Longevity ⏱ Half-life: Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides, but telomerase activation effects are sustained, supporting cycled course-based protocols rather than continuous use. Experimental

Epithalon

Epithalon (Epitalon/Epithalone)

Updated March 15, 2026
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Evidence at a Glance

Regulatory statusExperimental
Russian pineal-derived tetrapeptide (Khavinson); no approved drug and no independently replicated RCT; human data limited to small single-group studies.
Human evidenceLimited
Animal evidenceModerate

Epithalon induces telomerase in cell culture and shows longevity signals in rodents, but human evidence is confined to small, non-independent studies from one research group with no completed randomized trial.

What the research does not support

  • No controlled human trial has shown it lengthens telomeres, slows aging, or extends human lifespan.
  • Its telomerase and longevity findings come largely from cell cultures, rodents, and a single research group, and have not been independently replicated.
  • It is not an approved anti-aging medicine in the US or elsewhere.
Half-Life
Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides, but telomerase activation effects are sustained, supporting cycled course-based protocols rather than continuous use.
Mol. Weight
390.35 g/mol

What is Epithalon?

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic version of a naturally occurring pineal gland peptide called epithalamin. It has become a focal point in longevity and anti-aging research due to its documented ability to activate telomerase in human somatic cells.

Research Applications

Telomerase activation research, telomere length studies, circadian rhythm/melatonin regulation, retinal degeneration models, and lifespan extension research in animal models.

Dosage Information (Research Use)

Research protocols: 5-10 mg/day subcutaneously for 10-20 day courses, repeated 2-3 times annually. Research use only.

Reconstitution & Handling

Standard BAC water reconstitution. Small peptide dissolves quickly.

Half-Life & Pharmacokinetics

Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides, but telomerase activation effects are sustained, supporting cycled course-based protocols rather than continuous use.

Reported Observations in Literature

Published research reports minimal adverse effects. The short course-based protocol limits potential for chronic administration effects.

Key Research References

  • Khavinson VK, et al. “Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at the old age.” Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003
  • Anisimov VN, et al. “Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice.” Biogerontology. 2003

How Epithalon Works

Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (four amino acids) based on epithalamin, a naturally occurring peptide produced by the pineal gland. Its primary researched mechanism is activation of telomerase — the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length on chromosomes. Telomere shortening is a hallmark of cellular aging. By activating telomerase in somatic cells, Epithalon has been studied for its potential to extend replicative capacity. Additionally, it appears to regulate melatonin production and restore circadian rhythm function.

Research Findings

Research by Professor Vladimir Khavinson (St. Petersburg Institute of Biogerontology) spans decades, including studies showing telomere elongation in human cell cultures, lifespan extension in animal models, and melatonin rhythm restoration in elderly subjects. Some of the original Russian-language research has limited independent replication in Western literature.

Dosage & Administration

Research protocols: 5-10 mg/day subcutaneously for 10-20 day courses, repeated 2-3 times annually. Research use only.

Safety & Side Effects

Published research reports minimal adverse effects. The short course-based protocol limits potential for chronic administration effects.

Important: All safety information is derived from published research, primarily animal studies. No controlled human clinical trial data exists unless explicitly noted. This compound is sold for research purposes only.

Quick Facts

Sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Molecular Weight 390.35 g/mol
Half-Life Short plasma half-life typical of tetrapeptides, but telomerase activation effects are sustained, supporting cycled course-based protocols rather than continuous use.
Available Sizes 10mg
Storage Lyophilized: -20°C. Reconstituted: 2-8°C.

Key Research References

  • Khavinson VK, et al. "Peptide Epitalon activates chromatin at the old age." Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003
  • Anisimov VN, et al. "Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice." Biogerontology. 2003

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