Svetinorm and Ovagen are tissue-specific peptide bioregulators designed to restore and maintain the function of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, these compounds represent the two "generations" of hepatic peptide therapy:
- Svetinorm (Cytomax): A natural, complex polypeptide extract from the liver of young animals. It provides a broad, slow-acting, and long-lasting "nutritional" signal to liver tissue.
- Ovagen (Cytogen): A synthetic, ultra-short tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Leu) that mimics the active site of the natural extract. It acts rapidly to initiate cellular repair and normalize enzyme activity.
Together, they form a complete protocol for treating chronic liver conditions, protecting against hepatotoxicity (alcohol, drugs, chemotherapy), and correcting metabolic disorders like dyslipidemia.
Regulatory Status: Svetinorm and Ovagen are sold as dietary supplements (bioregulators) in Russia, Europe, and the US. They are not FDA-approved drugs. Ovagen the bioregulator (Glu-Asp-Leu) is distinct from the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, which is sometimes marketed under the brand name "Ovagen" in certain countries.
Like all Khavinson bioregulators, Svetinorm and Ovagen function via epigenetic regulation. They do not force the liver to work harder (like a stimulant) or block specific enzymes (like a drug); rather, they restore the liver's ability to repair itself by normalizing gene expression.
The short-chain peptides in these compounds penetrate the cell membrane and enter the nucleus of hepatocytes (liver cells).
- Chromatin Unfolding: Ovagen (Glu-Asp-Leu) binds specifically to AT-rich sequences in the DNA minor groove. This binding induces the "unfolding" of condensed chromatin (heterochromatin), making specific genes accessible for transcription.
- Protein Synthesis: This reactivation leads to the synthesis of tissue-specific proteins necessary for liver regeneration and detoxification that typically declines with age or disease.
Research demonstrates that these peptides directly stimulate the proliferation of liver cells.
- Increased Ki-67: In aged liver models, Ovagen administration resulted in an 18-fold increase in Ki-67 expression, a marker of active cell division and regeneration.
- Decreased Apoptosis: Concurrently, it reduced the expression of p53 (a marker of cell death) by 6-fold, effectively shifting the tissue from a state of degeneration to regeneration.
By restoring hepatocyte function, these peptides improve the liver's metabolic capacity:
- Detoxification: The Glutamic Acid component in Ovagen supports the urea cycle and ammonia neutralization.
- Lipid Profile: Clinical studies show normalization of LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, addressing the root cause of dyslipidemia rather than just blocking cholesterol production.
While both target the liver, they have distinct pharmacokinetic profiles and are often used in sequence.
| Feature |
Svetinorm (Cytomax) |
Ovagen (Cytogen) |
| Origin |
Natural (Calf Liver Extract) |
Synthetic (Glu-Asp-Leu) |
| Composition |
Complex mix of polypeptides (A-7) |
Single Tripeptide (>99% pure) |
| Speed of Action |
Slow (Cumulative over days) |
Fast (Immediate signaling) |
| Duration of Effect |
Long-lasting (3–6 months) |
Short (1–2 months) |
| Best For |
Maintenance, Chronic conditions |
Acute flare-ups, Initial therapy |
The primary indications for Svetinorm and Ovagen revolve around chronic liver pathology, metabolic syndrome, and hepatoprotection.
In clinical observations involving patients with chronic hepatitis of various etiologies (viral, toxic, biliary), the addition of Svetinorm to standard therapy resulted in:
- Symptom Reduction: 53% of patients reported a significant decrease in pain intensity and dyspeptic disorders (nausea, bloating).
- Biochemical Improvement: Normalization of bilirubin and ALT/AST enzymes was achieved faster than in the control group.
- Immune Modulation: A significant decrease in IgM levels, indicating reduced active inflammation.
The liver bears the brunt of toxicity from pharmacological treatments. Svetinorm is widely used in Russian oncology protocols to protect the liver during chemotherapy.
- Detoxification: It reduces the severity of "chemobrain," fatigue, and nausea by maintaining the liver's detoxification pathways.
- Prevention: It prevents the development of drug-induced hepatitis and fibrosis.
For patients with atherosclerosis, fatty liver (NAFLD), or obesity:
- Lipid Profile: Studies show that regular courses of liver bioregulators can lower atherogenic index (LDL/HDL ratio) effectively.
- Digestion: Improvements in bile secretion and digestion are commonly reported.
Since the skin is often a mirror of liver health, these peptides are frequently prescribed for:
- Acne, eczema, and psoriasis linked to hepatic overload.
- Hyperpigmentation ("liver spots") associated with aging.
- Capsules: The standard oral form. Peptides are protected and absorbed in the gut.
- Lingual (Sublingual): Liquid drops under the tongue. Bypasses the gut for faster absorption.
For maximum efficacy, Khavinson Institute protocols often recommend starting with the synthetic (fast) peptide and following with the natural (long) extract.
Phase 1: Induction (Ovagen)
- Goal: Rapidly signal repair and saturate DNA binding sites.
- Dose: 1–2 capsules (200mg) daily.
- Duration: 10–20 days.
- Timing: Morning, 15 minutes before food.
Phase 2: Restoration & Maintenance (Svetinorm)
- Goal: Provide broad "building blocks" for sustained regeneration.
- Dose: 2 capsules (20mg) daily.
- Duration: 1–3 months immediately following Ovagen.
- Timing: Morning, 15 minutes before food.
¶ Standalone Protocols
- Preventative: Svetinorm only, 2 capsules daily for 30 days, twice a year.
- Acute Support (e.g., during antibiotics): Ovagen only, 1 capsule twice daily for the duration of the antibiotic course + 1 week after.
Khavinson bioregulators are known for an exceptional safety profile.
- Side Effects: No adverse effects have been reported in decades of clinical use.
- Interactions: No known drug interactions. They can be safely combined with other medications (though standard spacing is advised).
- Contraindications: Technically none, but standard precaution recommends avoiding use during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of specific clinical trials in these groups.