Testagen
Also called KEDG; Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly
A four-amino-acid synthetic peptide. Despite its name, the best-identified hormone studies involve thyroid function in birds, not testosterone in men.
Overview
What it is
A tetrapeptide of lysine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine, studied as a short bioregulator peptide.
How it works
Lab work with labeled Testagen looked at how it enters cultured cells and interacts with DNA. That supports further study but does not show it restores human hormone systems.
What the research shows
In chickens with their pituitary glands removed, a 2008 study reported higher thyroid-stimulating and thyroid hormone levels after 40 days, and a later study found related changes in older birds. A small 2011 report on men with chronic prostatitis mentioned a rise in testosterone, but its preparation may not match purified KEDG and other treatments were given at the same time.
Studied for
- Thyroid structure and hormones in birdsanimal
- Testosterone and fertility claimsnot established
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
No reliable human adverse-event rate or long-term safety profile exists. A compound studied for hormone effects should not be assumed harmless to other hormone systems.
Regulatory status
Not approved by the FDA for any use.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Testagen (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 20 mg Testagen
- Add diluent
- 3 mL
- Concentration
- 6.67 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 66.67 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous).
- Typical range
- 100–300 mcg once daily (gradual titration).
- Cycle length
- 8–12 weeks; optional extension to 16 weeks.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Week | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | 100 mcg (0.1 mg) | 1.5 units (0.015 mL) |
| Weeks 3–4 | 150 mcg (0.15 mg) | 2.25 units (0.0225 mL) |
| Weeks 5–8 | 200 mcg (0.2 mg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Weeks 9–12 (optional) | 250–300 mcg (0.25–0.3 mg) | 3.75–4.5 units (0.0375–0.045 mL) |
How to mix
- 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.
Dosing details
- Start: 100 mcg daily; increase by ~50 mcg every 2 weeks as tolerated.
- Target: 200–300 mcg 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
- 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.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen avoiding 2″ around navel, thighs, upper arms) to avoid tissue damage.
- Use a fine gauge needle (23–25 G, ½–⅝″) for comfort.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- Due to very low injection volumes (≤5 units), a 30‑ or 50‑unit syringe is recommended for precision.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does Testagen raise testosterone?
That has not been established in people. Low testosterone should be confirmed with testing and discussed with a clinician.
Is it the same as testosterone therapy?
No. It is not testosterone and does not have the evidence base or monitoring framework of prescribed hormone treatment.
Is it a fertility peptide?
Its name and marketing do not establish any fertility benefit.
Related in Hormones and Reproductive Health
Sources and further reading (5)
- Fedoreyeva LI, et al. Penetration of short fluorescence-labeled peptides into the nucleus in HeLa cells. Biochemistry (Moscow), 2011.
- Kuznik BI, et al. Lys-Glu-Asp-Gly and thyroid structure and function in hypophysectomized chickens. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2008.
- Kuznik BI, et al. Hormonal activity and thyroid morphology in mature and old birds, 2011.
- Rossikhin VV, et al. Testagen in chronic abacterial prostatitis. Problems of Endocrine Pathology, 2011.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).