Prostamax is a short synthetic tetrapeptide—Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro (KEDP)—studied as a peptide bioregulator for its capacity to modulate chromatin structure and gene expression, particularly in immune cells and prostate-related models. It’s not an approved therapy; it is a research compound used under laboratory conditions only. (PubMed)
Fast Answer / Executive Summary (40–60 words)
Prostamax (KEDP) is a synthetic tetrapeptide researched for chromatin “de‑heterochromatinization” and gene-expression effects that may normalize age‑related changes in cells, with preclinical data in lymphocytes and prostate models. It remains research‑only (no clinical approvals). Lab handling follows sterile compounding norms (USP <797>) and standard peptide reconstitution practices. (PubMed)
Entity Properties (for researchers; educational only)
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases / Synonyms | Prostamax; KEDP; H‑Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro‑OH; sometimes marketed with the capitalization “ProstaMax” (standardized here as Prostamax) |
| Family / Pathway | Short regulatory “Khavinson” peptides; studied for epigenetic modulation via chromatin remodeling and DNA‑peptide interactions |
| Sequence (AA) | Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro (KEDP) |
| Molecular Weight (Da) | ~487.5 Da |
| CAS | Not assigned in major registries (CAS number not listed in PubChem record) |
| Typical Diluent(s)* | Sterile water for injection; bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi‑dose research use; 0.9% saline or 0.1% acetic acid may be used for difficult solubility |
| Example Concentration(s) (educational) | Tissue/explant work reported 2–400 ng/mL (notably ~20 ng/mL); rat model: 0.1 μg s.c. daily × 10 days (species‑specific, not for humans) |
| Storage (lyophilized / after reconstitution) | Lyophilized: 4 °C short‑term, −20 °C longer‑term, protect from light; After reconstitution: 2–8 °C for short‑term, avoid repeated freeze–thaw; follow sterile‑compounding SOPs |
*Diluent choice is peptide‑ and protocol‑specific; follow institutional SOPs and primary literature.
Sources for table fields: sequence/synonyms/formula (PubChem); chromatin/epigenetic mechanism (peer‑reviewed); explant/animal concentrations and dosing (European patent); diluents and storage (USP <797>, NIBSC guidance, DailyMed label for bacteriostatic water). (PubChem)
Core Concepts & Key Entities
What exactly is Prostamax?
Prostamax is the tetrapeptide Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro (KEDP) studied as a peptide bioregulator that can alter chromatin architecture and gene expression in cells. Human lymphocyte studies observed shifts in chromatin thermal‑denaturation profiles consistent with partial relaxation of condensed chromatin fibers (a proxy for “opening” chromatin). (PubMed)
Standardization note: You may see “ProstaMax,” “KEDP,” or “H‑KEDP‑OH”; these refer to the same tetrapeptide. PubChem lists H‑Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro‑OH and “KEDP” among its synonyms. We standardize to Prostamax (KEDP) in this article. (PubChem)
How is Prostamax thought to work?
Prostamax is investigated for epigenetic activity—specifically, for promoting chromatin de‑heterochromatinization (opening) and ribosomal gene activation—thereby potentially normalizing age‑related chromatin compaction. Short regulatory peptides have been modeled to bind DNA promoter motifs, supporting a plausible gene‑regulatory mechanism. (PubMed)
In older human subjects, Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro exposure increased sister chromatid exchange (SCE) and silver‑stained nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) activity, changes interpreted as chromatin remodeling. These results complement calorimetry findings showing small but measurable thermal shifts after Prostamax treatment in lymphocyte chromatin. (PubMed)
What does the preclinical evidence suggest?
