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Longevity · Peptide Reference

Epithalon

Released: Last reviewed:

Synthetic tetrapeptide based on the pineal-gland peptide epithalamin. Studied by Vladimir Khavinson; claimed to activate telomerase and extend telomere length. Bulk of evidence is from a single Russian research group; replication is limited.

Longevity Evidence grade: C-D Not FDA-approved
Researched By
Dr. Parmis
Medical Researcher · Western University of Health Sciences
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD · Kim Callender, NP (FNP-BC)
Last medically reviewed: October 15, 2026 · This page is informational and does not constitute medical advice.

Key facts

Class
Synthetic tetrapeptide
Originated
St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Pharmacy pathway
See the dated FDA status notice above
Key concern
Limited Western replication of telomerase claims
Common stack
Thymalin
Common dose
5-10 mg SC daily for 10-20 day cycles, repeated 2x/year
Evidence grade
C-D (single research group dominates literature)
FDA status
Not FDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Synthetic tetrapeptide based on the pineal-gland peptide epithalamin. Studied by Vladimir Khavinson; claimed to activate telomerase and extend telomere length. Bulk of evidence is from a single Russian research group; replication is limited.

Standard dosing

Typical clinical use: 5-10 mg SC daily for 10-20 day cycles, repeated 2x/year. Dosing varies by indication and provider protocol; this is reference-only and not a prescribing recommendation. Epithalon requires a prescription from a licensed clinician.

Regulatory status & pharmacy pathway

Not FDA-approved. FDA limits which peptides a pharmacy may compound; check this page’s dated FDA status notice before assuming a peptide is legally available. Ask which licensed pharmacy fills the prescription and check that pharmacy’s license with your state board of pharmacy.

U.S. telehealth providers prescribing Epithalon

The most commonly cited U.S. telehealth providers for Epithalon are Defy Medical, Marek Health, Hone Health, Maximus, and PeterMD —, whose offerings for this peptide we have not verified (see the FDA status notice above). See the full provider directory for complete profiles.

Trade-offs to know

Epithalon carries the trade-offs common to all compounded peptide therapeutics: not FDA-approved, cash-pay only, no in-network insurance coverage, and pharmacy-quality variation between providers. Choose a prescriber that names its pharmacy, explains its follow-up schedule and states the regulatory status of what it prescribes.

Related peptides in the longevity category

Editorial team

Researched by Dr. Parmis (Medical Researcher, Western University of Health Sciences); medically reviewed by Dr. Jonathan Snipes, MD and Kim Callender, NP (FNP-BC).

References

  1. Khavinson VK. Peptides and Ageing. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2002;23 Suppl 3:11-144. PMID: 12374342
  2. Khavinson VK, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590-592. PMID: 12937682

Sources are peer-reviewed where available. PubMed (PMID) links resolve to NCBI's PubMed database. FDA links resolve to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Citations were last verified 2026-05-11.