The Anti-Aging Stack: Epitalon + GHK-Cu + SS-31
Last updated: 2026-02-20
The Epitalon, GHK-Cu, and SS-31 anti-aging stack combines three peptides that target fundamentally different hallmarks of aging: telomere shortening, extracellular matrix degradation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. This multi-pathway approach reflects the emerging scientific consensus that aging is driven by multiple interconnected processes that must be addressed simultaneously for meaningful longevity intervention.
Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide studied for its ability to activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains protective telomere caps on chromosomes. GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide that declines with age and plays a central role in tissue remodeling, wound healing, and gene expression modulation. SS-31 (Elamipretide) is a mitochondria-targeted peptide that stabilizes cardiolipin in the inner mitochondrial membrane to restore efficient energy production.[1]
Together, these three peptides address aging at the chromosomal, extracellular, and mitochondrial levels—a comprehensive approach grounded in the current understanding of geroscience. This guide details the research behind each compound, their synergy, a practical dosing protocol, expected timelines, and safety information.
Compounds in This Stack
Epitalon
Telomerase activation and pineal gland function support
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on epithalamin, a pineal gland extract studied by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson. Research suggests Epitalon activates telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme that adds TTAGGG repeats to chromosome ends, thereby maintaining telomere length and extending cellular replicative capacity.[1]
Mechanism in this stack: Epitalon addresses aging at the chromosomal level. Telomere shortening is one of the primary hallmarks of aging—as cells divide, telomeres progressively shorten until they reach a critical length that triggers cellular senescence or apoptosis. By activating telomerase, Epitalon may slow or partially reverse this process, extending the functional lifespan of dividing cells.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage | 5–10 mg per day |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection |
| Cycle Pattern | 10–20 day cycles, 2–3 times per year |
| Key Research | Khavinson et al.: telomerase activation in human somatic cells |
GHK-Cu
Tissue remodeling, collagen synthesis, and gene expression modulation
GHK-Cu (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine copper complex) is a naturally occurring tripeptide-copper complex found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. Plasma levels of GHK-Cu decline significantly with age—from approximately 200 ng/mL at age 20 to 80 ng/mL by age 60. Research by Dr. Loren Pickart has demonstrated that GHK-Cu modulates the expression of over 4,000 human genes, with a pattern that shifts gene activity toward a healthier, more youthful profile.[2]
Mechanism in this stack: GHK-Cu addresses aging at the extracellular matrix (ECM) level. It stimulates collagen synthesis (types I and III), promotes decorin production for collagen assembly, attracts immune cells for tissue remodeling, and demonstrates antioxidant activity through superoxide dismutase upregulation. It also suppresses genes associated with inflammation (TGF-beta, TNF-alpha) and activates genes involved in tissue repair.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage (injection) | 1–2 mg per day subcutaneous |
| Research Dosage (topical) | Topical serums with 1–3% GHK-Cu concentration |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection or topical application |
| Cycle Pattern | Ongoing use is common; some cycle 8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off |
SS-31 (Elamipretide)
Mitochondrial inner membrane stabilization and energy restoration
SS-31 (D-Arg-Dmt-Lys-Phe-NH2), also known as Elamipretide or Bendavia, is a cell-permeable, mitochondria-targeted tetrapeptide. It selectively concentrates in the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) at a concentration approximately 1,000-fold higher than in the cytoplasm, where it binds to cardiolipin—a phospholipid essential for electron transport chain (ETC) function and cristae structure.[3]
Mechanism in this stack: SS-31 addresses aging at the bioenergetic level. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a primary hallmark of aging—as we age, cardiolipin oxidation destabilizes the inner mitochondrial membrane, reducing electron transport efficiency, increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and decreasing ATP output. SS-31 stabilizes cardiolipin, restores cristae architecture, improves ETC efficiency, and reduces ROS production, effectively reversing a key driver of cellular aging.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Research Dosage | 0.5–5 mg per day |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection |
| Half-Life | ~4 hours (rapid mitochondrial uptake) |
| Clinical Status | Phase II/III trials for Barth syndrome, heart failure, kidney disease |
How They Work Together
The Epitalon, GHK-Cu, and SS-31 anti-aging stack is designed around the geroscience principle that effective longevity intervention must address multiple hallmarks of aging simultaneously. These three peptides target three distinct and fundamental aging mechanisms.
Three Hallmarks of Aging, Three Solutions
- Epitalon → Telomere attrition: Activates telomerase to maintain chromosome end-caps and extend cellular replicative lifespan[1]
- GHK-Cu → Loss of proteostasis + ECM degradation: Restores youthful gene expression patterns, promotes collagen synthesis, and modulates inflammation[2]
- SS-31 → Mitochondrial dysfunction: Stabilizes cardiolipin to restore electron transport efficiency, reduce ROS, and improve cellular energy production[3]
Complementary Cellular Targets
Each peptide operates at a different level of cellular organization: Epitalon works in the nucleus (telomeres), GHK-Cu works at the extracellular matrix and gene expression level, and SS-31 works inside the mitochondria. Because they do not compete for the same targets or pathways, their effects are expected to be additive without interference.
Oxidative Stress Convergence
All three peptides converge on oxidative stress reduction, a central driver of aging. SS-31 reduces ROS at the mitochondrial source. GHK-Cu upregulates superoxide dismutase and other antioxidant enzymes. Epitalon supports melatonin production through pineal gland function, and melatonin itself is a potent antioxidant. This multi-layered antioxidant approach may be more effective than any single antioxidant strategy.
Tissue Quality and Function
While Epitalon and SS-31 work at the cellular level, GHK-Cu produces visible improvements in tissue quality—skin elasticity, wound healing speed, and hair follicle function. This provides both subjective (appearance) and objective (biomarker) indicators of the stack's anti-aging effects, which is valuable for tracking protocol efficacy over time.
