PEPDEPO
← The Bible
Longevity bioregulator

Epitalon

Also known as Epithalon

The headline longevity peptide, linked to telomere and sleep support.

Emerging evidence

Overview

Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal gland protein epithalamin. It is one of the most researched peptide bioregulators and the one most associated with longevity science, primarily through decades of Russian research led by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. How it works: Epitalon is thought to stimulate telomerase - the enzyme that maintains the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres). Telomere shortening is linked to cellular aging. Epitalon may also normalize circadian rhythm and melatonin production, acting through the pineal gland's natural timing function. Both of these mechanisms connect it to the biology of aging. Who tends to use it: People with strong longevity goals use it most, and it also carries a secondary rating for sleep. It is frequently included in broader longevity stacks alongside Thymalin and Pinealon, and it can be paired with MOTS-c as well. It is run once or twice per year as a course, rather than continuously. How it is taken: Epitalon is given by subcutaneous (SC) injection. The general dose range is 5-10 mg per injection. Dosing is daily during a course, in the evening, and courses run 10-20 days. The typical rhythm is 1-2 courses per year. Timing in the evening is consistent with its pineal and circadian connections. What to expect: Most published data comes from Russian studies. The evidence is classified as emerging. Effects are systemic and biological rather than immediately felt - the potential benefits relate to long-term cellular maintenance rather than acute change. Safety: The primary note is that most data comes from Russian research. There are no excludeIf flags and no significant adverse effects are reported in the existing literature. Your licensed provider in the PepDepo network will set your course schedule and confirm the dose at consult.

At a glance

Route
SC injection
Dose
5-10 mg
Frequency
Daily for a short course
Timing
Evening
Cycle
10-20 day courses, 1-2x per year

Combining

Stacks well with: Thymalin, Pinealon, MOTS-c

Safety

Most data is from Russian studies.

Regulatory: Research compound.

Questions

How is Epitalon taken?

By subcutaneous (SC) injection, 5-10 mg daily in the evening, during a 10-20 day course. Most people run 1-2 courses per year.

Why only 1-2 courses per year?

Epitalon is a bioregulator designed for cyclical use. The course-based approach - short intensive periods followed by long gaps - is how it has been used in the research tradition where it was developed.

Why take it in the evening?

Epitalon's mechanism involves the pineal gland and circadian rhythm. Evening dosing aligns with that biology.

What goals is it used for?

Longevity is its primary rating. Sleep is a strong secondary. It is not listed for physical performance, fat loss, or cognition as primary goals.

How strong is the evidence?

Emerging - the middle tier. The bulk of the data comes from Russian studies spanning several decades. Modern Western-standard controlled trials are limited.

Are there any contraindications?

No excludeIf flags are listed. There are no current contraindications for pregnancy or cancer history in the record, though your full history is reviewed at consult.

What does it stack with?

Thymalin, Pinealon, and MOTS-c are listed as synergy candidates. Epitalon and Thymalin are the classic pairing in Russian longevity protocols.

Related protocols

Want a personalized protocol?

Exact dosing is set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network. This page is education, not a prescription.

Book a consult

Education only, not medical advice. Peptides discussed are for informational purposes and many are not FDA-approved. Eligibility, prescribing, compounding, and dispensing are handled by appropriately licensed entities. Exact protocols and dosing are set with a licensed provider in the PepDepo network at consult. Content is pending clinical review.