Quick summary
Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Leu) bioregulator developed by Khavinson targeting the liver and GI tract. It promotes hepatocyte regeneration by increasing Ki-67 expression up to 18-fold while reducing p53 expression up to 6-fold, and protects GI mucosa from toxic insults.
Overview
Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator (Glu-Asp-Leu, EDL) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson targeting the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It is classified as a hepatoprotective bioregulator studied for its ability to promote hepatic cell regeneration, reduce liver fibrosis, and protect the GI mucosal lining. It is part of the Khavinson family of cytomaxes and cytogens.
Mechanism of action
Ovagen is transported into cells via POT family peptide transporters (PEPT1, PEPT2), which selectively handle di- and tripeptides, conferring tissue-specific delivery to hepatocytes and intestinal epithelial cells. Once intracellular, Ovagen crosses the nuclear membrane and interacts directly with DNA in target tissue, modulating transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, fibrogenesis, and hepatocellular metabolism. In aged hepatic tissue, Ovagen increases Ki-67 expression (a proliferation marker) by up to 18-fold while simultaneously reducing p53 expression by up to 6-fold, favoring regenerative over apoptotic signaling. It inhibits fibroblast-driven fibrotic changes at the cellular level, preventing progressive scarring. In the GI tract, it protects the mucosal layer from antibiotic damage, environmental toxins, and chemotherapy-induced injury.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| liver and GI research | subcutaneous | 0.1–0.5 mg | daily for 10–20 days | Standard Khavinson cytogen protocol: 10-day injection cycles, 2–4 times per year. |
| oral research use | oral | 1–2 mg | daily | Oral route absorption is plausible for short tripeptides via PEPT1 transporters; bioequivalence not established. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Preclinical research from the Khavinson group demonstrates significant hepatoprotective effects in aged animal liver tissue, including stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation, reduction in liver fibrosis markers, and cytoprotection against hepatotoxic insults. GI mucosal protection studies show reduced injury from toxic exposures. Human research is limited to Russian observational studies and clinical series without randomized controlled trial designs meeting Western regulatory standards. No large RCTs exist in the English-language literature.[1][2][3]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with Ovagen for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Not FDA-approved. Developed and commercialized in Russia as a cytogen bioregulator supplement. Available in Western markets as a research chemical. Not approved for therapeutic human use outside Russia.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
Ovagen is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Leu, EDL) from the Khavinson bioregulator family, classified as a hepatoprotective cytogen. It targets liver and gastrointestinal tissue to promote hepatic cell regeneration and protect the GI mucosal lining.
Ovagen enters cells via PEPT1/PEPT2 peptide transporters, then crosses the nuclear membrane to modulate gene transcription. In aged liver tissue, it increases the proliferation marker Ki-67 by up to 18-fold while reducing the apoptosis marker p53 by up to 6-fold, favoring regeneration over cell death.
Reported side effects are limited to mild injection site irritation. The long-term safety profile is unknown. No Western randomized controlled trials exist. It is available in Russia as a cytogen supplement but is not FDA-approved.
Preclinical research from the Khavinson group focuses on hepatoprotection, including stimulation of hepatocyte proliferation in aged liver tissue, reduction of liver fibrosis markers, and cytoprotection against hepatotoxic insults. GI mucosal studies examine protection from antibiotic damage, environmental toxins, and chemotherapy-induced injury. Human data remains limited to Russian observational studies without large randomized controlled trials meeting Western regulatory standards.