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Longevity & Anti-AgingNot approved (US)

Epithalon

Epitalon

Increased hTERT gene expression may activate telomerase. Other proposed actions regulate pineal melatonin output and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, alongside antioxidant activity and inhibition of proliferation in cancer cell lines.

Not medical advice. Educational reference only.

Typical dose
5–10 mg daily by injection for 10–20 days
Route
Injectable
Cycle
10–20 days
Storage
Keep refrigerated at 2–8 °C and use within 28 days.

What is Epithalon?

Epithalon, also called epitalon, is the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, modeled on epithalamin from the pineal gland. Vladimir Khavinson pioneered its development in Russia. Investigations suggest possible increases in telomerase activity and telomere length, regulation of melatonin and normalization of neuroendocrine function. Most evidence comes from animals, with limited human aging studies and no FDA approval. Short injection cycles typically last 10–20 days. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and administer it separately from other peptides. No published compatibility data establish that different peptides can share a syringe with Epithalon.

Mechanism of action

Increased hTERT gene expression may activate telomerase. Other proposed actions regulate pineal melatonin output and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, alongside antioxidant activity and inhibition of proliferation in cancer cell lines.

Targets: Telomerase (hTERT) · Pineal gland · PCNA

Research indications

  • Cellular Longevity

    Moderate

    Investigations examine telomere length and the development of cellular senescence.

  • Hormonal Balance

    Moderate

    Potential effects include support for hormonal changes associated with aging.

  • Cognitive Aging

    Limited

    Early investigations examine preservation of cognition as aging progresses.

Interactions

  • Other medications

    Caution

    Consult your prescriber before combining with any medication.

  • BPC-157

    Compatible

  • NAD+

    Compatible

  • Vitamin D

    Compatible

How to reconstitute and inject

Diluent: Use bacteriostatic water only. Avoid saline because it can cause precipitation.

  1. Take the Epithalon vial out of refrigeration and wait 15–20 minutes for it to reach room temperature.
  2. Disinfect the rubber stopper with an alcohol swab, then let it dry fully in the air.
  3. Use a sterile syringe to measure the calculated amount of bacteriostatic water. Use BAC water only; avoid saline because precipitation can occur.
  4. Direct the water slowly onto the inner vial wall rather than onto the powder.
  5. Rotate the vial gently to mix. Never shake it vigorously; this can degrade the peptide.
  6. Wait 2–3 minutes for complete dissolution, and check that the liquid is transparent and colorless.
  7. Measure your calculated dose into an insulin syringe for a subcutaneous injection.
  8. Choose the abdomen, thigh or upper arm for injection. Change the site each time to help prevent lipodystrophy.
  9. Refrigerate the mixed vial at 2–8 °C and use it within 28 days.

What to expect

Week 1–2
Early effects may emerge during adaptation. Watch for adverse reactions.
Week 2–4
The main effects may start to appear. Change dosing only as your provider recommends.
Week 4–8
The principal effects are expected to be apparent by this stage. Review progress with your provider.
Week 8+
Review the outcome with your provider and decide whether to continue, cycle treatment or adjust the dose.

Side effects and safety

  • Redness, bruising or slight pain at an injection site
  • Possible allergic reactions; stop use if hives or a rash develop
  • Responses differ between individuals; begin with the lowest dose and observe your response carefully
  • Speak with your healthcare provider before use and report unexpected symptoms

Epithalon: not approved in the US.

Regulatory status

  • US

    Not approved

    FDA — no approval; research use only. No 503A ban is recorded; affirmative compounding authorization remains unestablished.

    Rx required
    No
    Telehealth
    N/A

Frequently asked questions

What is Epithalon?

Epithalon, also called epitalon, is the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, modeled on epithalamin from the pineal gland. Vladimir Khavinson pioneered its development in Russia. Investigations suggest possible increases in telomerase activity and telomere length, regulation of melatonin and normalization of neuroendocrine function. Most evidence comes from animals, with limited human aging studies and no FDA approval. Short injection cycles typically last 10–20 days. Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water and administer it separately from other peptides. No published compatibility data establish that different peptides can share a syringe with Epithalon.

How are research schedules specified?

Starting schedules use a low dose, while standard schedules use titration. Frequency follows the individual protocol and the route varies. Neither schedule specifies a numeric dose, so there is no defined amount to calculate from these rows.

What additional dosing or pharmacokinetic information is available?

Research discussions include 5–10 mg daily by injection over 10–20 days. The half-life is estimated at about 3 hours. Give separate injections when combining it with other peptides; same-syringe compatibility has not been published.

What safety considerations matter?

Adverse effects depend on the amount used, the route and individual response. Human adverse-effect profiles remain incompletely characterized. Consult your healthcare provider before combining compounds, and report unexpected symptoms. The timelines and compatibility categories do not establish clinical effectiveness or prove that combinations are safe.

References

  1. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence (2003)

  2. Epitalon peptide induces telomerase activity in human somatic cells (2003)

  3. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results of a 15-year study (2002)

  4. Peptide promotes overcoming of the division limit in human somatic cell. (2004)

    PMID 15455129DOI 10.1023/b:bebm.0000038164.49947.8c

  5. Reparative effect of epithalon on pineal gland ultrastructure in gamma-irradiated rats. (2001)

    PMID 11329090DOI 10.1023/a:1017599100641

  6. [Effect of pineal peptides on neuroendocrine system after pinealectomy]. (2001)

    PMID 11452647

  7. Modulating effects of epithalamin and epithalon on the functional morphology of the spleen in old pinealectomized rats. (2001)

    PMID 11865335DOI 10.1023/a:1017989113287

  8. [Aging of the pineal gland]. (2002)

    PMID 12096440

  9. Pineal-regulating tetrapeptide epitalon improves eye retina condition in retinitis pigmentosa. (2002)

    PMID 12195242

  10. Peptides and Ageing. (2002)

    PMID 12374906

  11. AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Stimulates Gene Expression and Protein Synthesis during Neurogenesis: Possible Epigenetic Mechanism. (2020)

    PMID 32019204DOI 10.3390/molecules25030609

  12. Therapeutic Peptides in Orthopaedics: Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions. (2026)

    PMID 41490200DOI 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00236

  13. Khavinson VK et al. — Epithalon and telomere review

  14. Epitalon / epithalon studies on ClinicalTrials.gov (2024)