NA-Epitalon — Research, Dosing & Price Guide

N-Acetyl Epitalon is a modified form of Epitalon (epithalon), a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) that activates telomerase and is studied for anti-aging properties. The N-acetyl modification enhances its bioavailability and resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to standard Epitalon. It was originally developed based on the work of Dr. Vladimir Khavinson on pineal gland peptide bioregulators.

NA-Epitalon activates telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression in somatic cells. Telomerase is the enzyme responsible for adding TTAGGG repeat sequences to chromosome ends (telomeres), counteracting the progressive telomere shortening that occurs with each cell division and is associated with cellular senescence and aging. The N-acetyl group improves cellular uptake and protects the N-terminal alanine from aminopeptidase degradation. Beyond telomerase activation, Epitalon has been shown to regulate melatonin production by the pineal gland, restoring circadian rhythm function that declines with age. It also modulates antioxidant enzyme expression and has demonstrated effects on neuroendocrine regulation in aged animal models.

• Khavinson et al. (2003) in Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine demonstrated Epitalon activated telomerase in human somatic cells and increased telomere length
• A 2003 study in Biogerontology showed Epitalon treatment increased lifespan by 13.3% in aged mice compared to controls
• Research demonstrated restoration of melatonin production in aged primates and rats after Epitalon administration (Neuroendocrinology Letters, 2003)
• Anisimov et al. (2001) showed Epitalon reduced spontaneous tumor incidence in aging rodent models
• Studies in aged human fetal fibroblast cultures showed Epitalon overcame the Hayflick limit, extending replicative capacity by 10 additional population doublings

• Standard protocol: 5–10 mg subcutaneous injection daily for 10–20 days
• Repeat the 10–20 day cycle every 4–6 months
• Some protocols use 5 mg twice daily (morning and evening) for a 10-day cycle
• Alternative: 3–5 mg intranasally daily during cycle periods
• The cyclic dosing pattern mirrors the original Khavinson research protocols
• Best administered in the evening to align with pineal gland and melatonin production cycles

Known Side Effects

• Injection site irritation — mild redness or soreness, resolving within hours
• Drowsiness — may occur with evening dosing due to melatonin-stimulating effects
• Headache — infrequently reported during the first 2–3 days of a cycle
• No significant adverse effects reported in published research studies
• Theoretical concern: telomerase activation in pre-cancerous cells could promote growth, though no evidence of this has emerged in preclinical studies

Safety Profile

Epitalon and its N-acetyl form have been studied for over two decades in Russian biogerontology research with no significant adverse effects reported. The Khavinson laboratory published extensive safety data across multiple animal species. The primary theoretical concern — that telomerase activation could promote cancer — has not been observed in any published study; in fact, several studies showed reduced tumor incidence in Epitalon-treated animals. However, individuals with active malignancies should avoid telomerase-activating compounds as a precaution. Long-term human safety data from controlled trials is lacking. The peptide appears well-tolerated in the cyclic dosing patterns described in the literature.

Days 1–5: Improved sleep quality is often the first noticeable effect, attributed to melatonin regulation. Some users report feeling more rested upon waking. No immediate physical changes. Days 5–10: Continued sleep improvement. Some users report improved skin texture and a general sense of well-being. The telomerase activation effects are occurring at the cellular level but are not subjectively perceptible. Post-cycle: Benefits accumulate with repeated cycles over months to years. Measurable telomere length changes require extended use (multiple cycles) and specialized testing. The anti-aging effects are best understood as a long-term investment rather than an acute intervention.

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