Skip to content
preclinicalWeight Loss & Diabetes

Pancragen

Also known as: Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp, KEDW tetrapeptide, Pancreatic bioregulator

Pancragen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator targeting pancreatic tissue. Developed by Khavinson, it is proposed to regulate gene expression in pancreatic islet cells, potentially supporting insulin-producing beta cell function. Preclinical studies in aged animal models report improvements in glucose metabolism markers and pancreatic endocrine function following Pancragen administration.

2 cited references·2 researched benefits

Quick Answer

Pancragen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator targeting pancreatic tissue gene expression. Khavinson's preclinical research suggests it supports pancreatic beta cell function and glucose metabolism in aging models. As part of the tissue-specific bioregulator family, it may modulate islet cell gene expression to maintain insulin-producing capacity. It remains a preclinical research compound without regulatory approval.

Key Facts

Mechanism
Pancragen is proposed to interact with DNA regulatory sequences in pancreatic islet cells, modulating expression of genes involved in insulin synthesis (INS gene), beta cell survival (PDX1, NKX6.1), and glucose sensing (glucokinase). The tryptophan residue may additionally serve as a precursor for local serotonin synthesis in pancreatic beta cells, where serotonin functions as a paracrine regulator of insulin secretion.
Research Status
preclinical
Half-Life
~1–2 hours (estimated)
Molecular Formula
C₂₂H₃₀N₄O₈
Primary Use
Weight Loss & Diabetes
Table of Contents

Benefits

  • Beta cell support — may preserve insulin-producing capacity in aging pancreatic tissuepreliminary
  • Glucose metabolism — improvements in glucose tolerance markers in aged animal modelspreliminary

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Research use only10–100 mcgVariablePreclinical research compound. No approved therapeutic dosing.

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • No significant adverse effects reported in preclinical studiesrare

Frequently Asked Questions

Could Pancragen help with diabetes?
While preclinical studies suggest Pancragen may support beta cell function, it has not been tested in human diabetic patients. The evidence base is limited to animal studies and cell culture experiments. For diabetes management, well-established therapies (insulin, metformin, GLP-1 receptor agonists) have robust clinical evidence. Pancragen should be considered an experimental research compound, not a diabetes treatment.

References

  1. 1
    Effect of pancreatic peptide bioregulator on islet function in aging(2009)
  2. 2
    Short peptides in metabolic regulation: pancreatic bioregulators(2011)PubMed ↗

Latest Research

Last updated: 2026-02-19