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Longevity · Peptide Reference · Updated 2026-05-11

Epithalon

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
SS
Editorial team
Dr. Sam Saberian · Lead Medical Researcher
Medical review by Alen A. Schwartz, MD · Edited by Julliana Edwards · Last updated 2026-05-11

Key facts

Class
Synthetic tetrapeptide
Originated
St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Pharmacy pathway
503A compounding
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. Compounded peptides are dispensed via 503A licensed compounding pharmacies (USP <797> sterile compounding) or 503B FDA-registered outsourcing facilities (cGMP). Patients should request the pharmacy of record and certificates of analysis (USP <71> sterility, USP <85> endotoxin, HPLC potency) for every shipment.

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 — all of which offer prescriber-supervised access with lab integration and 503A pharmacy partnerships. 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 (when applicable), cash-pay only, no in-network insurance coverage, and pharmacy-quality variation between providers. Choose a prescriber that publishes pharmacy of record, per-vial CoAs, and lab-integrated follow-up.

Related peptides in the longevity category

Editorial team

Authored by Dr. Sam Saberian, medically reviewed by Alen A. Schwartz, MD, edited by Julliana Edwards. About our team →

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.

Important medical and regulatory disclosure: Compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They are not the same as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound. Compounded medications may be prescribed only when clinically appropriate after review by a licensed medical provider. GLP-1 Editorial does not provide medical advice, prescribe medication, manufacture medication, or operate a pharmacy.