Is Epithalon the same as Epitalon?

Yes — Epithalon and Epitalon (sometimes spelled Epitalone) are the same compound: the synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. 'Epitalon' is the transliteration used by its Russian discoverer Vladimir Khavinson; 'Epithalon' is the alternate Westernized spelling. Both names appear in research literature and supplement markets and refer to the identical molecule.

Is Epithalon banned by WADA?

Yes. Epithalon (Epitalon) is prohibited under WADA's S0 (Non-Approved Substances) category. It has not received approval from the FDA, EMA, or any major regulatory authority for human therapeutic use, making it a prohibited substance for athletes in WADA-regulated competition.

What is Epithalon's proposed mechanism for anti-aging?

Epithalon is proposed to activate telomerase — the enzyme that rebuilds the protective telomere caps on chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with cellular aging. In vitro studies by the Khavinson group showed telomerase activation and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. It may also stimulate pineal gland function and normalize melatonin secretion in aged animals. All human evidence is limited and most research comes from one Russian laboratory.

Content reviewed by clinical research staff

Last reviewed: March 2026Sources: PubMed, FDA, WADA Prohibited List

Evidence graded using the PeptideScholar A-D system.

Epithalon (Epitalon)

Synthetic tetrapeptide4 amino acids

CPreclinical

Good Credibility

2 cited studies | Evidence level C

Not FDA ApprovedWADA Banned

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon or Epitalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural peptide epithalamin, produced by the pineal gland. Research by Vladimir Khavinson suggests it may activate telomerase and extend cellular lifespan.

Mechanism of Action

Proposed to activate telomerase, the enzyme that adds telomeric repeats to chromosome ends. May stimulate pineal gland melatonin production and modulate circadian rhythms.

Benefits

Telomerase activation observed in human cell cultures^[1]
Elongated telomeres in cell studies^[1]
Restored melatonin cycling in aged primates^[1]
Extended lifespan in some animal models^[1]

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Epithalon (Epitalon) - Dosing in Published Research

Reported routes: Subcutaneous injection, Intravenous

Research protocols used 5-10 mg SC daily for 10-20 day cycles. Based primarily on Russian clinical studies.

The dosing information above is sourced from published research literature and clinical trials. These are not recommendations. Individual responses vary. Always consult a healthcare provider before considering any peptide-based therapy.

Side Effects

Limited human safety data
Injection site reactions^[1]
Unknown long-term effects
Theoretical oncogenic concerns with telomerase activation^[1]

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Epithalon (Epitalon) is not FDA-approved. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before considering any peptide.

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Research & Evidence

ReviewPMID: 12374906

Peptides and Ageing.

Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2002

Epithalon treatment increased mean lifespan by 13% in aging rats and normalized circadian melatonin secretion

AnimalPMID: 11087911

Effect of epitalon on the lifespan increase in Drosophila melanogaster.

Mech Ageing Dev, 2000

Epithalon extended lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) through antioxidant and stress-resistance mechanisms

Compare Epithalon (Epitalon) With

Epithalon (Epitalon) vs Thymalin

References

1.Peptides and Ageing.. Neuro Endocrinol Lett, 2002. "Epithalon treatment increased mean lifespan by 13% in aging rats and normalized circadian melatonin secretion" [PMID: 12374906]
2.Effect of epitalon on the lifespan increase in Drosophila melanogaster.. Mech Ageing Dev, 2000. "Epithalon extended lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) through antioxidant and stress-resistance mechanisms" [PMID: 11087911]

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Epithalon (Epitalon) FAQ

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice based on information found on this site.

No claims of therapeutic efficacy are made for substances that are not FDA-approved for the discussed indications. Research citations reflect published findings and do not imply endorsement.

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