Longevity & Anti-Aging Peptides

Longevity peptides are compounds investigated for their potential to slow, reverse, or mitigate aspects of biological aging. This is one of the most speculative categories in peptide science, with mechanisms ranging from telomerase activation and senescent cell clearance to mitochondrial protection and metabolic optimization.

Epithalon (AEDG tetrapeptide) is claimed to activate telomerase and extend telomere length, based primarily on research by Vladimir Khavinson's group in St. Petersburg. FOXO4-DRI is a D-retro-inverso peptide designed to selectively eliminate senescent cells by disrupting the FOXO4-p53 interaction. MOTS-c is a mitochondrial-derived peptide that activates AMPK and mimics exercise adaptations, with declining levels observed during aging. Humanin, another mitochondrial-derived peptide, demonstrates cytoprotective and neuroprotective properties relevant to age-related neurodegeneration. Pinealon (EDR tripeptide) is a bioregulatory peptide studied for neuroprotective and anti-aging effects. SS-31 (elamipretide) targets mitochondrial cardiolipin to restore bioenergetic function and has reached Phase 3 clinical trials for mitochondrial myopathy.

It is important to note that most longevity peptides lack robust human clinical trial data. Much of the evidence comes from in vitro studies, animal models, or small observational studies. Claims of lifespan extension in humans remain unproven.