Livagen
Also known as: Lys-Glu-Asp
A Khavinson tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed in Russia as a tissue-specific bioregulator targeting the liver. Promoted for supporting liver regeneration, age-related liver decline, and as part of broader anti-ageing protocols. Sits in the same family as epithalon (pineal), cortagen (brain), and pinealon (pineal/brain). Most evidence is from Russian preclinical work — rigorous Western clinical trials are essentially nonexistent.
Dosage
Fixed dose: 100-200 mg oral daily for 10-30 day cycles
Dosages shown are for research reference only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Half-Life
Approximately 30 minutes (acute pharmacology); proposed gene-expression effects outlast plasma exposure
Half-Life Calculator →Administration
Oral capsule or subcutaneous injection (cycled)
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Effects
Liver Support
Khavinson tripeptide proposed to support hepatocyte regeneration; Russian preclinical evidence only.
Anti-Aging
Part of the broader Khavinson age-related decline protocol set.
Tissue-Specific Bioregulation
Proposed gene-expression effects on hepatic detoxification pathways via promoter binding.
Mechanism of Action
Livagen is a short tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) within the Khavinson bioregulator family — peptides hypothesised to regulate gene expression in tissue-specific ways by binding to gene promoter regions. Livagen is positioned as the liver-targeted member of this family, intended to modulate hepatocyte gene expression in ways that support liver regeneration and counteract age-related decline in hepatic function.
Proposed mechanisms include modulation of chromatin condensation states in hepatocyte and lymphocyte nuclei, upregulation of genes involved in hepatic detoxification pathways (cytochrome P450 enzymes, glutathione synthesis), and immunomodulatory effects in liver-resident immune cells. Russian research has reported livagen-induced increases in hepatocyte regeneration markers in animal models of liver injury and changes in lymphocyte chromatin organisation consistent with cellular rejuvenation.
As with all Khavinson tripeptides, the proposed action model is that livagen acts as a transient signalling molecule triggering longer-lasting changes in gene expression. Plasma exposure is brief (around 30 minutes) but downstream transcriptional effects are claimed to persist for weeks, justifying pulse-dosing protocols of 10-30 day courses repeated periodically. The evidence base for clinical efficacy is dominated by Russian gerontology research with limited independent Western replication, and clinical use outside Russia remains largely anecdotal. Livagen should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based liver disease management.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Sold as a research peptide and as a registered nutritional supplement in Russia. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and research peptide suppliers.
Risks & Safety
Common
generally reported as well tolerated.
Serious
very limited Western clinical data; long-term safety in the context of pre-existing liver disease is not established.
Rare
allergic reactions. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, the evidence base is significantly thinner than the marketing suggests.
Compare Livagen With
Research Papers
5Published: February 1, 2023
AI Summary
In lymphocytes from 75-88 year olds, Livagen and other short peptides selectively decondensed aged chromatin and reactivated ribosomal genes without disturbing structural heterochromatin. The authors frame this as an epigenetic route to treating age-related disease.
Published: January 1, 2020
AI Summary
A review of animal and in-vitro work shows Livagen (KEDA, Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) normalises immune and antioxidant status and restores liver function in fibrosis and hepatitis models. The hepatoprotective effect was strongest in aged organisms.
Published: September 1, 2017
AI Summary
Short epigenetically active peptide motifs (including those matching Livagen) were found in proteins of the long-lived naked mole rat but were absent from short-lived rodent species. The finding hints at an evolutionary link between these peptides and lifespan.
Published: April 1, 2017
AI Summary
In lymphocyte cultures from ductal breast cancer patients, Livagen plus cobalt ions reduced DNA strand breaks, chromosomal abnormalities, and excess chromatin condensation. The peptide showed protection across all measured genomic parameters.
Published: November 1, 2014
AI Summary
Patients with atherosclerosis showed high genomic instability irrespective of age, and Livagen (alone or with cobalt) normalised these chromatin and chromosome abnormalities. The authors argue this supports a preventive role for Livagen in atherosclerosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Livagen?
A Khavinson tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed in Russia as a tissue-specific bioregulator targeting the liver. Promoted for supporting liver regeneration, age-related liver decline, and as part of broader anti-ageing protocols. Sits in the same family as epithalon (pineal), cortagen (brain), and pinealon (pineal/brain). Most evidence is from Russian preclinical work — rigorous Western clinical trials are essentially nonexistent.
What is Livagen used for?
A Khavinson tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed in Russia as a tissue-specific bioregulator targeting the liver. Promoted for supporting liver regeneration, age-related liver decline, and as part of broader anti-ageing protocols. Sits in the same family as epithalon (pineal), cortagen (brain), and pinealon (pineal/brain). Most evidence is from Russian preclinical work — rigorous Western clinical trials are essentially nonexistent.
What is the dosage for Livagen?
Oral (capsule): 100-200 mg once daily for 10-30 day cycles, repeated 2-3 times per year. Subcutaneous injection: 1-5 mg per dose, alternate days for 10-20 day cycles. Standard Khavinson cycling rather than continuous use.
What are the side effects of Livagen?
Common: generally reported as well tolerated. Serious: very limited Western clinical data; long-term safety in the context of pre-existing liver disease is not established. Rare: allergic reactions. Like other Khavinson bioregulators, the evidence base is significantly thinner than the marketing suggests.
How does Livagen work?
Livagen is a short tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) within the Khavinson bioregulator family — peptides hypothesised to regulate gene expression in tissue-specific ways by binding to gene promoter regions. Livagen is positioned as the liver-targeted member of this family, intended to modulate hepatocyte gene expression in ways that support liver regeneration and counteract age-related decline in hepatic function. Proposed mechanisms include modulation of chromatin condensation states in hepatocyte and lymphocyte nuclei, upregulation of genes involved in hepatic detoxification pathways (cytochrome P450 enzymes, glutathione synthesis), and immunomodulatory effects in liver-resident immune cells. Russian research has reported livagen-induced increases in hepatocyte regeneration markers in animal models of liver injury and changes in lymphocyte chromatin organisation consistent with cellular rejuvenation. As with all Khavinson tripeptides, the proposed action model is that livagen acts as a transient signalling molecule triggering longer-lasting changes in gene expression. Plasma exposure is brief (around 30 minutes) but downstream transcriptional effects are claimed to persist for weeks, justifying pulse-dosing protocols of 10-30 day courses repeated periodically. The evidence base for clinical efficacy is dominated by Russian gerontology research with limited independent Western replication, and clinical use outside Russia remains largely anecdotal. Livagen should not be used as a substitute for evidence-based liver disease management.
How is Livagen administered?
Livagen is administered via oral capsule or subcutaneous injection (cycled).
What is the half-life of Livagen?
The half-life of Livagen is Approximately 30 minutes (acute pharmacology); proposed gene-expression effects outlast plasma exposure.
Is Livagen legal?
Not FDA approved. Sold as a research peptide and as a registered nutritional supplement in Russia. Available internationally through Khavinson-affiliated and research peptide suppliers.
Sources. This profile is built from peer-reviewed papers indexed on PubMed, FDA-approved labelling where available, and published clinical guidelines. The 5 primary sources used are listed in the Research Papers section above, each linked to its PubMed entry. See our editorial standards for how we research and review peptide profiles.
Last reviewed. by the Peptide Reference Editorial Team. Spot an error? Email a correction.
Not medical advice. Information on this page is for educational and research reference only. Many peptides covered are not approved for human use. See our full medical disclaimer.
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