Epitalon vs MOTS-c: evidence, status and structure
A side-by-side look at Epitalon and MOTS-c, using the data on each VALREXA profile. Neither comparison is a recommendation.
Key differences
- Both sit at the same evidence level: Preclinical.
- Both have the same U.S. status category: Compounding allowed.
- MOTS-c is about 5.6× heavier than Epitalon (~2,174.6 vs ~390.4 Da).
| Epitalon | MOTS-c | |
| Research class | Mitochondrial & Longevity | Mitochondrial & Longevity |
| Human evidence | Preclinical | Preclinical |
| U.S. status | Not FDA-approved; compounding allowed | No approved product |
| 2026 compounding decision | Allowed for 503A pharmacies under FDA enforcement discretion (Oct 2026) | Allowed for 503A pharmacies under FDA enforcement discretion (Oct 2026) |
| Amino acids | 4 | 16 |
| Molecular weight | ~390.4 Da | ~2,174.6 Da |
| Formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ | Varies by form |
| Sequence | AEDG | MRWQEMGYIFYPRKLR |
| Research period | 1990s | 2015 |
| Safety summary | Not FDA-approved. Since October 2026, licensed 503A pharmacies may compound it under FDA enforcement discretion, which is not approval. | No FDA-approved therapeutic MOTS-c product. |
How they differ
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed in Russia by Vladimir Khavinson's group, based on a pineal-gland extract. MOTS-c is a natural 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in mitochondrial DNA. Both are marketed for "longevity," both are graded Preclinical, and both were part of the FDA's October 2026 compounding decision.
What each one is
Epitalon: Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) modeled on a pineal gland extract. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
MOTS-c: Mitochondrial-derived peptide associated with metabolic stress signaling. Molecular weight, sequence, research history, human evidence and regulatory status.
Educational reference only. Nothing here is medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error.