The Russian-developed longevity tetrapeptide studied for decades in elderly patients — linked to telomerase activation, restored circadian rhythm, and mortality reduction.
Epitalon (also called Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide — Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly — developed in the 1980s at the Russian Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It was designed to mimic the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin, which declines with age.
It is the most studied longevity peptide in Russia. Vladimir Khavinson’s group has published two decades of data suggesting Epitalon can activate telomerase, restore melatonin rhythms, and reduce age-related mortality in elderly populations.
Not FDA approved. Not WADA prohibited. Available as a research chemical.
In vitro studies show Epitalon can activate telomerase, extending telomeres beyond the Hayflick limit. This is one of only a few compounds with published telomerase-activation data in human cells.
Restores pineal gland melatonin production in older adults, re-establishing circadian rhythm. This alone drives many of the sleep and well-being benefits.
Penetrates cell nuclei and modulates expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense, DNA repair, and circadian regulation.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Sleep & circadian rhythm | Most consistent benefit; restored melatonin rhythm in elderly patients |
| Telomerase activation | Khavinson et al.: extended lifespan of cultured fibroblasts beyond the Hayflick limit |
| Mortality reduction | Long-term cohort studies in Russia suggest reduced all-cause mortality in elderly patients |
| Antioxidant defense | Reduced markers of oxidative stress in aged subjects |
| Retinopathy | Used clinically in Russia for age-related retinal degeneration |
Note: Most human data come from Russian trials that have not been independently replicated in Western clinical programs.
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Start Tracking FreeThere is no Western dose-finding data for Epitalon. Published Russian trials and preclinical work have used a very wide range — from sub-milligram IM/IV courses up to the 5–10 mg/day figures widely circulated in peptide communities. Animal studies typically used microgram-range doses per animal. Start low (e.g., 2–5 mg/day) and only escalate if tolerated.
These are community-circulated ranges, not FDA- or trial-established doses.
Some users split the daily dose into 2× (AM + PM). There is no PK data supporting this; the rationale is theoretical.
50 mg vial + 2 mL BAC water = 25 mg/mL. Verify your vial’s unit of measure (mg vs. mcg) before drawing — much of the published animal literature uses microgram-range doses per animal, so a mislabeled vial could lead to a 1,000× dosing error.
| Dose | Volume | Syringe Units |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 0.20 mL | 20 units |
| 10 mg | 0.40 mL | 40 units |
50 mg vial at 10 mg/day = 5 days; at 5 mg/day = 10 days. One 10-day cycle typically uses one 50 mg vial.
Use our free peptide calculator to figure out your reconstitution volume, draw amount, and syringe units.
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Epitalon has one of the cleanest safety profiles of any research peptide — decades of human use with minimal reported adverse events.
The cancer picture is mixed. Telomerase activation is a theoretical concern for pre-existing malignancies, but several published studies (PMIDs 12049808, 16634527, 12374906) have actually reported anticarcinogenic effects in animal models — reduced colon tumor multiplicity and decreased spontaneous malignancy. Given the uncertainty, discuss with an oncologist if you have any cancer history before starting.
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Start Tracking FreeDisclaimer: This guide is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The compounds discussed are not FDA approved for human use. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or peptide protocol. StackTrax does not sell peptides or supplements directly — purchase links go to third-party vendors. StackTrax is not responsible for the products, quality, or business practices of any third-party vendor. This page contains affiliate links — StackTrax may earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
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StackTrax guides cover peptides and compounds that are not FDA-approved for the uses discussed. The dosing, reconstitution, and safety information is compiled from published research and community protocols for educational purposes only.
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