HEP-1 (Human Ezrin Peptide) for Immune Modulation & Antiviral Defense — Immunity
Immunomodulatory antiviral peptide from human ezrin protein. Russian pharmaceutical (Gepon). HCV clinical trials. NOT FDA-approved.
Overview
HEP-1 (Human Ezrin Peptide 1, sequence TEKKRRETVEREKE) is a 14-amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to residues 324-337 of human ezrin protein. Registered for human use in Russia since 2001 under the brand name Gepon. HEP-1 functions as an immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory agent with broad antiviral activity. CLINICAL DATA: Two clinical studies (2007, Arzneimittel-Forschung) in HCV+HIV co-infected patients showed 80-89% response rates with significant viral load reduction (average -2 log/-100x), liver enzyme normalization, and 20-44% achieving undetectable HCV RNA — with ZERO adverse reactions. All HCV genotypes were sensitive. MECHANISM: Inhibits IL-6 and pro-inflammatory cytokines, enhances B-cell and T-cell adaptive immunity, and directly inhibits viral replication across multiple virus families (HIV, HCV, HPV, herpes, influenza, SARS-CoV-2). HEPATOPROTECTIVE effect is primarily indirect — through viral load reduction and anti-inflammatory action rather than traditional liver-protective mechanisms. 20+ years of human use in Russia with excellent safety record.
Indications
- Hepatitis C treatment (89% response rate in HCV+HIV co-infected patients)
- Liver enzyme normalization (ALT, AST) in viral hepatitis
- Broad antiviral defense (HIV, HCV, HPV, herpes, influenza, SARS-CoV-2)
- Immune modulation and enhanced adaptive immunity (B-cell and T-cell)
- Drug-resistant infections (Candida, Chlamydia, Trichomonas, HPV)
- COVID-19 support (clinical trial NCT04627233)
- Chronic inflammatory conditions (ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis)
- Hepatitis B vaccination enhancement (improved antibody titers)
- Long COVID and post-infectious immune recovery
Mechanism of Action
Chronic viral infections (HCV, HIV, HPV) and inflammation overwhelm the immune system, cause liver damage (elevated ALT/AST), and impair adaptive immunity
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEP-1 (Gepon) | 10 mg | Once daily for 30 days | Standard Russian pharmaceutical dosing. Well-tolerated in clinical use. |
| HEP-1 | 10 mg | Once daily for 5-10 days | For severe viral infections or acute immune support. |
| HEP-1 | 1-2 mg spray | Multiple times daily | COVID-19 clinical trial formulation (NCT04627233). |
Evidence Grade
GRADE D
Safety & Contraindications
- NOT FDA-approved - approved only in Russian Federation (as Gepon since 2001)
- 20+ years human use in Russia with excellent safety record
- No adverse reactions reported in published clinical studies
- No drug interactions reported
- No allergic responses reported
- Most published evidence from Russian studies (limited English-language peer review)
- Small sample sizes in HCV studies (18-37 patients total)
- No large-scale randomized placebo-controlled trials in Western literature
- Mechanism of liver protection is INDIRECT (via antiviral and anti-inflammatory action)
- Stable at room temperature for 2+ years
- Quality varies from research peptide vendors outside Russia