Epitalon
A physician-prescribed, compounded four-amino-acid peptide given in short courses, studied mainly in the lab and in animals for aging and sleep rhythms — with licensed provider oversight.
Given in intermittent courses; your provider sets how often you repeat it. Includes everything.
HSA/FSA cards accepted
Prescription required. A licensed provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. Epitalon is not FDA-approved, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved.
Stylized vial for marketing purposes only
Important — please read before starting
- Epitalon is not an FDA-approved drug. No Epitalon product has been approved for any use in the United States.
- How it's available: In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound Epitalon for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met — including sourcing the ingredient from an FDA-registered manufacturer with a certificate of analysis showing identity, purity, potency, and contaminant testing; single-ingredient products; reporting serious side effects to FDA; and specific labeling. For Epitalon, the policy covers only Epitalon acetate given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle, dispensed in intermittent courses. This is enforcement discretion, not FDA approval. The policy is not final: HHS is accepting public comments through November 13, 2026, and the policy may change.
- The human evidence is limited. Most research comes from a small number of Russian research groups, mainly in cells and animals. Human studies are few and small.
- Athletes: Epitalon is not approved by any health authority, so it falls under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ban on non-approved substances, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed.
About Epitalon
Epitalon (also spelled epithalon) is a synthetic peptide of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. It was modeled on epithalamin, an extract of the pineal gland — the small gland in the brain that makes the sleep hormone melatonin.
It has drawn interest because of laboratory and animal research on aging and sleep rhythms. At Vytora Health, Epitalon is offered only as a prescription compounded by a licensed US pharmacy, after review by a licensed provider.
Proposed mechanism
In laboratory studies, Epitalon has been reported to affect telomerase — an enzyme that maintains the protective ends of chromosomes — and in animal studies to influence melatonin rhythms. These findings have not been confirmed in rigorous human trials.
What the research shows — and doesn't
Lab & animal research
Laboratory and animal studies, mostly from Russian research groups, have looked at aging markers, lifespan in rodents, and melatonin rhythms.
Human research
Only a few small human studies exist, and none establishes a benefit for aging or sleep.
Regulatory review
In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 7–4 (1 abstention) to recommend Epitalon for the pharmacy compounding list, reviewed for insomnia. FDA staff had recommended against it, and final rulemaking is still pending.
Who it may be for — and who should not use it
May be considered for adults who:
- Are 18 or older
- Are interested in Epitalon and understand the evidence is still early
- Can complete a full medical history and stay in contact with their provider
- Are comfortable giving themselves a small injection
Not appropriate if you:
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive
- Have active cancer or a history of cancer
- Have had an allergic reaction to Epitalon or any ingredient in the preparation
- Are under 18
- Compete in sports with anti-doping testing
Your provider may identify other reasons Epitalon isn't right for you.
Administration, dosing & storage
Epitalon is given as a small injection under the skin (subcutaneous) or into a muscle (intramuscular) in short, intermittent courses — the only way the HHS policy covers it. Your provider decides your dose, the length of each course, and how often it is repeated.
Step-by-step injection instructions and all supplies come with every course. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs — compounded peptide vials are usually kept refrigerated (36°F to 46°F) and out of direct light, and should not be frozen — and follow the beyond-use date on the label.
How it works
STEP 1
Complete your online visit
Share your health history, medications, and goals.
STEP 2
Provider review
A licensed clinician from our provider network reviews and prescribes only if appropriate.
STEP 3
Pharmacy ships to you
A licensed US 503A pharmacy prepares your prescription and ships it cold-packed.
STEP 4
Ongoing check-ins
Message your care team anytime and report any side effects.
Included with every plan
Medication & all supplies
Physician consultation
Unlimited provider messaging
Free cold-packed shipping
Injection instructions
Progress tracking portal
Potential side effects & risks
Because human studies of Epitalon are few and small, its full side-effect profile is not known. Effects that may be expected with peptide injections include:
- Injection-site redness, swelling, itching, or bruising
- Headache, nausea, or dizziness
- Fatigue or flushing
Possible serious risks. FDA has noted that peptides like Epitalon may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize. Because Epitalon is reported to affect telomerase, an enzyme that is also active in many cancers, there is a theoretical concern it could affect existing tumors — which is why it is not prescribed to people with cancer or a history of cancer.
Get emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, widespread hives, a racing heartbeat, or feel faint after a dose.
