At a glance
Effects
- Telomerase activation / telomere maintenance: Activates telomerase and lengthens telomeres in cultured human cells; extension to lifespan in healthy adults remains unproven.[4][5]
- Sleep / circadian support: Reported to normalize melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm, with users describing improved sleep and vivid dreams; human data come mainly from the parent extract.[2][7]
- Antioxidant / geroprotective: Animal and in-vitro work suggests antioxidant, anti-mutagenic and neuroprotective effects.[5]
- Reduced tumor incidence (animals): Rodent studies have consistently shown reduced — not increased — spontaneous tumor incidence at standard doses.[10]
Synthetic tetrapeptide (AEDG); telomerase activator / bioregulator[1][3]
Subcutaneous (or IM) injection; oral/intranasal poorly absorbed[12][11]
Not FDA-approved; research compound only[6][8]
390.35 g/mol (C14H22N4O9), PubChem CID 219042[12]
Avoid with active/recent cancer or high hereditary risk[6][10]
About Epitalon
Every point here is drawn from public medical and harm-reduction sources. A bracketed number after a claim — like [1]— is a reference: tap it to open the exact source it's based on (numbered list at the bottom). It is not a rating or score. Educational information, not medical advice.
Product specifics
- Est. delivery
- 3–7 business days · EU tracked
Product details as stated by the vendor (claims, not independently verified). Delivery is our standard EU estimate.
What it is
Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon, sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly / AEDG) is a synthetic tetrapeptide and telomerase activator, marketed as a putative anti-aging "longevity" peptide derived from the bovine pineal extract epithalamin.[1][3] It is not approved by the FDA (or in the EU/UK) for any human use and is sold only as a research compound.[6][8]
How it works
Its signature mechanism is activation of telomerase (via increased hTERT expression), which can lengthen telomeres — the protective DNA caps on chromosomes — and extend the replicative lifespan of cultured human cells beyond the normal "Hayflick limit."[4][5] It is also reported to act on the pineal–melatonin axis to help normalize circadian rhythm and melatonin secretion, and to bind histones / gene promoters as a broader epigenetic and antioxidant regulator.[2][7] Importantly, the strongest human signals come from the parent pineal extract rather than the synthetic peptide, and preclinical melatonin data are conflicting.[4][9]
Risks & side effects
Most important: Because telomerase reactivation is a hallmark of cancer cells, there is a real theoretical concern that systemic telomerase activation could accelerate the growth of an existing or dormant malignancy; for this reason Epitalon is not recommended for anyone with active cancer or a strong personal/family cancer history without physician oversight.[6][10] This concern has not been demonstrated in published human data (animal studies actually show reduced tumor incidence), but the human safety evidence is thin and comes largely from a single Russian research group.[10][8]
Safety & harm reduction
- Anyone with active or suspected malignancy (telomerase activation is a theoretical tumor concern)[6][8]
- People with a strong personal or family history of cancer, unless cleared by a physician[6][10]
- Pregnancy, possible pregnancy, or breastfeeding — no reproductive/developmental safety data[6][8]
- Children / minors — no pediatric safety data[6][8]
- Known hypersensitivity to peptide-based injectables[6]
- Reported use is intermittent pulse dosing — short cycles separated by months — not continuous use[11]
- Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water; refrigerate reconstituted vial, avoid freeze-thaw, and generally use within ~28 days[11]
- Confirm anti-doping status before use: not specifically listed by WADA 2026 but may fall under category S0 (non-approved substances)[8]
Dosage context
Commonly-reported (NOT a prescription, no FDA-approved dosing exists): roughly 5–10 mg per day by subcutaneous injection for 10–20 consecutive days, repeated only 1–3 times per year, giving a total cycle dose around 100 mg.[13][14] Sources stress that higher doses (e.g. up to 50 mg/day) did not produce greater or longer-lasting benefits, so low, cyclical dosing is the documented norm.[13] Optimal human dosing has never been established in rigorous clinical trials.[14]
Sources
- 1.Wikipedia — Epitalon
- 2.PMC11943447 — Overview of Epitalon (2025 review)
- 3.Guide to Peptide — Epitalon Complete Guide
- 4.PMC7037223 — AEDG Peptide (Epitalon) Gene Expression / Neurogenesis
- 5.PMC12411320 — Epitalon increases telomere length (Brunel, 2025)
- 6.Dr. Dan Wool — Epithalon Promise and Precautions
- 7.AlzDiscovery / Cognitive Vitality — Epithalamin/Epithalon
- 8.Superpower — Epitalon (Epithalon, AEDG) guide
- 9.Swolverine — Epitalon: What It Is and How It Works
- 10.PeakedLabs — Epithalon Evidence, Benefits, Dosage, Safety
- 11.Peptide Dosing Protocols — Epitalon (reconstitution/route/storage)
- 12.PubChem — Epitalon, CID 219042
- 13.Peptide Dosing Protocols — Epitalon dosing pattern
- 14.Peptidepedia — Epithalon Dosage Guide
This information is provided for educational and harm-reduction purposes only. It is not medical advice. These substances can carry serious health risks; effects and safe use vary by individual. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use. Legal status varies by country — it is your responsibility to know your local law. We do not encourage misuse.
Other options for Epitalon· 2 offers
Same compound from different labs/brands and pack sizes. Tap a row to switch brand — the price and buy button update instantly.
This compound comes in different forms (e.g. injectable vs oral vs topical). Cost per mg is only comparable within the same form.
| Brand | Form | Strength | Pack | Price | Per mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GenericSelected | vial | 10 mg | 10 vial | 119,99 € | — |
Generic | — | — | 259,99 € | — |