Epithalon (Epitalon)
Also called AEDG; Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
An experimental four-amino-acid peptide studied for telomeres, aging and circadian rhythms. The strongest findings involve cells; it has not been shown to extend human life, reverse aging or treat insomnia.
Overview
What it is
A synthetic tetrapeptide linked to pineal-gland research. Epithalamin is a different product: a mixture extracted from the pineal gland.
How it works
Telomeres protect chromosome ends, and the enzyme telomerase helps maintain them. In a 2003 study of human fetal cells grown in the lab, Epithalon switched on telomerase and lengthened telomeres. Longer telomeres are not automatically healthier.
What the research shows
A 2025 study found telomere lengthening in normal cell lines and changes in a different telomere pathway in breast-cancer cells (with a later figure correction). In female mice, average lifespan did not change, though some survival measures improved. A small human study in mostly night-shift women measured melatonin markers and clock genes but did not measure sleep.
Studied for
- Telomerase and telomere lengthlab
- Lifespan measuresmice, mixed
- Melatonin and circadian markerssmall human study
Safety and regulatory status
Safety and side effects
The FDA found inadequate clinical safety information and flags possible immune reactions from peptide aggregation and impurities in compounded products. People with a cancer history should talk with their specialist before considering any telomere-directed product.
Regulatory status
Not a component of any FDA-approved drug (FDA, July 2026). On FDA's list of compounding substances with potential safety risks.
Mixing and dosing reference
Reference information only. Read before using this section.
Epitalon (Epithalon) (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
- Vial
- 10 mg Epitalon (Epithalon)
- Add diluent
- 2 mL
- Concentration
- 5 mg/mL
- 1 unit (U-100)
- 50 mcg in 0.01 mL
- Route
- Subcutaneous
- How often
- Once per day (subcutaneous), preferably at bedtime.
- Cycle length
- 20 consecutive days on, then 4–6 months off.
Standard Protocol
| Phase | Daily Dose (mcg) | Units (per injection) (mL) |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–20 (Cycle On) | 5,000 mcg (5 mg) | 100 units (1.00 mL) |
| Weeks 4–26 (Cycle Off) | 0 mcg | - |
How to mix
- Draw 2.0 mL bacteriostatic water with a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the vial wall; avoid foaming.
- Gently swirl/roll until dissolved (do not shake).
- Label and refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F), protected from light.
Dosing details
- Standard Dose: 5,000 mcg (5 mg) once daily subcutaneously.
- Alternative: 10 mg/day for 10 days (same total cycle dose of 100 mg).
- Frequency: Once per day (subcutaneous), preferably at bedtime.
- Cycle Length: 20 consecutive days on, then 4–6 months off.
- Timing: Evening administration recommended; rotate injection sites daily.
Storage
- Lyophilized: Follow the exact product’s labeled storage temperature and expiration date; minimize moisture exposure.
- Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8 °C (35.6–46.4 °F); follow product-specific use-by instructions and avoid freeze–thaw.
- Allow vials to reach room temperature before opening to reduce condensation uptake.
Administration technique
- Clean the vial stopper and skin with alcohol; allow to dry.
- Pinch a skinfold; insert the needle at 45–90° into subcutaneous tissue.
- Do not aspirate for subcutaneous injections; inject slowly and steadily.
- Rotate sites systematically (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to avoid lipohypertrophy.
Important notes
- Use new sterile insulin syringes; dispose in a sharps container.
- Rotate injection sites (abdomen, thighs, upper arms) to reduce local irritation.
- Inject slowly; wait a few seconds before withdrawing the needle.
- Document daily dose and site rotation to maintain consistency.
- Reconstitute one vial at a time (every 2 days) to keep solutions fresh.
Protocol source: PeptideDosages.com
Common questions
Are Epitalon and Epithalon the same?
Yes, they are two spellings of the AEDG peptide. Epithalamin is different.
Does it make you look younger?
The research does not show visible skin effects.
Will it help my sleep?
Studies measured melatonin markers, not sleep. CBT-I is the usual first-line treatment for long-term insomnia.
Related in Healthy Aging
Sources and further reading (6)
- Khavinson VK, et al. Epithalon induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bull Exp Biol Med, 2003.
- Al-Dulaimi S, et al. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines. Biogerontology, 2025 (with correction).
- Anisimov VN, et al. Epitalon, biomarkers of aging and life span in SHR mice. Biogerontology, 2003.
- Ivko OM, et al. AEDG peptide regulates circadian rhythm gene expression. Adv Gerontol, 2020.
- FDA. Epitalon-related bulk drug substances: staff evaluation, July 24, 2026.
- Source summary: PeptideDosages.com research overview (rewritten for NVO).
Laboratory research material: Epitalon Research Use Only