Tell your provider about all medications, supplements, and medical conditions before starting. Little is known about interactions with other drugs. Report any side effects to your care team — your pharmacy is required to report adverse events. This is not a complete list of possible side effects.
Frequently asked questions
Epitalon (also spelled epithalon) is a synthetic peptide of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and glycine. It was modeled on epithalamin, an extract of the pineal gland — the small gland in the brain that makes the sleep hormone melatonin.
No. Epitalon is not FDA-approved for any use, and compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products. In late October 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a draft interim policy saying it does not intend to take enforcement action against state-licensed pharmacies and physicians that compound Epitalon for individual patients with a valid prescription, as long as ten conditions are met, including tested ingredients from an FDA-registered manufacturer, single-ingredient products, and reporting serious side effects to FDA. For Epitalon, the policy covers only Epitalon acetate given as an injection under the skin or into a muscle, dispensed in intermittent courses. This is not an approval, and the policy could change, including after public comment closes on November 13, 2026. If it does, we will notify active patients.
Most Epitalon research comes from Russian research groups and has been done in cells and animals, looking at aging markers, lifespan in rodents, and melatonin rhythms. Only a few small human studies exist, and none establishes a benefit for aging or sleep. Benefits in people have not been proven.
Epitalon is given as a small injection under the skin or into a muscle, in short courses. Every shipment includes supplies and step-by-step instructions, and your care team can walk you through your first injection.
$229 per course. Each course includes medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited provider support. Epitalon is given in short, intermittent courses, and your provider sets how often a course is repeated. You are charged for each course your provider prescribes. Contact support@vytorahealth.com with any billing questions.
Epitalon is given in short, intermittent courses rather than continuously. The length of each course, and whether and when to repeat it, is decided by your licensed provider based on your goals and how you respond.
Because human studies of Epitalon are few and small, its full side-effect profile is not known. Effects that may be expected with peptide injections include injection-site redness, swelling, itching, or bruising; headache, nausea, or dizziness; fatigue or flushing. FDA has noted that peptides like Epitalon may cause immune reactions, including allergic reactions, and that peptide impurities can be hard to characterize. Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or widespread hives. Report all side effects to your provider.
Epitalon is not appropriate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive; have active cancer or a history of cancer; have had an allergic reaction to Epitalon or any ingredient in the preparation; are under 18; or compete in sports with anti-doping testing. Your provider will review your full history and may identify other reasons it isn't right for you.
Possibly. Your provider will review everything you take — including GLP-1 medications, other peptides, NAD+, other prescriptions, and supplements — before prescribing. Little is known about Epitalon drug interactions, so always keep your care team updated on any changes.
If you are subject to anti-doping testing, we do not recommend it. Epitalon is not approved by any health authority, so it falls under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) ban on non-approved substances, and use can result in sanctions even if it was prescribed.
Your prescription is prepared by a licensed US 503A compounding pharmacy and shipped free in discreet, cold-packed packaging with all supplies. Store it exactly as your pharmacy label directs — compounded peptide vials are usually kept refrigerated (36°F to 46°F), out of direct light, and never frozen — and follow the beyond-use date on the label.
No. Insurance is never required. Pricing is all-inclusive — medication, physician consultation, supplies, shipping, and unlimited support. You can also pay with an HSA or FSA card.
Yes. Epitalon is available in all 50 US states and Washington, D.C. through our network of licensed compounding pharmacy partners, if a provider determines it is appropriate for you. Contact support@vytorahealth.com with any questions.
In most states, treatment can begin without a video visit. In Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and West Virginia, a brief video or audio visit is required before starting treatment.
Exploring other peptide therapies? See all peptides, or visit our FAQ.
Clinical oversight by Wasef Health, PC and Arora Health and Aesthetics
All prescribing decisions are made solely by licensed clinicians with Wasef Health, PC or Arora Health and Aesthetics. Information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory information current as of November 2026.
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Prescription required. A licensed healthcare provider will review your information and prescribe only if medically appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved finished drug products, have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and may differ from FDA-approved drugs. Results may vary. Individual results are not guaranteed.
Stylized vial for marketing purposes only; image does not reflect the actual label or size of a prescription vial. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed US pharmacies for individual patients, are not FDA-approved, and are not brand-name or generic versions of any FDA-approved drug.
Vytora Health provides access to telehealth services connecting users with licensed healthcare professionals. Vytora Health does not practice medicine and does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. All treatment decisions are made solely by the licensed clinician.