Vilon

Overview

Vilon (also designated KE or KE-2) is a synthetic dipeptide consisting of the sequence Lys-Glu (L-Lys-L-Glu; CAS 45234-02-4; MW 275.3 g/mol). It was developed within the Russian short-peptide bioregulator program pioneered by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology (SPIBG), originally conceived as an immune-targeting (thymus) bioregulator. Peer-reviewed animal studies establishing its lifespan-extending and anti-tumor effects appeared in PubMed-indexed Western journals beginning around 2000 [1][2].

Like other Khavinson bioregulators, Vilon is proposed to act as an epigenetic regulator, influencing gene expression and protein synthesis through direct interaction with DNA and chromatin rather than via classical receptor binding. Its most recent characterization (2023) identified specific regulation of SIRT1, PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3 gene expression in human mesenchymal stem cells, linking it mechanistically to known longevity and DNA repair pathways [7].

The preclinical evidence base, spanning lifespan extension in mice, anti-tumor activity, gastrointestinal restoration in aged rats, and immune signaling modulation, is robustly indexed in PubMed. Human clinical data, while existing, is largely published in regional Russian journals and summarized in Khavinson review papers. Western independent replication is absent.

Research Areas and Claims

Vilon has one of the more substantive preclinical profiles among Khavinson bioregulators, with multiple independent PubMed-indexed animal studies and a 2023 mechanistic characterization in human stem cells. Human evidence remains limited to Russian clinical evaluations.

• Lifespan Extension & Anti-Tumor Activity (Preclinical): Two PubMed-indexed animal studies demonstrate that Vilon significantly inhibited spontaneous tumor growth and extended the lifespan of mice. Physical activity increased, body temperature decreased, and spontaneous neoplasm rates fell in treated animals [1][2].

• Carcinogenesis Inhibition (Preclinical): In a rat model of urinary bladder carcinogenesis, Vilon SC administration produced a significantly lower tumor incidence compared to controls [8].

• GI Restoration in Aged Animals (Preclinical): Oral Vilon significantly improved intestinal glucose/glycine transport and restored membrane enzyme activity (maltase, alkaline phosphatase) in the small intestine of aged rats after one month of daily administration [3][4].

• SIRT1 / PARP Regulation (In Vitro, Human Cells): A 2023 study in human mesenchymal stem cells found that Vilon (Lys-Glu) regulates expression of SIRT1, PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3, proteins central to longevity signaling and DNA repair. This is the most recent and mechanistically specific human-cell finding for Vilon [7].

• Immune Recovery (Human Clinical Evaluation): A clinical evaluation in 520 adults convalescing from acute respiratory/viral illness reported that oral Vilon normalized immune parameters in 86% of cases and improved symptom recovery versus placebo over 20 days [6].

• Universal Anti-Aging & Cancer Prevention (Clinic Claims): Broad claims of guaranteed anti-aging rejuvenation, cancer prevention in healthy humans, and universal immune enhancement exceed what the published data supports. Anti-tumor effects were demonstrated in animal carcinogenesis models, not in human oncology trials [1][6].

Mechanism of Action

1. Epigenetic Gene Regulation via DNA/Chromatin Interaction: Vilon is described as an epigenetic regulator that influences gene expression and protein synthesis through direct interaction with DNA and chromatin. This mechanism, common to Khavinson bioregulators, bypasses classical receptor-binding pathways and operates at the transcriptional level [7].
2. SIRT1 & DNA Repair Pathway Modulation: In human mesenchymal stem cells, Lys-Glu regulates SIRT1 (a NAD-dependent deacetylase and key longevity regulator), as well as the DNA repair enzymes PARP1, PARP2, and PARP3. Modulating this axis provides a molecular basis for Vilon's observed geroprotective effects and may explain improved DNA damage response in aging cells [7].
3. Immune Signaling: IL-2 mRNA Stimulation: In vitro studies in murine splenocytes show that Vilon significantly stimulates interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression, an effect consistent with its original classification as a thymus-targeting immunomodulatory bioregulator. This immune-activating property is the proposed basis for its clinical use in convalescence [5].

Preclinical & Clinical Evidence

Vilon has a more extensive PubMed-indexed preclinical record than most Khavinson bioregulators. One human clinical evaluation (520 subjects) is documented. No large-scale Western RCTs exist for any indication.

Administration Methods

• Oral (Capsules): The route used in the sole human clinical evaluation. Protocol: 1 capsule per day with meals for 20 days. Oral administration was also used in the aged-rat GI studies (daily, 1 month). Available as branded NANOPEP Vilon capsules from the original Russian supplier.
• Subcutaneous (SC): The route used in all published animal lifespan and anti-tumor studies. The predominant format in the Western research-chemical market (lyophilized powder reconstituted for injection), though this diverges from the oral route documented in human clinical use.
• Pre-Filled Pen Injector: DTS Pharmacy (EU) offers Vilon as a ready-to-inject 2mL solution in a pen device (~2mg/dose, 10 doses/pen). No reconstitution required. Ships refrigerated.
• Sublingual Spray (Combination): NEMOREX by nanopep.net contains Vilon (KE / Lys-Glu) combined with Peptide EW (Glu-Trp) in a 30mL sublingual spray. mg of Vilon per mL is not disclosed.

Vendor Directory

Data collected February 2026. No Finnrick vendor ratings available for Vilon. Tables split by formulation.

SC Injection: Lyophilized Powder (sorted by $/mg)

* Sale price active at time of data collection; verify current pricing before purchasing. BioLongevity Labs regular price $79.97/20mg ($4.00/mg); Biotech Peptides regular price $65.00/20mg ($3.25/mg). Verified Peptides bulk: 5–9 units $54.00/ea (10% off), 10–24 $51.00/ea (15% off). Core Peptides bulk: 5–8 units $70.30/ea (5% off), 9+ $66.60/ea (10% off). Peptide Sciences bulk: 3 units $63.00/ea, 5 $61.00/ea, 10 $59.00/ea.
† Peptide Products (NANOPEP): Russian supplier (St. Petersburg); original price €85.00; converted at ~1.05 EUR/USD. Purity >97%. Actual USD price varies with exchange rate.

SC Injection: Pre-Filled Pen Injector (EU Supplier)

† European supplier; priced in EUR. USD estimate uses ~1.05 EUR/USD conversion rate (Feb 2026). Ships refrigerated in a cooler box. Ready-to-inject solution; no reconstitution or separate syringes required.

Sublingual Spray: Combination Product

* Data Notes: Data collected February 2026 via independent web search. No Finnrick vendor list exists for Vilon. All injectable products sold strictly for in-vitro research purposes. Prices subject to change. $/mg calculated from listed catalog price divided by total mg per unit.
† EUR-priced vendors (Peptide Products, DTS Pharmacy, NEMOREX): USD figures use approximate 1.05 EUR/USD conversion rate as of February 2026. Actual transaction prices will vary with real-time exchange rates and payment processing fees. NEMOREX mg of Vilon per mL is not disclosed; $/mg not calculable.