Peptides for Anti-Aging
Research overview of peptides studied for longevity, aging, and healthspan. Epithalon, MOTS-c, humanin, and bioregulator research evidence.
Research Overview
Anti-aging peptide research spans multiple mechanisms including telomerase activation, mitochondrial function, and tissue-specific bioregulation. This field includes both well-studied compounds with growing evidence bases and emerging peptides with primarily preclinical data.
Epithalon (epithalamin) is among the most discussed longevity peptides, based primarily on work by the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. While intriguing preclinical data exists for telomerase activation, human clinical evidence remains limited and largely from non-Western literature.
Mitochondrial-derived peptides like MOTS-c, humanin, and SHLPs represent newer research directions with potential implications for metabolic health and cellular aging. These peptides are endogenously produced and their research is still evolving.
Research Categories
Telomerase Activators
| Peptide | Proposed Mechanism | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Epithalon | Telomerase activation | Low (mostly preclinical) |
| Pinealon | Pineal gland regulation | Very Low |
Mitochondrial Peptides
| Peptide | Source | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| MOTS-c | mtDNA-encoded | Low-Moderate (emerging) |
| Humanin | mtDNA-encoded | Low-Moderate |
| SHLP-2, SHLP-6 | mtDNA-encoded | Very Low |
Bioregulators (Khavinson Peptides)
Short synthetic peptides from the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. Research primarily from Russian/CIS literature with limited Western replication.
Important Considerations
Anti-aging research has unique challenges:
- Long timeframes required to measure lifespan effects
- Surrogate biomarkers may not predict longevity
- Much research in model organisms, not humans
- Bioregulator literature requires careful evaluation
GH Secretagogues in Aging
Growth hormone secretagogues (tesamorelin, sermorelin) have been studied in age-related hormone decline, though evidence for anti-aging effects beyond hormone replacement remains limited.
Peptides Studied for Anti-Aging
CJC-1295
ModerateA synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) with extended half-life. Limited clinical development; not approved for any indication.
Ipamorelin
ModerateA growth hormone secretagogue that stimulates GH release without significant effects on cortisol or prolactin. Developed by Novo Nordisk (Denmark); limited clinical development despite promising early data.
MK-677
ModerateAn orally-active, non-peptide growth hormone secretagogue that mimics ghrelin's effects on GHS-R1a. While not technically a peptide, it is frequently researched alongside peptides for its sustained IGF-1 elevation. Completed Phase 2 trials for muscle wasting, sleep, and bone density. Not FDA approved; WADA prohibited.
Sermorelin
ModerateA GHRH analog that was FDA-approved for pediatric GH deficiency. Now discontinued commercially but established safety and efficacy profile exists.
Epithalon
LowA synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to activate telomerase and extend lifespan. 2025 independent Western research confirmed telomerase activation in vitro. Still not approved anywhere; no controlled human clinical trials.
Livagen
LowA synthetic tripeptide (Lys-Glu-Asp) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to support liver function and modulate hepatic gene expression. Minimal Western validation exists; all research originates from Russian institutions with no controlled human clinical trials.
Important Disclaimer
This page summarizes research findings and does not constitute medical advice. The peptides listed may or may not have regulatory approval. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health decisions.