Epithalon (Epitalon) (10mg)
Epitalon (Epithalon) dosing protocols center on this synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed from pineal gland research for its geroprotective potential. Epitalon activates telomerase to promote telomere elongation, supports healthy melatonin production for improved sleep and circadian rhythm regulation, and has demonstrated lifespan extension in animal models. Human studies suggest potential benefits for longevity, cardiovascular health, and physiological function in elderly individuals. This protocol outlines a once-daily subcutaneous approach.
Reviewed by the AllPeptides.eu Editorial Team·Last reviewed: 2026-06-16
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
⚠️ For informational/educational purposes only. Not medical advice. We do not sell any products. Self-treatment carries serious risks — consult a healthcare professional. Disclaimer
Research monograph
See the full Epithalon encyclopedia page with mechanism, evidence tier, related variants and research context.
How It Works
Epitalon's primary mechanism involves activating telomerase, promoting telomere elongation in cells. In vitro studies showed Epitalon induced telomerase and lengthened telomeres in human cell cultures, enabling cells to continue dividing beyond the usual Hayflick limit. Epitalon also affects the neuroendocrine system by stimulating nocturnal melatonin release from the pineal gland, normalizing circadian hormonal rhythms in older individuals. Additional antioxidant activity, genome regulation, and immunomodulation are also reported.
Quick Start
- Reconstitution: Add 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water → 5 mg/mL concentration.
- Typical daily dose: 5,000 mcg (5 mg) once daily for 20 consecutive days.
- Storage: Lyophilized: freeze at −20 °C; after reconstitution, refrigerate at 2–8 °C; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Standard Protocol (2 mL = 5 mg/mL)
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily
| Week | Dose | Units (per injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (Days 1–7) | 5,000 mcg (5 mg)/day | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
| Week 2 (Days 8–14) | 5,000 mcg (5 mg)/day | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
| Week 3 (Days 15–20) | 5,000 mcg (5 mg)/day | 100 Units (1.00 mL) |
| Weeks 4–26 (Off-Cycle) | Pause — 0 mcg | 0 Units (0.00 mL) |
Studies report administration once daily subcutaneously, preferably in the evening or before bed to synergize with natural melatonin rhythms. Complete 20 consecutive days, then observe a 4–6 month off-cycle before repeating (typically 2 cycles per year).
Related compounds
Reconstitution Steps
- Draw 2.0 mL of bacteriostatic water.
- Inject slowly down the side of the vial; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/rotate until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protecting from light.
Protocol Overview
- Goal: Support telomere maintenance, melatonin regulation, and geroprotective effects.
- Schedule: Daily subcutaneous injections for 20 consecutive days, followed by a 4–6 month off-cycle.
- Dose: 5,000 mcg (5 mg) daily.
- Storage: Lyophilized frozen; reconstituted refrigerated; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
Dosing Protocol
- Standard Dose: 5,000 mcg (5 mg) once daily subcutaneously.
- Alternative: 10 mg/day for 10 days (same 100 mg total cycle dose).
- Frequency: Once daily (subcutaneously), preferably before bedtime.
- Cycle Duration: 20 consecutive days on, then 4–6 months off.
- Break between cycles: After the cycle (10–20 days), a 4–6 month pause is recommended before repeating. Epithalon activates telomerase—the action persists for months. Typically 2 cycles/year.
Washout & Cycle Restart
When can I restart?
After the cycle (10–20 days), a 4–6 month pause is recommended before repeating. Epithalon activates telomerase—the action persists for months. Typically 2 cycles/year.
Minimum wait period: 16 weeks
Storage Instructions
- Lyophilized: Store at −20 °C for long-term; refrigerate at 2–8 °C for routine storage.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C; use within 2–4 weeks; avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
- Let vials reach room temperature before opening.
Important Notes
- Reconstitute one vial at a time (every 2 days) for fresh solutions.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits:
- Supports telomere maintenance and cellular longevity via telomerase activation.
- Restores healthy melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation.
- Life span extension and reduced tumor incidence in animal models.
- Human trials have shown improved cardiovascular outcomes and reduced mortality over 12-year follow-up.
- Generally well-tolerated; no serious adverse events reported in long-term studies.
Potential Side Effects:
- Injection site reactions (redness, bruising).
- Fatigue or changes in sleep pattern (due to melatonin).
- Vivid dreams (due to increased melatonin).
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (rare).
- Potential immunogenicity risk (FDA alert).
⚠️ Serious Warnings & Long-Term Risks
The following warnings are based on published literature, FDA labels, and post-marketing surveillance. They do not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional.
Telomerase & oncogenesis — conflicting data
Epithalon activates telomerase (hTERT). While it appeared anti-cancer in animal models, telomerase activation is considered a hallmark of cancer. No long-term human studies exist.
📄 Bull Exp Biol Med 2003; Khavinson VKReferences
- Int J Mol Sci (MDPI) — Epitalon overview: a highly bioactive pineal tetrapeptide (2025)
View Source - PMC/Biogerontology — Epitalon increases telomere length via telomerase activation
View Source - Neuroendocrinology Letters — Synthetic tetrapeptide restores neuroendocrine regulation in aged monkeys
View Source - Bull Exp Biol Med — Geroprotective effect of Epithalamin in elderly (12-year RCT)
View Source - Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation — Epithalamin/Epithalon Cognitive Vitality report
View Source - Mechanisms Ageing Dev (2003) — Khavinson VK. Peptides and ageing. Neuroendocrinol Lett. 2002;23(Suppl 3):11-144. Comprehensive review of peptide regulation of aging.
View Source - Bull Exp Biol Med (2004) — Anisimov VN, et al. Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice.
View Source - Exp Gerontol (2001) — Anisimov VN, et al. Inhibitory effect of the peptide epitalon on the development of spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice.
View Source - Biogerontology (2003) — Khavinson VK, et al. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells.
View Source - Adv Gerontol (2010) — Khavinson VK, et al. Effect of epitalon on pineal gland melatonin-producing function in old monkeys.
View Source
Recommended Supplements
NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide)
CoQ10 (Ubiquinol)
Vitamin E (Mixed Tocopherols)
External Sources & Regulatory Status
Regulatory Approvals
Anti-ageing / Telomerase
Phase II in Russia (Khavinson)
Educational information. Not medical advice, and no efficacy claim is implied. Regulatory approval is not a use recommendation by AllPeptides.eu.
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