Library / Peptides / Longevity & Anti-Aging / Epitalon
Theoretical · Grade C

Epitalon

Epitalon (Epithalon/Epithalone)
Evidence
Theoretical
Route
Subcutaneous injection or Intravenous
Frequency
Once daily
Category
Longevity & Anti-Aging
TL;DR
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. Developed by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson, it has been studied primarily in Russian research for its effects on telomerase activation, melatonin regulation, and lifespan extension.
Part 01 · How it works

Mechanism.

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on epithalamin, a peptide extract from the pineal gland. Developed by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson, it has been studied primarily in Russian research for its effects on telomerase activation, melatonin regulation, and lifespan extension. Animal studies showed increased lifespan in rodents, but rigorous international human clinical trials are lacking.

Think of telomeres as the plastic tips on shoelaces — they protect the ends from fraying. Epitalon is theorized to help rebuild those protective tips, potentially slowing the cellular aging clock, while also resetting your body's natural day-night rhythm.

Mechanism · technical
Epitalon is proposed to activate telomerase, the enzyme that elongates telomeres at chromosome ends, thereby potentially counteracting replicative senescence. It is also reported to stimulate pineal gland function and normalize circadian melatonin production, particularly in aging organisms where pineal function declines. Additionally, it may modulate antioxidant enzyme expression and neuroendocrine function through hypothalamic-pituitary axis interactions.
Part 02 · Dosing & administration

How it's taken.

Values below describe how Epitalon has been administered in published trials and labeling. Provided for educational purposes only — this is not medical advice and not instructions for self-administration. Consult your healthcare provider before making any health decision.

Standard dose
5-10 mg/day
Subcutaneous injection or Intravenous · Once daily
Duration
10-20 day cycles, repeated every 4-6 months

Khavinson peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly). Research peptide based on Russian bioregulator protocols. No FDA-approved indication.

Need help with reconstitution?

Use the free peptide calculator for dilution, unit conversion, and injection volume.

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Part 03 · Safety

Side effects, rare serious events, who shouldn't.

Reported side effects
Limited adverse effect data from published studies. Russian research reports good tolerability. Theoretical concern exists that telomerase activation could promote cancer cell immortalization, though no evidence of this has been reported with epitalon. Quality control of available products is a significant concern.
Absolute · do not use
×
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
×
Children under 18
×
Known hypersensitivity to epitalon or any component
×
Active autoimmune disease (may modulate immune function)
×
Active malignancy (telomerase activation theoretical concern)
Interactions
Immunosuppressants
Epitalon may modulate immune function through pineal-thymic axis; may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy
Moderate
Melatonin supplements
Epitalon stimulates endogenous melatonin production; additive effects possible
Minor
Chemotherapy agents
Theoretical concern that telomerase activation could interfere with anti-cancer mechanisms
Moderate
Labs to monitor
CBC with Differential
Baseline and every 3 months
Monitor immune and hematologic parameters
CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel)
Baseline and every 3 months
Liver and kidney function
Melatonin Level (optional)
Baseline (optional)
Epitalon stimulates pineal melatonin production
Cortisol (AM)
Baseline and at end of cycle
Circadian rhythm modulation monitoring
Part 04 · Research log

Every study we cite.

Each study with its published finding and a plain-language note on limitations or funding.

01
2003
0
Peptide promotes overcoming of telomere limit in human somatic cells
Epitalon activated telomerase and induced telomere elongation in human fetal fibroblasts
In vitro study; Khavinson group (developer)
PMID 14523363 ↗
02
2003
0
Epithalon peptide and aging: 15-year study in elderly patients
Reduced cardiovascular mortality in elderly patients receiving peptide bioregulators including epitalon
Long-term observational; Khavinson group; potential conflict of interest
PMID 12577690 ↗
Part 05 · Cost & access

Where you can get it.

Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Not a controlled substance. Available as a research peptide. Used clinically in Russia as part of peptide bioregulator therapy. No regulatory approval in the US or EU.
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Part 06 · Your appointment

Questions to bring.

01
What is the quality of evidence for epitalon's telomerase activation in humans?
02
Are there safety concerns about activating telomerase, particularly regarding cancer risk?
03
How does the Russian clinical research on epitalon compare to Western evidence standards?
04
Would measuring my telomere length before and during treatment be informative?