Comparison
Epitalon vs. FOXO4-DRI
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Research other
Research other
CAS no.
307297-39-8
2074706-72-8
Molecular weight
390.35 g/mol
3735 g/mol
Half-life
0.3 h
0.5 h
Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-GlyD-Retro-Inverso-Variante eines FOXO4-Peptid-Fragments (LTLRKEPASEIAQSILEAYSQNGWANRRSGGKR — D-Aminosäuren in umgekehrter Sequenz)Mechanism of action
Epitalon
Postulated mechanisms include modulation of gene expression in pinealocytes, telomerase activation (observed in cell culture studies) and influence on melatonin synthesis. A defined primary receptor is not established; the mechanistic basis rests on in-vitro and animal data from the Khavinson group.
FOXO4-DRI
FOXO4-DRI is the D-retro-inverso variant of a peptide fragment of the FOXO4 transcription factor. In senescent cells, FOXO4 is bound to p53, which suppresses p53-mediated apoptosis — the cells survive in a secreting 'zombie-like' state (senescence-associated secretory phenotype, SASP). The DRI peptide disrupts this FOXO4-p53 binding, freeing p53, and the senescent cell initiates apoptosis. Healthy cells are largely unaffected because p53 is not held back by FOXO4 in them. This selectivity was the central finding of the original 2017 publication.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human trial
Animal model
Studies
4
3
of which in humans
1
0
Effects recorded
4
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
1
1
Legal status
Full entries
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between Epitalon and FOXO4-DRI?
- Epitalon is classified as "Research other", while FOXO4-DRI is classified as "Research other". Epitalon: Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal extract epithalamin (V. Khavinson, St. Petersburg). Investigated in the Russian research and anti-ageing context; Western controlled trials are largely absent. No medicines approval in EU or US. FOXO4-DRI: Synthetic peptide with D-Retro-Inverso structure (all amino acids as D-form, sequence reversed), developed in 2017 as an experimental senolytic candidate. Goal: selective apoptosis of senescent cells via disruption of the FOXO4-p53 interaction. So far evaluated exclusively preclinically. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
- Which peptide is better supported by science, Epitalon or FOXO4-DRI?
- The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Epitalon and "Animal model" for FOXO4-DRI. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
- What is the legal status of Epitalon and FOXO4-DRI in Germany and the United States?
- Germany: Epitalon — Unapproved, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. United States: Epitalon — Unapproved, FOXO4-DRI — Research only. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.