg subcutaneously, three times weekly, starting at 6 months of age) produced 20–40% extension of mean lifespan, with reduced spontaneous mammary tumor incidence [3].
- starKhavinson and colleagues documented that Vilon restored thymic structure and function in aged rats and mice, with increased thymocyte counts, restored CD4/CD8 ratios, and improved T-cell proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation [5].
- starIn elderly human subjects with age-related immune dysfunction, observational studies report that Vilon administration normalizes interferon-gamma and interleukin-2 production, increases lymphocyte proliferation indices, and improves resistance to opportunistic infection.
- starVilon has demonstrated inhibitory effects on spontaneous tumor development in multiple rodent models including HER-2/neu transgenic mice, supporting cancer-protective rather than tumor-promoting activity despite its broad gene-regulatory effects.
- starKhavinson and colleagues showed that Vilon and related Khavinson dipeptides directly bind DNA in cell-free systems, with preferred sequence motifs identified by molecular modeling and supported by ITC and NMR data [4].
- starKorkushko and Khavinson reported in long-term observational follow-up of elderly patients receiving cyclic Vilon-Thymalin combination therapy that all-cause mortality was reduced compared to age-matched controls, although the study was not randomized [6].
- starAnti-aging effects of Vilon extend to chromatin biology: cell culture studies show that Vilon induces decondensation of heterochromatin in lymphocyte nuclei from elderly donors, restoring chromatin states characteristic of younger cells.
- starVilon is one of the few bioregulators for which lifespan-extension data have been independently reported in multiple rodent strains and laboratories within the Khavinson program, providing intra-program reproducibility of the longevity finding [7].
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.
- warningVilon is generally well tolerated in Russian observational and clinical use across more than two decades.
- warningReported side effects are infrequent and mild, most commonly transient injection-site discomfort with subcutaneous administration.
- warningOccasional mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, loose stools) has been reported with oral capsule formulations at higher doses.
- warningNo tolerance, dependence, or withdrawal phenomena have been reported, consistent with the proposed epigenetic mechanism.
- warningHypersensitivity reactions are rare; allergic skin responses to peptide preparations should prompt discontinuation.
- warningTheoretical immune-modulating effects have not produced clinically significant autoimmune phenomena in published observational use.
- warningNo HPA axis activation, hormonal disturbance, or significant metabolic effects have been documented at research-typical doses.
- warningReproductive, pregnancy, and lactation safety are unstudied; 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 Vilon dosage?expand_more
Research dosing varies. Rodent studies use 1–10 mcg/kg subcutaneously. Research-community human use is 100–500 mcg/day subcutaneously across 10–20 day cycles. Oral capsule formulations in Russian bioregulator practice use 1–10 mg/day across 20–30 day cycles, repeated 2–4 times per year.
How is Vilon administered?expand_more
Vilon is administered subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or orally. Subcutaneous injection achieves higher systemic exposure; oral capsules are used in outpatient practice despite low expected bioavailability of dipeptides. Intranasal delivery has been investigated but is less common.
Can Vilon be stacked?expand_more
Vilon is commonly combined with Epitalon in the classic Korkushko-Khavinson combination for systemic geroprotection. Combination with other Khavinson peptides (Cortagen, Pinealon, Livagen) is described in Russian bioregulator protocols. Western controlled-trial validation is absent.
What are the side effects of Vilon?expand_more
Side effects are mild and infrequent: occasional injection-site discomfort, rare mild gastrointestinal upset with oral use, and rare hypersensitivity. No tolerance, dependence, or autoimmune phenomena documented across two decades of Russian observational use.
Is Vilon FDA approved?expand_more
No. Vilon 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 strictly as a research chemical and is not licensed for therapeutic use.
Academic References & Study Citations
Khavinson VK, Anisimov VN. Peptide regulation of aging. Adv Gerontol. 2003;12:34-43. View Scientific Paper →
Khavinson VK. Peptides and ageing. Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. View Scientific Paper →
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Morozov VG. A synthetic dipeptide Vilon (L-Lys-L-Glu) inhibits growth of spontaneous tumors and increases life span of mice. Dokl Biol Sci. 2000;370:96-8. 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 →
Lin'kova NS, Polyakova VO, Trofimov AV, Sevostyanova NN, Kvetnoy IM. Peptidergic regulation of thymopoiesis and immune function in aging. Adv Gerontol. 2011;24(1):38-53. View Scientific Paper →
Korkushko OV, Khavinson VK, Shatilo VB, Antonyk-Sheglova IA. Geroprotective effect of epithalamine (pineal gland peptide preparation) in elderly subjects with accelerated aging. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2006;142(3):356-9. 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 →