Rewind the cellular clock
A 4-residue peptide studied for telomerase activation and pineal-axis modulation.
Educational content. This page describes Epithalon for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a licensed provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any therapy.
Epithalon (also known as Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it is based on the amino acid composition of Epithalamin, a bovine pineal gland extract.
Over 25 years of research, Epithalon has demonstrated remarkable effects on telomerase activation, melatonin regulation, antioxidant defense, and lifespan extension in animal models, making it one of the most studied peptides in biogerontology.
Epithalon's primary mechanism involves reactivation of telomerase by inducing expression of the catalytic subunit (hTERT), restoring enzymatic activity and elongating telomeres. This effectively extends the replicative lifespan of cells beyond the Hayflick limit.
Beyond telomerase, Epithalon stimulates melatonin production by the pineal gland and normalizes circadian cortisol rhythms. Research in aged rhesus monkeys showed a threefold increase in nocturnal melatonin peaks.
It also functions as an antioxidant, reducing ROS and protecting mitochondrial membrane potential. It may directly bind promoter regions of genes for telomerase, retinal proteins, and RNA polymerase II.
Rewind the cellular clock
Epithalon reactivates telomerase gene expression in somatic cells, leading to telomere elongation and extended replicative capacity. It simultaneously modulates pineal gland function to restore melatonin secretion, acts as an antioxidant, and interacts with gene promoter regions to regulate transcription of cellular maintenance proteins.
Key studies supporting the therapeutic use of this peptide.
Induced telomerase activity, elongated telomeres, enabled cells to surpass Hayflick limit by 10 passages.
Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA — Bull Exp Biol Med, 135(6):590-592 (2003) · PubMed
Increased max lifespan 12.3%, decreased chromosome aberrations 17.1%, inhibited leukemia 6-fold.
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh, Popovich IG, et al. — Biogerontology, 4(4):193-202 (2004) · PubMed
Stimulated evening melatonin and normalized circadian cortisol in old monkeys.
Goncharova ND, Khavinson BK, Lapin BA — Bull Exp Biol Med, 131(4):394-396 (2001) · PubMed
Reduced tumor number, size, and HER-2/neu mRNA by 3.7-fold.
Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Provinciali M, et al. — Int J Cancer, 101(1):7-10 (2002) · PubMed
Typical protocols used in clinical practice. Always consult a licensed provider for personalized dosing.
Subcutaneous Injection
Subcutaneous Injection: Cyclical protocol mirroring published research patterns
Administered in cyclical protocols (10-20 days on, months off) rather than continuous use.
Evening administration recommended due to melatonin-enhancing effects.
No official FDA-approved dosing; based on research protocols.
Favorable safety in animal studies. Lifetime administration in mice showed no adverse effects and did not increase tumor incidence. In fact, it demonstrated anti-tumor properties.
Rapidly metabolized into constituent amino acids. No serious adverse events in published literature.
Has not undergone large-scale Phase III trials or received FDA approval. Most research from Russian institutions.
See how Epithalon compares to peptides with overlapping benefits.
| Peptide | Primary Use | Administration | Cycle Length | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epithalon | Anti-Aging & Longevity | Injection | 10–20 days, every 4–6 months | Only synthetic peptide shown to reactivate telomerase and extend the Hayflick limit in human somatic cells |
| SS-31 (Elamipretide) | Mitochondrial Restoration & Anti-Aging | Injection (daily) | Continuous (weeks to months) | Only peptide that directly targets cardiolipin on the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore electron transport chain efficiency |
| GHK-Cu | Anti-Aging & Recovery | Topical, Injection | 8–12 weeks | Only peptide demonstrated to modulate ~31% of human genes, epigenetically resetting cellular function toward a younger phenotype |
| Sermorelin | Anti-Aging & GH Restoration | Injection (daily) | 3–6 months | Only GHRH analog with FDA approval history and multi-decade safety record, uniquely preserving natural GH feedback |
| Glutathione | Antioxidant & Detoxification | IV, Oral, Sublingual | Ongoing supplementation | The body's own master antioxidant, with clinical data supporting oral bioavailability (challenging earlier assumptions) and dramatic immune cell activation at high doses |
Current FDA classification and compounding eligibility.
The FDA placed this substance in Category 2 of the 503A bulk drug substances evaluation, flagging significant safety risks. 503A compounding carries FDA enforcement risk, so most pharmacies decline to prepare it and many physicians hesitate to prescribe it.
In April 2026, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that nominators withdrew 12 peptides from Category 2 of the FDA's 503A bulk drug substances evaluation, including this one. The FDA referred them to its Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee (PCAC) for re-evaluation at meetings beginning July 2026. If PCAC recommends Category 1 status and the FDA agrees, licensed 503A pharmacies could compound it under FDA enforcement discretion again. The outcome is not final.
Listed in Category 2 as Epitalon. FDA cited immunogenicity risks and limited clinical trial data in humans. Not eligible for compounding under the interim policy.
Listed as 'Epitalon' in 503A Category 2
Last verified April 12, 2026. PepHookup tracks public FDA actions. This is not legal or medical advice.
Khavinson VKh “Peptides and Ageing.” Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 23 Suppl 3:11-144 (2002)
Looking into Epithalon? Find a provider who knows this peptide and can walk you through your options.
Find a ProviderA mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide that stabilizes cardiolipin to support cellular energy.
FDA-approved as Forzinity for Barth syndrome in 2025; the first mitochondria-targeted therapeutic approved.
A tripeptide-copper complex that supports skin regeneration and wound healing.
Naturally occurring in plasma; levels decline with age. Widely used in topical and compounded formulations.
A 29-residue GHRH analog that prompts the pituitary to release endogenous growth hormone.
Formerly marketed as Geref for pediatric GH deficiency; discontinued in 2008 for commercial reasons.