What Is Ovagen?
Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator with the sequence Glu-Asp-Leu (EDL), developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a liver and gastrointestinal (GI)-targeted member of the Khavinson bioregulator family. It was originally derived from liver tissue extracts and later synthesized as a defined three-amino-acid compound (MW ≈ 375.37 g/mol). It was developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Like other Khavinson peptides, Ovagen is proposed to interact with DNA/chromatin regulatory regions in tissue-specific cells — hepatocytes and GI epithelial cells — to normalize age-related changes in gene expression, support detoxification, and promote cellular repair under toxic or oxidative stress. It is available in two formats: RUO lyophilized peptide vials (SubQ or in-vitro use) and Cytogen oral capsules/drops (supplement format).
Most published research is Russian, small-sample, and preclinical. The FDA classifies Ovagen as a Category 2 bulk drug substance — compounded medication use is prohibited in the US. Western-style RCTs are absent. All peptide-format vendor products are sold for research use only (RUO).
Mechanism of Action
Chromatin and gene-regulation effects: Ovagen is proposed to interact with DNA regulatory regions in hepatocytes and GI epithelial cells, modulating chromatin structure (de-heterochromatinization) analogously to other Khavinson peptides. This would restore gene accessibility and transcriptional profiles associated with healthy liver and GI function, and support genomic stability under toxic or aging-related stress. English-language mechanistic publications are limited; most evidence is theoretical, derived from Khavinson framework studies and parallels with Livagen and Epitalon.
Hepatic and GI tissue support: RUO and Cytogen sources describe Ovagen as promoting hepatocyte regeneration, normalizing protein synthesis, improving metabolic handling of toxins, and stabilizing GI mucosal integrity. Russian before/after studies report normalization of liver enzyme markers (ALT/AST) and improved detoxification capacity. Roles in angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and cytoprotective pathways in liver, kidney, and epithelial cells have been described — all evidence is preclinical or observational.
Quick Reference
Member reference tables summarize the compound's research parameters.
Research Indications
Research Protocols (Educational Only)
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Research Protocols
As reported in cited literature and research-community logs (see Research Citations below), not a personal dosing recommendation.
This member section describes parameters reported in the research literature.
Peptide Interactions
This member section summarizes reported compound interactions and evidence limitations.
Safety Notes
Included for harm-reduction awareness only, in the event this compound is encountered outside its labeled research use. Inclusion here does not imply RUO Codes endorses, recommends, or instructs human use.
This member section discusses research safety considerations and uncertainties.
Quality Indicators
Reported Research Time Points
This member section summarizes reported research time points.
Research Citations
- Comparison of effects of Epithalon and Livagen on endogenous opioid system in humans
Khavinson VKh et al., 2004, Bull Exp Biol Med — Khavinson peptide family EOS reference - Effects of peptide bioregulators on liver protein biosynthesis in old rats
Khavinson VKh, Tarnovskaya SI et al., 2005, Bull Exp Biol Med - Effect of the peptide Livagen on chromatin activation in lymphocytes of old and young people
Khavinson VKh et al., 2002, Bull Exp Biol Med — Khavinson chromatin framework reference - Khavinson development attribution. Existing stored entry reference; Existing stored entry reference
Ovagen is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator with the sequence Glu-Asp-Leu (EDL) , developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a liver and gastrointestinal (GI)-targeted member of the Khavinson bioregulator family. It was originally derived from liver tissue extracts and later synthesized as a defined three-amino-acid compound (MW ≈ 375.37 g/mol).