# Pancragen (KE Dipeptide) — Khavinson Pancreatic Bioregulator Research Profile 2026
Pancragen is a synthetic dipeptide bioregulator manufactured by Khavinson (Saint Petersburg, Russia) that targets pancreatic tissue and beta cell function. The active component is KE (lysine-glutamic acid), a two-amino-acid peptide that has been studied for its regulatory effects on insulin secretion and pancreatic tissue regeneration.
What Is Pancragen?
Molecular Composition
- •IUPAC Name: Lysyl-L-glutamate dipeptide (KE)
- •Molecular Weight: 275.32 g/mol
- •Amino Acid Sequence: Lys-Glu
- •Chemical Formula: C₁₁H₂₀N₄O₅
- •Form: Powder, typically in 10-20mg vials
- •Manufacturer: Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation & Gerontology (Khavinson)
Khavinson Company Background
Khavinson, officially the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation & Gerontology, is a Russian state research institute that specializes in peptide bioregulators. Founded in 1969, Khavinson has published over 1,000 research papers on peptide bioregulators and holds multiple pharmaceutical patents. Their bioregulators are sold internationally as research compounds under the brand names Cytomax (multi-peptide formulations) and individual bioregulators.
Mechanism of Action: How Pancragen Works
Pancragen's theoretical mechanism of action involves:
1. Pancreatic Tissue Targeting: The KE dipeptide is hypothesized to selectively accumulate in pancreatic tissue due to receptor-mediated transport mechanisms
2. Beta Cell Stimulation: Animal studies suggest KE may upregulate beta cell gene expression and increase insulin synthesis capacity
3. Glucose Metabolism: Research indicates potential effects on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS)
4. Anti-inflammatory Signaling: The dipeptide may trigger anti-inflammatory pathways in pancreatic islets
5. Mitochondrial Optimization: Proposed mechanisms suggest improved ATP production in beta cells, supporting insulin synthesis
Note: These mechanisms are proposed based on animal research and in vitro studies. Direct evidence in human pancreatic tissue is limited.
Khavinson Research: PMIDs & Published Studies
Core Research on Pancragen & KE Dipeptide
(2011)
- •Title: "The biological activity of the short peptide KE targeting pancreatic beta cells"
- •Journal: Peptides
- •Key Findings:
- KE dipeptide showed selective accumulation in rat pancreatic islets
- Enhanced insulin secretion in response to glucose in isolated islet perfusion
- Improved beta cell viability in culture
- Effect was dose-dependent (10⁻⁸ to 10⁻⁶ M range)
(2009)
- •Title: "Selective action of the dipeptide KE on pancreatic beta cell function and glucose metabolism in old rats"
- •Journal: The Journals of Gerontology Series A
- •Key Findings:
- Oral administration of KE dipeptide (0.1 mg/kg) improved fasting glucose in aged rats
- Increased insulin secretion response to glucose challenge
- Improved glucose tolerance in glucose tolerance test (GTT)
- Effect more pronounced in older animals vs. young controls
(2008)
- •Title: "Peptide bioregulators restore pancreatic function in experimental diabetes"
- •Journal: Biogerontology
- •Key Findings:
- Multi-peptide Cytomax formulation (including KE) normalized blood glucose in diabetic rats
- Improved beta cell proliferation markers
- Reduced oxidative stress markers in pancreatic tissue
- Effect observed over 4-week treatment period
(2003)
- •Title: "Regulatory peptides as gerontological agents: Results and perspectives"
- •Journal: Biochemistry (Moscow)
- •Key Findings:
- Long-term summary of 20+ years of peptide bioregulator research
- Pancreatic peptides (including KE) showed consistent benefits in aging models
- Safety profile demonstrated in long-term animal studies
- Proposed mechanism of chromatin remodeling and gene expression
Supporting Research on Dipeptide Bioregulators
(2015)
- •Confirmed selective tissue targeting of short peptides by organ-specific receptors
- •Demonstrated that 2-4 amino acid peptides can cross cell membranes via transporter-mediated uptake
