Epitalon (10 mg Vial) Dosage Protocol
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. Russian research groups have studied it for telomere maintenance and longevity outcomes. This page covers the 10 mg vial.
⚡ Quickstart Highlights
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Route: Subcutaneous | Frequency: Once daily during cycle (20 days on / 4–6 months off) | Half-life: Short (minutes); cumulative effect
Standard Approach (2 mL = 5.00 mg/mL)
Reconstituting with 2 mL bacteriostatic water produces a concentration of 5.00 mg/mL. Volume per dose changes with concentration; mg dose itself does not change between vial sizes.
| Phase / Protocol | Dose | U-100 Units | Volume | Doses per vial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1–20 (cycle on) | 5 mg | 100 units | 1.00 mL | 2 doses |
| Months 1–6 (cycle off) | 0 mcg | 0 units | 0.000 mL | 0 doses |
Reconstitution Steps
- Wipe the vial stopper and BAC water vial with alcohol; let dry.
- Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
- Inject slowly down the inside glass wall of the peptide vial. Do not aim at the powder.
- Gently swirl until fully dissolved. Do not shake.
- Label with reconstitution date. Refrigerate at 2–8°C; use within 30 days.
Supplies Needed
Estimates for an 8-week and 12-week cycle at 0 mcg per dose, once daily during cycle (20 days on / 4–6 months off) (7 doses/week).
| Item | 8-Week Cycle | 12-Week Cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Epitalon (10 mg) vials | 56 vials | 84 vials |
| Insulin syringes (U-100) | 56 | 84 |
| Bacteriostatic water (10 mL) | 12 × 10 mL | 17 × 10 mL |
| Alcohol swabs | 1 × 100-pack | 2 × 100-pack |
Protocol Overview
Epitalon is dosed in 10–20 day cycles 1–2× per year — the canonical Russian peptide bioregulator schedule. Effects on melatonin secretion patterns and circadian rhythm reportedly persist months past the cycle's end, supporting the cycle-based rather than continuous approach.
The most-cited clinical work is multi-decade Russian gerontology research showing mortality reduction in elderly cohorts over 6+ year follow-up.
Dosing Protocol
Cycle-based dosing (subcutaneous, once daily):
- Days 1–20 (cycle on): 5 mg/day, evening; 20 consecutive days.
- Months 1–6 (cycle off): 4–6 month break before re-cycling; typically 1–2 cycles per year.
Cycle structure: 20-day active phase, 4–6 month break. 1–2 cycles per year.
Timing: Evening dosing aligns with the pineal-melatonin axis effect. Pair with circadian-aligned light exposure (morning sunlight, dim evenings) to amplify benefits.
Storage Instructions
| State | Temperature | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Lyophilized | −20°C (−4°F) | Up to 24 months, dry & dark |
| Reconstituted | 2–8°C (35–46°F) | Up to 30 days, protect from light |
Important Notes
How This Works
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from Epithalamin, originally identified by Vladimir Khavinson's group. Reported actions include telomerase upregulation in human somatic cell culture, restoration of pineal melatonin secretion toward youthful patterns, normalization of disrupted circadian cortisol rhythms, and gene-expression modulation in immune and neuroendocrine tissues.
Potential Benefits & Side Effects
Potential Benefits
- Reported telomerase upregulation in cell culture.
- Restoration of melatonin secretion patterns in elderly.
- Normalization of disrupted circadian rhythms.
- Russian observational studies report mortality reduction in elderly cohorts.
- Antioxidant effects via gene-expression modulation.
Side Effect Profile
- Generally well-tolerated.
- Mild injection-site reactions.
- Vivid dreams reported.
Lifestyle Factors
- Cycle-based dosing — typical 10–20 day cycle, 1–2× per year.
- Evening dosing aligns with pineal/melatonin axis.
- Pair with circadian-aligned light exposure.
Injection Technique
- Subcutaneous, rotate sites if dosing daily during cycle.