Livagen (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Quickstart Highlights
Livagen (Lys-Glu-Asp-Ala) is a synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator studied for its effects on peptidase inhibition and epigenetic modulation in aging tissues[1][4]. Preclinical research demonstrates Livagen strongly inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes[1] and induces heterochromatin decondensation with gene reactivation in aged cells[4]. No standardized human dosing exists; this educational protocol presents a once-daily subcutaneous approach based on analogy with similar peptide bioregulators.
- Reconstitute: Add 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water → ~6.67 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical daily range: 0.5–2.0 mg once daily (gradual titration over 8–12 weeks).
- Easy measuring: At 6.67 mg/mL, 1 unit = 0.01 mL ≈ 0.0667 mg (66.7 mcg) on a U-100 insulin syringe.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C (−4 °F); after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); avoid freeze–thaw cycles.
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and daily dosing
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~6.67 mg/mL)
| Week | Daily Dose (mg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 0.5 mg (500 mcg) | 7.5 units (0.075 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 1.0 mg (1000 mcg) | 15 units (0.15 mL) |
| Weeks 5–6 | 1.5 mg (1500 mcg) | 22.5 units (0.225 mL) |
| Weeks 7–12 | 2.0 mg (2000 mcg) | 30 units (0.30 mL) |
Frequency: Inject once daily subcutaneously. This schedule uses a 3.0 mL dilution to yield measurable volumes on standard insulin syringes. For ≤10-unit (≤0.10 mL) administrations (e.g., the initial 7.5-unit dose), consider 30- or 50-unit insulin syringes for improved readability.
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 3.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Supplies Needed
Plan based on an 8–16 week daily protocol with gradual titration.
-
Peptide Vials (Livagen, 20 mg each):
- 8 weeks ≈ 4 vials
- 12 weeks ≈ 7 vials
- 16 weeks ≈ 10 vials
-
Insulin Syringes (U-100):
- Per week: 7 syringes (1/day)
- 8 weeks: 56 syringes
- 12 weeks: 84 syringes
- 16 weeks: 112 syringes
-
Bacteriostatic Water (10 mL bottles): Use ~3.0 mL per vial for reconstitution.
- 8 weeks (4 vials): 12 mL → 2 × 10 mL bottles
- 12 weeks (7 vials): 21 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
- 16 weeks (10 vials): 30 mL → 3 × 10 mL bottles
-
Alcohol Swabs: One for the vial stopper + one for the injection site each day.
- Per week: 14 swabs (2/day)
- 8 weeks: 112 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- 12 weeks: 168 swabs → recommend 2 × 100-count boxes
- 16 weeks: 224 swabs → recommend 3 × 100-count boxes
Protocol Overview
Concise summary of the once-daily regimen.
- Goal: Support cellular homeostasis and regenerative processes in aging tissues[3].
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 8–12 weeks (extend to 16 weeks if desired).
- Dose Range: 0.5–2.0 mg daily with gradual titration.
- Reconstitution: 3.0 mL per 20 mg vial (~6.67 mg/mL) for accurate unit measurements.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid repeated freeze–thaw.
Dosing Protocol
Suggested daily titration approach.
- Start: 0.5 mg daily; increase by ~0.5 mg every 1–2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 1.5–2.0 mg daily by Weeks 5–12.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Cycle Length: 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage preserves peptide quality.
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C (−4 °F) in dry, dark conditions; minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); prepare aliquots if needed and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Important Notes
Practical considerations for consistency and safety.
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container[5].
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation[6].
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- No standardized human clinical administration studies exist for Livagen; dosing is extrapolated from preclinical data and similar peptide bioregulators.
How This Works
Livagen’s mechanisms involve peptidase inhibition and epigenetic modulation. The peptide strongly inhibits enkephalin-degrading enzymes (IC50 ≈ 20 μM) in human serum[1], which may prolong endogenous enkephalin activity. Notably, this occurs without direct opioid receptor binding[1]. In aging cells, Livagen has been shown to induce heterochromatin decondensation and reactivate ribosomal genes[4]. Preclinical studies in rat liver organ cultures demonstrated enhanced cellular structure and regenerative processes[3], while oral administration in aged rats shifted digestive enzyme activities toward youthful patterns[2].
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Observations from preclinical and in vitro literature.
- Supports inhibition of enkephalin-degrading enzymes, potentially prolonging endogenous enkephalin signaling[1].
- May modulate gene expression and chromatin structure in aging tissues[4].
- Preclinical evidence suggests support for cellular homeostasis and regenerative capacity[3].
- In aged rodents, oral dosing normalized digestive enzyme activity toward youthful levels[2].
- No human clinical administration studies have been reported; side effect profile in humans is unknown.
- Occasional mild injection-site reactions (redness/itch) may occur with subcutaneous administration.
Lifestyle Factors
Complementary strategies for best outcomes.
- Maintain a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to support cellular health.
- Engage in regular physical activity to reinforce metabolic and regenerative adaptations.
- Prioritize sleep quality and stress management to support overall homeostasis.
Injection Technique
General subcutaneous guidance from clinical best-practice resources[7].
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry[6].
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue[6][8].
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily[9].
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy[6].
- Dispose of used syringes immediately in a sharps container[5].
Recommended Source
We recommend Pure Lab Peptides for high-purity Livagen (20 mg).
Why Pure Lab Peptides?
- High-purity, third-party-tested lots with batch COAs.
- Consistent, ISO-aligned handling and documentation.
- Reliable fulfillment to maintain cold-chain integrity.
Important Note
This content is intended for therapeutic educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
-
Biology Bulletin (Springer)
— Effects of Livagen and Epitalon on Enkephalin-Degrading Enzymes from Human Serum -
PubMed
— Effect of peptide Livagen on activity of digestive enzymes in gastrointestinal tract and non-digestive organs in rats of different ages -
PubMed
— Functional morphology of an organotypic liver culture exposed to the peptide Livagen -
ResearchGate / Neuroendocrinology Letters
— Peptides and Ageing: heterochromatin decondensation and gene reactivation -
CDC
— Preventing Unsafe Injection Practices (clinical safety and sharps disposal) -
MedlinePlus
— Subcutaneous (SQ) injections: technique, site rotation, and skin preparation -
PMC
— Subcutaneous Drug Injection Review: pharmacologic considerations of the subcutaneous route -
CDC (Subcut Injection PDF)
— Vaccine Administration: Subcutaneous injection technique and site guidance -
Immunize.org
— How to Administer Intramuscular and Subcutaneous Vaccine Injections (no aspiration guidance) -
NCBI Bookshelf
— Best practices for injection: asepsis, preparation, and administration -
Pure Lab Peptides
— Livagen (20 mg) product page (quality and batch documentation)