Epithalon
Also known as: Epitalon, Epithalone, AGAG
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, studied for its ability to activate telomerase and potentially slow cellular aging. Animal studies show lifespan extension, but large-scale human trials are limited.
How it works
Epithalon activates the telomerase enzyme by upregulating the hTERT gene (the catalytic piece of telomerase). Telomerase adds protective caps (telomeres) back onto the ends of your chromosomes, which shorten each time a cell divides. A 2025 study also found that Epithalon may activate alternative telomere lengthening pathways in certain cell types while actually downregulating telomerase in cancer cells.
Common uses
- Telomere length maintenance (research)
- Anti-aging protocols
- Pineal gland support and melatonin regulation
- Cellular longevity research
Side effects
- Limited human side effect data
- Injection site discomfort
- Possible mild fatigue during initial use
- Unknown long-term effects
- Theoretical cancer concerns given telomerase activation (though animal data shows reduced tumor incidence)
Key research
- SHR rat studies showed 12-13% lifespan extension with Epithalon treatment
- 2025 Biogerontology study independently confirmed telomere-lengthening effects in multiple human cell lines
- Trial of 162 patients with retinitis pigmentosa showed visual field improvement with parabulbar Epitalon injections
- Animal studies show reduced spontaneous tumor incidence in treated groups
Safety notes
- Placed on FDA Category 2 (do not compound) list in September 2023
- Most research originates from a single Russian research group, though independent replication began in 2025
- No large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans
- Quality and purity of available products vary widely
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