- Human lymphocytes (ex vivo/in situ): Prostamax produced 2.9 °C and 1.0 °C downward shifts of two DNA denaturation endotherms, consistent with partial relaxation of 30‑nm chromatin fibers into 10‑nm filaments. Interpretation: chromatin becomes more transcriptionally accessible. (PubMed)
- Elderly subjects’ lymphocytes: Short peptides (including Prostamax) activated ribosomal genes and decondensed densely packed chromatin regions; Prostamax was among peptides affecting pericentromeric chromatin of specific chromosomes. (PubMed)
- Aging‑related chromatin remodeling: Independent Georgian Medical News work reported de‑heterochromatinization in aged cohorts treated with Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro, aligning with the concept that selective chromosomal regions are modulated by short peptides. (PubMed)
- Prostate‑relevant models: A peer‑reviewed European patent details Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro as a tetrapeptide regulating prostate functions in explant and rat chronic bacterial prostatitis models (e.g., 0.1 μg s.c. daily × 10 days), with reported anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant indices. (Patents are not clinical trials but provide primary experimental details.) (Google Patents)
Scope & limits: Evidence remains preclinical (cell/ex vivo/animal). No robust randomized clinical trial evidence demonstrates therapeutic efficacy of Prostamax in humans, and it is not an FDA‑approved drug. (Google Patents)
How does Prostamax relate to other short peptides?
Short regulatory peptides (often called Khavinson peptides) have been studied across tissues for effects on proliferation, apoptosis, and gene regulation. While KED (Lys‑Glu‑Asp; tripeptide) is reported in neurogenesis contexts, KEDP (tetrapeptide) is the prostatically oriented variant discussed here. Both sit within a mechanistic umbrella of short peptides affecting gene expression and chromatin state. (PubMed)
Information‑gain insight: In lab work, Prostamax’s chromatin thermal‑shift signature (ΔTd ≈ −2.9 °C/−1.0 °C) can function as a bench‑level readout to QC the presence of a chromatin‑relaxing effect in lymphocyte assays—an underused, practical marker that links a biophysical change to hypothesized transcriptional accessibility. (PubMed)
Step‑by‑Step / How‑To (Research Handling Only)
Below is a generic educational framework for laboratories working with lyophilized peptides. Always follow your institution’s SOPs, biosafety rules, and local regulations. This is not medical guidance.
H3 — Step 1: Prepare a sterile workspace
Set up in a certified sterile environment compliant with USP <797> (or local equivalent): garbing, aseptic technique, disinfection, and environmental controls. Document BUDs (beyond‑use dates) per risk category and SOP. (Veterans Affairs)
H3 — Step 2: Choose a suitable diluent
Select an appropriate solvent based on peptide properties and protocol: sterile water for injection, bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) for multi‑dose vialing under sterile technique, isotonic saline, or 0.1% acetic acid for difficult solubility. Confirm compatibility and labeling (e.g., benzyl alcohol content) on official monographs/labels. (DailyMed)
H3 — Step 3: Reconstitute gently
Allow the vial to reach room temperature, swab the septum, and add diluent slowly along the glass wall. Avoid vigorous shaking; swirl or roll to dissolve. For sticky peptides, brief sonication or small increments of solvent may help. (NIBSC)
H3 — Step 4: Prepare a working concentration (example math)
For a 20 mg vial, adding 10 mL yields 2 mg/mL stock. For explant assays, literature examples span 2–400 ng/mL (e.g., 20 ng/mL). Adjust volumes using C1V1=C2V2 and validate with your protocol. (Numbers here are educational and not human dosing.) (Google Patents)
H3 — Step 5: Label, aliquot, and store
Aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw cycles. Lyophilized peptides: store 4 °C (short) to −20 °C (longer‑term), protected from light. After reconstitution: store 2–8 °C for short‑term work per SOP, considering preservative content and sterility risk. (MilliporeSigma)
Compliance reminder: Prostamax is for research use only. Do not use in humans or animals outside approved protocols. Follow institutional biosafety and quality systems (e.g., USP <797> sterile compounding standards where applicable). (Veterans Affairs)
For a worked example of vial math and lab‑focused planning, see PeptideDosages.com’s educational protocol page: Prostamax 20 mg Vial Dosage Protocol.
Comparison / Alternatives (What else is in the landscape?)