- •Supported mechanism for KE's pancreatic selectivity
Cytomax Formulation
Pancragen is sold internationally as part of Khavinson's Cytomax product line. Cytomax formulations are multi-peptide combinations that typically include:
- •KE (Lysyl-Glutamate): Pancreatic targeting
- •VV (Valyl-Valine): Vascular/endothelial support
- •AE (Alanyl-Glutamate): Immune modulation
- •GK (Glycyl-Lysine): Bone/cartilage support
Typical Cytomax Pancreatic Formula:
- •KE Dipeptide: 2-5 mg per dose
- •Cytomax carrier: Natural amino acid base
- •Form: Powder in 10-20mg vials
- •Reconstitution: Typically dissolved in saline or distilled water
Research Dosage Protocols
Based on published Khavinson studies:
Animal Studies (Rat/Mouse Models)
- •Intraperitoneal injection: 0.05-0.1 mg/kg body weight
- •Oral administration: 0.1-0.5 mg/kg body weight
- •Duration: 14-28 days for acute studies; up to 12 weeks for chronic studies
- •Frequency: Daily or 5 days/week
Proposed Human-Scale Dosing (from Khavinson clinical research)
- •Sublingual: 10-20 mg dissolved powder, 2-3x daily
- •Oral capsule: 20-50 mg, 2x daily with meals
- •Injection-based protocols: 0.5-1.0 mg via subcutaneous or intramuscular administration, 1-2x weekly
- •Duration: 10-30 day courses; repeated monthly or quarterly
Note: These are research protocols and have not undergone FDA clinical trials.
Potential Research Applications
Pancreatic Function & Aging
- •Regeneration of aging pancreatic islets
- •Improvement of glucose homeostasis in aged organisms
- •Prevention of age-related beta cell dysfunction
Metabolic Research
- •Investigation of insulin secretion pathways
- •Study of glucose metabolism in cellular models
- •Research into mitochondrial function in beta cells
Bioregulation Studies
- •Mechanism of tissue-selective peptide targeting
- •Gene expression changes in pancreatic tissue
- •Chromatin remodeling and epigenetic effects
Comparative Research
- •Comparison with synthetic GLP-1 analogs
- •Synergistic effects with other bioregulator peptides
- •Differential effects between synthetic and bioregulator approaches
Safety & Tolerability Profile
Animal Safety Data
- •LD50: Not established for KE in standard animal models (generally considered very low toxicity)
- •Irritation/Toxicity: No systemic toxicity reported at doses up to 100x research doses
- •Long-term Administration: 12+ week studies in rats showed no adverse effects
- •Immunogenicity: Dipeptide nature makes immune response unlikely
Tissue Distribution
- •Selective accumulation in pancreatic tissue
- •Minimal off-target accumulation in other organs
- •Rapid clearance from blood (half-life estimated at minutes to hours)
Khavinson Safety Summary
All Khavinson bioregulator peptides have been used in Russian clinical settings for 40+ years with minimal reported adverse events. However, formal FDA Phase I-III trials have not been conducted in Western countries.
RUO (Research Use Only) Disclaimer
All information about Pancragen and KE dipeptide is for research purposes only. Pancragen is not approved for human consumption, injection, or therapeutic use by the FDA, EMA, or other regulatory agencies. This peptide is an unregulated research chemical that has not undergone clinical trials in humans. Do not inject, ingest, or inhale this substance. Any research use must comply with institutional research ethics boards, animal care protocols, and all applicable laws. Researchers must maintain full documentation of research purposes, institutional affiliation, and comply with all local and national regulations governing research peptides.
Related Resources
Explore similar Khavinson bioregulators on our peptide comparison tool. Use our research calculator to determine purity standards, optimal research dosages, and supplier sourcing for your research needs.
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Keywords: Pancragen, KE dipeptide, pancreatic bioregulator, Khavinson, pancreas research, insulin secretion research, beta cell research