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Early human data Metabolic Health

Pancragen

Also called KEDW; Lys-Glu-Asp-Trp

A four-amino-acid bioregulator peptide studied for pancreatic function and age-related changes in blood-sugar control. The research is early and does not show it treats diabetes or regenerates the pancreas.

Overview

What it is

A tetrapeptide of lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and tryptophan. It is not insulin, a digestive enzyme or a GLP-1 medicine.

How it works

In aging pancreatic cell cultures, it changed activity and DNA methylation of genes linked to pancreatic cell identity (PDX1, PAX6, NGN3). Gene activity changes are not the same as rebuilding insulin-producing cells.

What the research shows

A small 2011 report in older adults with type 2 diabetes described lower fasting glucose, lower insulin and better insulin-resistance scores, but design details are unclear. Studies in older rhesus monkeys reported faster glucose clearance, with some effects lasting three weeks after stopping.

Studied for

  • Blood sugar in older adultssmall report
  • Glucose tolerance in older monkeysanimal
  • Pancreatic gene expressionlab

Safety and regulatory status

Safety and side effects

There is no dependable side-effect list or long-term safety data. Anyone on insulin or other glucose-lowering drugs should be especially cautious; never reduce prescribed medication based on a seller's claim.

Regulatory status

Not approved by the FDA for any use.

Common questions

Can Pancragen replace insulin?

No. Treatment decisions belong with your diabetes care team.

Does it help pancreatitis?

The research does not address pancreatitis.

Is it a digestive enzyme?

No. Enzyme products help digest food; Pancragen is an experimental peptide.

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Sources and further reading (5)
  1. Korkushko OV, et al. Pancragen for metabolic disorders in elderly people. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2011.
  2. Goncharova ND, et al. Pancragen and pancreatic endocrine function in old monkeys. Advances in Gerontology, 2014.
  3. Ashapkin VV, et al. Epigenetic mechanisms of peptidergic regulation during aging of human cells. Biochemistry (Moscow), 2015.
  4. NIDDK. Insulin, medicines and other diabetes treatments.
  5. Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Educational information only. This content summarizes published research for general education. It is not medical advice, not a recommendation to use any substance, and not an instruction for human or animal use. It does not describe any Research Product sold on this site.