Plain‑English takeaway: Prostamax is a research peptide focused on chromatin/epigenetic modulation; clinical BPH/CPPS management relies on well‑studied pharmacologic classes, while saw palmetto remains unsupported by high‑quality trials.
| Option | What it is | Proposed/Primary Mechanism | Evidence for prostate/LUTS outcomes | Regulatory status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prostamax (KEDP) | Synthetic tetrapeptide bioregulator | Chromatin de‑heterochromatinization; gene‑expression modulation | Preclinical: lymphocyte chromatin shifts; explant and rat models | Research‑only, not FDA‑approved |
| α‑blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) | Rx class for BPH/CPPS | Relax prostatic/urethral smooth muscle | RCTs/guidelines: can reduce CP/CPPS & LUTS in select patients | FDA‑approved drugs; guideline‑directed use |
| Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) | Herbal supplement | 5‑α‑reductase inhibition (proposed) | High‑quality trials & Cochrane: no meaningful benefit vs placebo | OTC supplement; not a drug |
| Prostate peptide extracts (e.g., Prostatilen/Samprost) | Extracted polypeptide mixtures | Tissue‑derived peptides; variable composition | Mostly regional legacy data; limited high‑quality RCTs | Not FDA‑approved in the U.S. |
Key sources: Prostamax mechanism/evidence (Biofizika 2004; BExpBiolMed 2004; GMN 2012; patent); α‑blockers in CP/CPPS (AUA guidance; meta‑analyses); saw palmetto (NEJM 2006; JAMA 2011; NCCIH spotlight; Cochrane 2023). (PubMed)
Templates / Checklist / Example
Copy‑ready Lab Checklist (educational; adapt to your SOPs)
- Verify research‑only status and IRB/IACUC or institutional approvals where applicable.
- Confirm peptide identity (COA, sequence KEDP, lot, purity).
- Review relevant primary literature and define target working concentrations (e.g., explant ng/mL ranges). (Google Patents)
- Prepare sterile workspace per USP <797> (garbing, cleaning, airflow, logs). (Veterans Affairs)
- Select a compatible diluent (sterile water; bacteriostatic water 0.9% benzyl alcohol if multi‑dose; saline; 0.1% acetic acid when appropriate). (DailyMed)
- Calculate stock and working solutions (C1V1=C2V2); record exact volumes.
- Reconstitute gently (swirl; avoid foam); note appearance/clarity. (NIBSC)
- Aliquot to reduce freeze–thaw; label with concentration, diluent, date, BUD. (Veterans Affairs)
- Store lyophilized at 4 °C/−20 °C; reconstituted at 2–8 °C; protect from light. (MilliporeSigma)
- Document method, deviations, and disposal per biosafety rules.
FAQs (NLP‑friendly, snippet‑optimized)
What is Prostamax?
Prostamax is the tetrapeptide Lys‑Glu‑Asp‑Pro (KEDP) investigated as a peptide bioregulator that can relax heterochromatin and influence gene expression in cell models; it remains research‑only and is not approved for treating disease. (PubMed)
Is Prostamax the same as a saw‑palmetto “ProstaMax” supplement?
No—Prostamax (KEDP) is a synthetic research peptide, whereas some products called “ProstaMax” are herbal (e.g., saw palmetto blends). These are unrelated categories with different evidence and regulation. (Laboratoire THERASCIENCE)
What human data exist on Prostamax?
Human data are limited to ex vivo/in situ lymphocyte and chromatin studies, which report small but measurable thermal shifts (e.g., −2.9 °C, −1.0 °C) and chromatin remodeling indicators. There are no robust randomized human trials for clinical endpoints. (PubMed)
What concentrations/doses were used in preclinical work?
Preclinical reports used 2–400 ng/mL in explants (with ~20 ng/mL often effective) and 0.1 μg s.c. daily × 10 days in rats with induced prostatitis. These are not human dosing guidelines and are presented only for laboratory context. (Google Patents)
Does Prostamax have a CAS number?
A CAS Registry Number is not listed for Prostamax in major databases, such as the PubChem record, which catalogs synonyms (e.g., “H‑KEDP‑OH”) and structure without a CAS entry. (PubChem)
Is saw palmetto effective for BPH compared with standard drugs?
Large, high‑quality trials and reviews show saw palmetto does not outperform placebo for LUTS/BPH, while α‑blockers have evidence‑based roles in guidelines for appropriate patients. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Next Steps
Bottom line: Prostamax (KEDP) is a research‑only peptide with preclinical evidence of chromatin remodeling; it is not a medical treatment. For lab planning and vial math examples, see our internal guide: Prostamax 20 mg Vial Dosage Protocol. For research supply, PureLabPeptides lists Prostamax 20 mg (research use only).
This blog is written by and will be posted on PeptideDosages.com. Educational content only; no medical advice.