Pancragen vs AICAR
Side-by-side comparison of key properties, dosing, and research.
- Summary
- Pancragen is a tripeptide bioregulator (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, tissue-specific for the pancreas. It supports the function of both exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells, promotes normalization of insulin secretion from beta cells, and may offer protective effects against pancreatic aging and diabetic progression.
- AICAR is a cell-permeable AMP analog that activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) — the master metabolic switch that triggers fat burning, mitochondrial biogenesis, and adaptations normally only achieved through exercise. It has been called the 'exercise in a pill' compound.
- Half-Life
- Short (minutes); sustained gene-regulatory effects
- ~2–3 hours
- Admin Route
- SubQ, Oral
- SubQ, IV
- Research
- —
- —
- Typical Dose
- 10 mg per day
- 25–50 mg
- Frequency
- Daily for 10–30 days
- 3–5 times per week
- Key Benefits
- Supports pancreatic beta cell function and insulin secretion
- May improve glucose metabolism in early metabolic dysfunction
- Protective effects on exocrine pancreatic tissue
- Anti-aging effects on pancreatic cells
- Potential support in type 2 diabetes management alongside standard care
- Reduces pancreatic cellular apoptosis from metabolic stress
- Complementary to GLP-1 agonists in metabolic protocols
- AMPK activation mimics aerobic exercise adaptations
- Increased fat oxidation and endurance
- Mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1alpha)
- Improved insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Potential cardiac protection during ischemia
- Synergistic with actual exercise training
- Reduces hepatic glucose production
- Side Effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- No significant hypoglycemic events reported at standard doses as monotherapy
- Hypoglycemia risk
- Lactic acidosis at high doses (animal data)
- Injection site irritation
- Stacks With
- —
- —