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Protocol & Dosage Schedule
Dosage Schedule
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Cycle Pattern | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epitalon | 5–10 mg/day | Daily for 10–20 days | 2–3 cycles per year (4–6 month intervals) | Subcutaneous |
| GHK-Cu | 1–2 mg/day | Daily | 8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off, or continuous topical | Subcutaneous or topical |
| SS-31 | 0.5–5 mg/day | Daily | 8–12 weeks on / 4 weeks off | Subcutaneous |
Cycle Length
This stack uses staggered cycling. Epitalon is administered in short, intensive bursts (10–20 days) repeated 2–3 times per year. GHK-Cu can be used continuously (especially topically) or cycled in 8–12 week blocks with 4-week breaks for injectable use. SS-31 is typically cycled in 8–12 week blocks. A practical approach is to run GHK-Cu and SS-31 together continuously or in alternating cycles, with Epitalon courses overlaid 2–3 times per year.
Timing & Administration
Epitalon timing: Administer subcutaneously once daily, typically in the evening. Some protocols split the daily dose into two injections (morning and evening). Epitalon has been studied for its effect on melatonin production via the pineal gland, which makes evening administration biologically logical.
GHK-Cu timing: For injection, administer subcutaneously once daily at any time. For topical use, apply to clean skin in the evening (many skin repair processes peak during sleep). GHK-Cu can be taken alongside other peptides without timing conflicts.
SS-31 timing: Administer subcutaneously once daily, preferably in the morning. SS-31 supports mitochondrial energy production, so morning dosing aligns with the body's natural circadian demand for ATP. Can be taken with or without food.
Sample daily schedule:
- 7:00 AM – SS-31 injection (1–5 mg subcutaneous)
- 7:00 AM – GHK-Cu injection (1–2 mg subcutaneous) [or topical application in the evening]
- 9:00 PM – Epitalon injection (5–10 mg subcutaneous) [during active Epitalon cycle only]
What to Expect
Anti-aging effects are inherently gradual and cumulative. Unlike healing or weight loss stacks, longevity-oriented protocols produce subtle changes that compound over months to years. Some effects (skin quality, energy) are noticeable relatively quickly, while others (telomere length, mitochondrial function) require longer timeframes and laboratory measurement.
| Timeframe | Expected Observations |
|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Improved sleep quality (Epitalon's melatonin effect). Subtle energy improvements from SS-31. Mild skin hydration improvement from GHK-Cu. Most effects are subclinical at this stage. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone, and elasticity (GHK-Cu). Increased energy and reduced fatigue (SS-31). Better exercise tolerance and recovery. Improved mood and cognitive clarity. |
| Weeks 5–8 | Visible skin quality improvements. Reduced fine lines and improved wound healing speed. Sustained energy and reduced afternoon fatigue. Hair quality improvements (GHK-Cu). Potential measurable changes in antioxidant markers on blood work. |
| Months 3–6 | Cumulative tissue remodeling effects. Measurable improvements in skin elasticity. Sustained energy improvements. Improved exercise performance and recovery. Potential telomere length changes detectable on specialized testing. |
| Months 6–12+ | Long-term consolidation of anti-aging effects. Multiple Epitalon cycles completed. Comprehensive blood work and biomarker tracking recommended. Assessment of biological age markers vs. chronological age. |
Safety & Contraindications
Known Side Effects
Epitalon side effects:
- Generally well-tolerated in published studies
- Mild injection site reactions (redness, brief stinging)
- Changes in sleep patterns (usually improved, but occasionally disrupted during initial use)
- Limited long-term safety data in humans
GHK-Cu side effects:
- Topical: minimal side effects; occasional mild skin irritation or redness
- Injectable: injection site bruising, mild local swelling
- Very few adverse effects reported in the literature[2]
SS-31 side effects (from clinical trials):
- Injection site reactions (most common)
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Phase II/III clinical trials for Barth syndrome and heart failure have reported acceptable safety profiles[3]
Contraindications and Cautions
- Cancer or tumor history: Telomerase activation (Epitalon) is a theoretical concern for individuals with cancer, as cancer cells often rely on telomerase to maintain their immortal replicative capacity. While no causal link between Epitalon and cancer progression has been established, those with active cancer or a history of cancer should avoid Epitalon.
- Autoimmune conditions: GHK-Cu modulates immune cell activity and gene expression. Individuals with autoimmune conditions should exercise caution.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: No safety data exists for any of these peptides during pregnancy or lactation. Avoid use.
- Copper sensitivity: Individuals with Wilson's disease or copper metabolism disorders should avoid GHK-Cu.
- Mitochondrial myopathies: While SS-31 is being studied for mitochondrial disorders, self-treatment of diagnosed mitochondrial diseases is not recommended without medical supervision.
Important: None of these peptides are FDA-approved for anti-aging purposes. Epitalon and GHK-Cu are research compounds. SS-31 (Elamipretide) is in clinical trials for specific medical conditions but not approved for general anti-aging use. This information is for educational purposes only.
Where to Buy These Peptides
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Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2003.
- Pickart L, Vasquez-Soltero JM, Margolina A. GHK peptide as a natural modulator of multiple cellular pathways in skin regeneration. BioMed Research International, 2015.
- Szeto HH. First-in-class cardiolipin-protective compound as a therapeutic agent to restore mitochondrial bioenergetics. British Journal of Pharmacology, 2014.
- Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh. Peptide bioregulation of aging: results and prospects. Biogerontology, 2010.
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Our content is reviewed for accuracy and grounded in peer-reviewed research where available. We do not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.