Epitalon

Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly developed by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues, derived from the pineal-gland peptide Epitalamin. It is among the most-studied Khavinson short peptides and the subject of a substantial Russian/Eastern European research literature focused on age-related telomere biology.

CAS 307297-39-8, molecular formula C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉, molecular weight 390.35 g/mol. Wikidata QID Q27285389, PubChem CID 219042.

Epitalon's most-cited reported effect is induction of telomerase activity in cultured human somatic cells and consequent telomere lengthening — observations from the Khavinson group and a small number of independent labs. The proposed mechanism is direct DNA binding at the hTERT promoter (the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene) with consequent upregulation of telomerase expression.

Wider research has reported antioxidant effects, melatonin- synthesis-pathway interaction, and modulation of pineal-axis gene expression in rodent models.

Investigated in preclinical and small clinical studies of age-related decline, telomere biology, and pineal-axis function. Like other Khavinson peptides, the bulk of the foundational literature is from the Khavinson group; Western independent replication is more limited.

Supplied as a research-grade reference standard for laboratory use only. Not a licensed medicinal product in the United Kingdom and not approved by the MHRA for human or veterinary administration. Sale is restricted to researchers, institutions and laboratory professionals; the compound must be retained within research premises. End-user compliance with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (where applicable) and local institutional biosafety policy is the responsibility of the buyer.