Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, MW ~390 g/mol) developed by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Its primary mechanism involves telomerase activation to maintain telomere length. Secondary mechanisms include melatonin enhancement via pineal gland restoration, hormonal balance improvement, and antioxidant defense. Extensive Russian research spanning 20+ years of clinical use reports safety and efficacy, but Western clinical trials remain minimal. Animal studies show lifespan extension of up to 13.3% in the last 10% of survivors (p<0.05).
35 vendors tracked by PeptideAtlas list Epithalon, priced from $19.99 to $225. The lowest price per milligram is $0.720/mg at Archer Peptides (50MG). 20 independent Janoshik purity tests cover Epithalon across 17 vendors. Results range from 98.0% to 100.0%.
Category: Anti-Aging / Telomere. Evidence rating: D (animal/preclinical only).
Clinical status: Research-only / No approved human indication in Western countries
Epithalon (C14H22N4O9, MW ~390 daltons) activates telomerase, particularly the catalytic subunit TERT (telomerase reverse transcriptase), extending telomeres at chromosome ends. Its small size allows blood-brain barrier penetration and broad tissue distribution, though oral bioavailability is…
Research base: 0 registered clinical trials and 8 indexed publications reference Epithalon.
Safety considerations: Generally well tolerated; no serious adverse events reported in decades of Russian clinical use; Good safety margin: doses studied range from 0.5 to 5 mg with no dose-limiting toxicity reported; Mild headaches, dizziness, and GI discomfort possible.
Reviewed by the PeptideAtlas Editorial Team.
| Amino-acid sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG tetrapeptide) |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | ~390.3 g/mol |
| CAS number | 307297-39-8 |
| Half-life | Several hours |
| Production method | synthetic |
| Anti-doping status | not-listed |
| US regulatory status | Not FDA-approved. Removed from FDA Category 2 on April 15, 2026. PCAC review scheduled July 23-24, 2026. Previously classified as Category 2, prohibiting compounding. Research chemical. |
| Vendor | Size | Price | Price per mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archer Peptides | 50MG | $36.00 | $0.720/mg |
| All Peptides USA | 50mg | $50.00 | $1.00/mg |
| Supopeptide | 100mg | $109 | $1.09/mg |
| Petratide Science | 50mg | $54.95 | $1.10/mg |
| Red Fox Peptides | 50 mg | $68.00 | $1.36/mg |
| Peplogix Peptides | 50mg | $75.00 | $1.50/mg |
| Athena Peptides | 50MG | $79.00 | $1.58/mg |
| Fusion Peptides | 50 mg | $85.00 | $1.70/mg |
| PureRx Peptides | 50mg | $85.00 | $1.70/mg |
| Legendary Peptides | 50mg | $95.00 | $1.90/mg |
| US Peptide Co | 10mg | $19.99 | $2.00/mg |
| US Peptides | 50mg | $100 | $2.00/mg |
| BioPep Store | 10.06mg | $22.00 | $2.19/mg |
| VitalCell Peptides | 50mg | $120 | $2.40/mg |
| Kitsune Compounds | 10mg | $29.99 | $3.00/mg |
| Evolve BioPep | 10mg | $30.00 | $3.00/mg |
| Great Northern Peptides | 50mg | $150 | $3.00/mg |
| Wholesale Peptide | 10mg | $33.14 | $3.31/mg |
| New Beginning Peptides | 10 mg | $34.20 | $3.42/mg |
| Onyx Research | 10mg | $35.00 | $3.50/mg |
| Mammoth Muscle Peptides | 50MG | $180 | $3.60/mg |
| Prime Source | 25mg | $90.00 | $3.60/mg |
| Ameano Peptides | 10mg | $38.00 | $3.80/mg |
| Charleston Peptide Supply | 10Mg | $39.99 | $4.00/mg |
| ZestyRat Research | 10mg | $39.99 | $4.00/mg |
| Vendor | Best tested purity |
|---|---|
| Pacific Wave | 100.0% |
| Peptide Crafters | 99.9% |
| Polaris Peptides | 99.9% |
| Growth Guys Canada | 99.9% |
| Guruite Biotechnology Co-Greatpeptide | 99.9% |
| Penguin Peptides | 99.8% |
| Rayshine Peptide Biochemicals | 99.8% |
| Qing Li Peptide | 99.6% |
| Zhuoyan Peptides | 99.5% |
| PACIFIC WAVE PEPTIDES | 99.5% |
| Panda Peptides LLC | 99.4% |
| Cocer Peptides | 99.4% |
| cellpept | 99.1% |
| Kensingtonlabs.co | 99.0% |
| Certified Peptides | 98.0% |
Related peptides: NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide).
There is no controlled Western clinical evidence that epithalon reverses aging. Claims are based on cell culture, animal studies, and Russian clinical observations primarily from one research group. Animal data shows lifespan extension and multiple Russian clinical reports document benefits, but independent Western verification is lacking.
Telomerase activation is theoretically concerning because cancer cells use telomerase to become immortal. However, Epithalon appears selective for normal cells (does not activate telomerase in cancer cells in available data), and no increased cancer incidence has been documented in decades of clinical use.
Research protocols use 5 mg once daily SC for 20 consecutive days, repeated several times per year (typically 2-3 cycles). Evening administration is recommended. Some protocols use 10-day cycles.
Epithalon enhances melatonin production from the pineal gland and is reported to significantly improve sleep quality, particularly in age-related insomnia, by restoring youthful circadian rhythms.
Epithalon was developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, where it has been studied for over 30 years. The majority of published studies come from this group. Independent Western clinical trials remain minimal.
Vendors with independent lab tests for it: Growth Guys Canada, Tydes Research, Peptide Crafters.
Vendors stocking it: Polar Peptides, OP Labs, Risynth Bio, M-Peptides, Amino Lair, Reta-Peptide, Zztai Peptide, Evolve BioPep, Nexaph, Wolverine Peptides, Peptide Origin, All Peptides USA, Biomax Research, Ultima Pharmaceuticals, Ameano Peptides, Fusion Peptides, Flycn Peptide, Pacific Peptide, Mammoth Muscle Peptides, Onyx Research, BioPep Store, Wholesale Peptide, Proforma Peptides, BleauGenics, Compound Purity, Peplogix Peptides, Petratide Science, Legendary Peptides, Rejuvenate Peptides, Supopeptide, Charleston Peptide Supply, Treasure Coast Peptides, US Peptide Co, BioPure Peptides, US Chem Labs, Kitsune Compounds, Archer Peptides, ZestyRat Research, Athena Peptides, PureRx Peptides.
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Independent lab results for Epithalon: Epithalon 10mg — Independent Lab Test Results, Epitalon - 10mg — Independent Lab Test Results, Epitalon — Independent Lab Test Results.