Pinealon

Pinealon is a synthetic tripeptide Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR), belonging to the family of "Khavinson short peptides" — bioregulators developed at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology and characterised by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues over several decades. Pinealon is derived from the pineal-gland peptide complex Epitalamin and is one of the smaller members of this family.

Molecular formula C₁₆H₂₇N₇O₈, molecular weight 417.41 g/mol.

The Khavinson short-peptide framework proposes that these tripeptides and tetrapeptides act as transcriptional regulators — binding directly to specific DNA promoter regions and modulating tissue-specific gene expression. Pinealon's reported effects include modulation of antioxidant gene expression and protection against oxidative stress in neural tissue.

The mechanism remains controversial in the broader scientific community; most foundational research is from the Khavinson group itself, with limited independent replication.

Investigated primarily in Russian/Eastern European literature in models of neurodegenerative disease, age-related cognitive decline, and oxidative stress. Western-language independent replication is 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.