Vilon
Also called Lys-Glu; KE dipeptide
A two-amino-acid synthetic peptide studied in immune-cell and aging research. Its findings involve cultured cells and mice and do not show that it rejuvenates people or improves immunity.
Overview
What it is
A dipeptide of lysine and glutamic acid, grouped with thymus-related short bioregulator peptides. It is not the same as Thymogen (glutamic acid + tryptophan) or Thymalin (a natural thymus extract).
How it works
In a 2004 study using immune cells from older donors grown in culture, Vilon changed how tightly some DNA regions were packaged (chromatin). Changes in DNA packaging are not the same as repairing DNA or reversing aging.
What the research shows
A 2000 study in female mice reported longer lifespan and changes in activity and endurance, while other measures did not change. A spleen-aging study linked Vilon to T-helper activity and less cell death. Results from cell lines and mice have not been confirmed in people.
Studied for
- Chromatin changes in immune cellslab
- Lifespan and activity in miceanimal
- Immune-cell activity in aging spleenanimal
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
No robust human benefit-risk profile exists. Not observing a side effect in one experiment is different from proven safety across ages, conditions and medications. People with immune disorders or on immune-modifying drugs should talk to their clinician.
Regulatory status
Not approved by the FDA for any use.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Vilon (20 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 20 mg Vilon
- 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) for 5 consecutive days per cycle.
- Typical range
- 67–667 mcg daily with gradual titration during the first cycle.
- Cycle length
- 5 days on, ~23 days off (4‑week cycle); run 2–4 cycles.
Standard / Gradual Approach
| Phase / Cycle | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1, Day 1 | 67 mcg (0.067 mg) | 1 unit (0.01 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 2 | 133 mcg (0.133 mg) | 2 units (0.02 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 3 | 200 mcg (0.20 mg) | 3 units (0.03 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 4 | 267 mcg (0.267 mg) | 4 units (0.04 mL) |
| Cycle 1, Day 5 | 333 mcg (0.33 mg) | 5 units (0.05 mL) |
| Cycle 2+ (Days 1–5) | 333–667 mcg (0.33–0.67 mg) | 5–10 units (0.05–0.10 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; follow product-specific use-by instructions; do not assume freezing extends stability.
Dosing details
- Start: 67 mcg (1 unit) on Day 1; increase by ~67 mcg (1 unit) each day during first cycle.
- Target: 333–667 mcg (5–10 units) daily by Cycle 2 onward.
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous) for 5 consecutive days per cycle.
- Cycle Length: 5 days on, ~23 days off (4‑week cycle); run 2–4 cycles.
- Timing: Any consistent time; rotate injection sites.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Follow the exact product’s labeled storage temperature and expiration instructions; keep the vial dry and protected from light.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by and sterile-handling instructions; do not assume aliquoting or freezing extends stability.
- 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, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes (30‑ or 50‑unit recommended for low‑volume accuracy); 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 across cycles.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Does Vilon extend human lifespan?
The mouse study does not establish that.
Is Vilon the same as Thymogen?
No. They have different amino-acid sequences and separate research.
Does chromatin reactivation mean DNA was repaired?
No. Changes in packaging or gene activity are not DNA repair.
Related in Healthy Aging
Sources and further reading (5)
- Lezhava T, et al. Vilon and chromatin in cultured lymphocytes from older donors. Biogerontology, 2004.
- Khavinson VK, et al. Vilon, biological-age measures and lifespan in mice. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2000.
- Morozov VG, Khavinson VK. Natural and synthetic thymic-peptide research. Int J Immunopharmacol, 1997.
- Immunoprotective peptide effects in spleen-aging research. Advances in Gerontology, 2014.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).