Longevity Peptides: SS-31, MOTS-c, KLOW-80, Epitalon & NAD+
A scientific overview of longevity research compounds including KLOW-80, SS-31 Elamipretide, MOTS-c, Epitalon, NAD+, and Thymalin.
Anyone working on the biological mechanisms of aging will quickly encounter a small set of compounds that recur in the literature. Mitochondrial peptides, telomere-related compounds, metabolic regulators, and immunomodulatory extracts are investigated in different contexts and with very different levels of evidence. This overview summarizes how the longevity compounds in our catalog are typically discussed in research and where the current evidence remains limited.
Aging Has Measurable Causes
The Hallmarks of Aging
Aging is not a uniform process. It involves multiple processes that run in parallel and interact with each other: mitochondrial dysfunction, telomere shortening, altered NAD+ metabolism, and chronic low-grade inflammation. The "Hallmarks of Aging" framework is often used to organize these changes. Longevity compounds are of interest because they are studied in relation to specific pathways rather than as a single, unified intervention.
Our Longevity Portfolio
4-in-1 anti-aging peptide blend: GHK-Cu 50mg + BPC-157 10mg + TB-500 10mg + KPV 10mg. Targets collagen synthesis, tissue regeneration, skin repair, and anti-inflammatory pathways.
Mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide (Elamipretide) that stabilizes cardiolipin and prevents ROS formation at the source.
Mitochondrial-derived signaling peptide (16 amino acids) that mimics the effects of exercise at the cellular level. Activates AMPK, improves glucose uptake, and enhances fat metabolism - a key tool in metabolic and longevity research.
Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) that activates telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. One of the most studied peptides in longevity research, developed by Prof. Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation.
Essential cellular coenzyme that declines with age. Powers energy metabolism in every cell, activates sirtuins (longevity genes), and supports DNA repair. A cornerstone molecule in aging and longevity research.
Thymus-derived immune peptide developed by Prof. Khavinson. Restores T-cell function and thymic activity that naturally decline with age. Over 40 years of clinical use in Russia for immune support and anti-aging research.
KLOW-80 for Multi-Target Research
KLOW-80 takes a different approach from the other products in this category. Instead of focusing on a single pathway, the blend combines several components intended for broader pathway coverage. That can be useful for research groups that want to explore a multi-factor design without building a combination protocol from separate vials.
All components are formulated in research-grade quality and Janoshik-verified.
SS-31 / Elamipretide and the Mitochondrial Membrane
SS-31 (also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia) is a cell-permeable tetrapeptide that localizes to mitochondria and is primarily discussed in connection with cardiolipin interactions at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Cardiolipin is a phospholipid that is critical for the integrity of the electron transport chain.
Preclinical work suggests that cardiolipin binding can help stabilize cristae architecture and support mitochondrial function under stress conditions. Depending on the model, researchers have reported more efficient oxidative phosphorylation, lower reactive oxygen species leakage, and reduced cytochrome c release. These findings are mechanistic and context-dependent rather than universal outcomes in every system.
Clinical Status
Elamipretide was granted accelerated FDA approval for Barth syndrome on September 19, 2025. Outside that indication, it continues to be discussed in the literature in connection with mitochondrial disease, cardiac function, and ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Available here in 50 mg vials, which may suit longer research protocols.
MOTS-c in Metabolic Signaling
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid mitochondrial-derived peptide encoded within the 12S rRNA region of mitochondrial DNA. It is commonly discussed as part of mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling and broader metabolic stress responses.
AMPK activation is one of the pathways most often associated with MOTS-c. Experimental studies have also linked it to changes in folate-dependent metabolism, metabolic stress adaptation, and nuclear gene regulation. Most of this evidence remains preclinical, so broad claims about consistent effects on insulin sensitivity in humans would be premature.
Exercise Mimetic
Human and animal studies have reported that exercise can increase endogenous MOTS-c, and mouse data suggest effects on physical capacity and metabolic resilience. Some papers also report lower circulating MOTS-c levels with age, but the human evidence is still limited and should be interpreted cautiously. The label "exercise mimetic" is therefore better treated as a research hypothesis than a settled conclusion.
Available here in 40 mg vials.
Epitalon, Telomerase, and Pineal Research
Epitalon (also known as Epithalon or Epithalone) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly. It stems from the decades-long work of Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in St. Petersburg.
The most cited mechanistic paper links Epitalon to telomerase-related effects in cultured human somatic cells (Khavinson et al., 2003). Separate literature also discusses pineal and melatonin-related effects, but the evidence base is mixed and spans different preparations, study designs, and quality levels.
One point that often causes confusion: the 15-year follow-up frequently cited in longevity discussions refers to epithalamin, a peptide preparation derived from the pineal gland, rather than to synthetic Epitalon as an equivalent product. That study may still be relevant background, but it should not be presented as direct clinical proof for Epitalon itself. Dosage: 10 mg per vial.
NAD+ in Longevity Research
NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is involved in over 500 enzymatic reactions. It is the obligate cofactor of sirtuins (SIRT1-7), serves as a substrate for PARP enzymes in DNA repair, and is essential for the citric acid cycle and electron transport chain.
Why NAD+ Is So Prominent in Longevity Research
Age-related NAD+ decline is widely discussed, but review literature emphasizes that the evidence is tissue-specific and far from uniform, especially in humans. Even so, NAD+ remains a central research topic because it sits at the intersection of mitochondrial metabolism, DNA repair, and stress-response signaling.
Thymalin and Immunosenescence
Thymalin addresses an aspect of aging that is often overlooked: the involution of the thymus gland. From puberty onward, the thymus progressively shrinks and is replaced by adipose tissue. The consequence is reduced thymopoiesis and lower naive T-cell output. These changes contribute to immunosenescence, but they do not define the entire process.
Thymalin is a thymic polypeptide extract described in the literature as an immunocorrector or immunomodulator rather than as a proven agent of thymus regeneration. Research interest centers on T-cell function, cytokine signaling, and age-related immune dysfunction.
Which Peptide for Which Research Goal?
Researchers interested in a broader multi-target design may look first at KLOW-80, since it bundles multiple components into one protocol.
For mitochondrial work, SS-31 and MOTS-c address different questions. SS-31 is typically discussed in relation to membrane integrity and cardiolipin, while MOTS-c is usually framed around metabolic signaling and stress adaptation.
For telomere biology and pineal-related research, Epitalon remains a commonly referenced option, though the distinction between Epitalon and epithalamin should be kept clear when reviewing the literature.
For work on cellular energy metabolism, PARP activity, and sirtuin biology, NAD+ is central by definition.
For immunosenescence-focused projects, Thymalin is relevant primarily as an immunomodulatory thymic extract.
Don't Forget Reconstitution
All lyophilized peptides must be reconstituted with Bacteriostatic Water before use.