Longevity Peptides Guide
The Major Players in Anti-Aging Science
From Epithalon's telomere-lengthening properties to FOXO4-DRI's senolytic action, this guide covers every major longevity peptide category — how they work, typical protocols, and what biomarkers to track over your multi-year journey.
Thymic Peptides
Epithalon
Epithalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. It is best known for its ability to activate telomerase — the enzyme responsible for extending telomere length on chromosomes.
- • 4 amino acid sequence (tetrapeptide)
- • Activates telomerase, may extend telomere length
- • Standard protocol: 5-10mg/day for 10 days, 2x per year
- • Also studied for melatonin regulation and antioxidant activity
- • Russian research: 15+ year human longevity studies
Thymosin Alpha-1 (TA1)
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28 amino acid peptide naturally secreted by the thymus gland. It is a potent immune modulator with decades of clinical use in chronic viral infections and cancer adjunct therapy.
- • Modulates T-cell production and function
- • Enhances NK cell and dendritic cell activity
- • Standard longevity protocol: 1.6mg subcutaneous 2x/week
- • FDA-approved (Zadaxin) in 35+ countries for hepatitis B/C
- • Thymus function declines with age — TA1 helps compensate
Mitochondrial Peptides
MOTS-c
MOTS-c is remarkable because it is encoded by mitochondrial DNA — one of only a handful of peptides with this origin. It activates AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), the master metabolic regulator.
- • Mitochondrial genome-encoded (12S rRNA region)
- • AMPK activator — mimics exercise at the cellular level
- • Improves insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism
- • Circulating levels decline with age
- • Typical dose: 5-10mg subcutaneous 2-3x/week
Elamipretide (SS-31)
Elamipretide (also called SS-31 or MTP-131) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane — critical for maintaining the electron transport chain.
- • Selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane
- • Cardiolipin stabilizer — protects mitochondrial architecture
- • Targets heart failure and age-related muscle decline
- • In Phase 2/3 clinical trials for heart failure
- • Reduces mitochondrial ROS production
Senolytics & Metabolic Longevity Compounds
FOXO4-DRI
A D-retro inverso peptide that disrupts FOXO4-p53 interaction in senescent "zombie" cells, triggering selective apoptosis.
- • Highly experimental — mouse data only at scale
- • Clears senescent cells without harming healthy tissue
- • Not yet established human protocols
- • Often combined with D+Q stack
Dasatinib + Quercetin
The most studied senolytic combination in human trials. Dasatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) + Quercetin (flavonoid) clear senescent cells via complementary pathways.
- • Intermittent dosing: 2-3 days on, weeks/months off
- • Human trials: reduced senescence markers
- • Dasatinib is prescription-only
- • Mayo Clinic ongoing clinical research
5-Amino-1MQ
A small molecule NNMT (nicotinamide N-methyltransferase) inhibitor that raises intracellular NAD+ levels and activates sirtuins for metabolic enhancement.
- • Raises NAD+ via NNMT inhibition
- • Promotes fat cell differentiation changes
- • Often stacked with NMN or NR
- • Typical dose: 50-100mg orally
Why Tracking Longevity Protocols Matters
Longevity protocols are fundamentally different from acute treatments: they operate on multi-year timescales, and the signals you are trying to move — epigenetic age, telomere length, inflammatory burden — change slowly. Without systematic tracking, it is nearly impossible to know if your regimen is working, wasting money, or causing harm.
N=1 data is your most important asset. Population-level studies of longevity peptides are scarce. The most rigorous evidence available to most practitioners is their own longitudinal biomarker data, combined with peer-reviewed mechanistic research and case series.
Shotlee lets you log every injection cycle, dose amount, and protocol change — so when your TruAge result comes back 18 months from now, you have a precise record of what your body was exposed to during that window.
Key Biomarkers to Track
DNA methylation-based biological age. The gold standard outcome for longevity interventions. Retest every 6-12 months.
Average telomere length in leukocytes. Especially relevant for Epithalon tracking. Changes are slow — annual testing is sufficient.
Chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) is central to aging biology. Senolytics and TA1 should measurably reduce these markers over time.
IGF-1 and fasting insulin reflect metabolic health trajectory. Testosterone and DHEA-S track hormonal aging. Essential baseline for any longevity stack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I cycle Epithalon?
The most common Epithalon protocol is a 10-day cycle administered twice per year. Each cycle typically involves daily injections of 5-10mg for 10 consecutive days. Spacing cycles 6 months apart is the most widely reported approach in the longevity research community.
What biomarkers should I track on a longevity peptide protocol?
Key biomarkers include epigenetic age (TruAge or similar methylation tests), telomere length (SpectraCell or Life Length), inflammatory markers (IL-6, hsCRP), IGF-1, fasting insulin, testosterone/DHEA-S, and a comprehensive metabolic panel. Repeat tests every 6-12 months to detect change over the multi-year timeline these protocols operate on.
What is the difference between FOXO4-DRI and other senolytics?
FOXO4-DRI is a peptide-based senolytic that disrupts the interaction between FOXO4 and p53 in senescent cells, triggering apoptosis specifically in "zombie cells." Unlike small-molecule senolytics such as Dasatinib + Quercetin, FOXO4-DRI targets senescent cells with high selectivity. However, it is highly experimental with limited human data and should be considered investigational only.
Track Your Longevity Protocol with Shotlee
Log every Epithalon cycle, Thymosin Alpha-1 injection, and biomarker result in one place. Your future self will thank you for the data.
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