Coming SoonA stabilized tetrapeptide that upregulates telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length — and modulates circadian signaling through the pineal axis.
Derived from the Khavinson bioregulator lineage, with modifications (N-acetylation, C-amidation) that protect against enzymatic degradation.
Research interest centers on cellular aging and circadian re-entrainment.
Made in USA•Purity: 99% HPLC
Extensive Russian preclinical data; no independent replication of human mortality claims; FDA Category 2 (cannot compound in US)
For laboratory research use only.
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) based on the active sequence of Epithalamin, a bovine pineal gland extract first studied in 1973. Developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Epitalon has been researched for telomerase activation and circadian rhythm regulation.
The claims are extraordinary — telomere lengthening, mortality reduction, cancer prevention. The research body is extensive (775+ publications over 40 years). The critical problem: no independent laboratory has ever replicated Khavinson's findings.
N-Acetyl Epitalon Amidate is a stabilized form with protective modifications on both ends of the molecule, extending half-life in experimental systems.
The research body comes almost entirely from Khavinson's group:
Animal Studies:
Human Studies (Claimed Findings):
| Study | Design | Claimed Finding |
|---|---|---|
| Kiev 15-year (n=79) | Epithalamin vs controls, 12-year follow-up | 28% lower mortality; 2× lower cardiovascular mortality |
| Combined therapy (n=266) | Thymalin + Epithalamin, 6-year treatment | 4.1-fold mortality reduction |
| Retinitis pigmentosa (n=162) | 5.0 mcg parabulbar injection, 10 days | 90% positive clinical effect |
Critical caveats: The Kiev studies were not blinded, randomization methodology is unclear, and no intention-to-treat analysis was reported. A 4.1-fold mortality reduction would be unprecedented for any intervention in medical history.
A 2025 study from non-Russian researchers confirmed telomere elongation in cell lines — providing the first independent signal that the cellular mechanism exists. However, no independent replication exists for the human mortality claims.
The Epitalon research presents a genuine scientific paradox:
What supports interest:
What requires skepticism:
The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation explicitly notes: "Every preclinical and clinical study discussed here has been conducted by Dr. Khavinson's group in Russia with no independent confirmation of their results."
As of September 2024, Epitalon is on the FDA's Category 2 Bulk Drug Substances list, meaning it "may present significant safety risks" and cannot be legally compounded by 503A pharmacies in the United States.
| Jurisdiction | Status |
|---|---|
| USA | Category 2 (cannot compound) |
| Russia | Epithalamin approved; Epitalon experimental |
| EU | Not recognized as medicinal product |
| Canada/Australia | Unapproved new substance |
In practice, only research-grade products are available in Western markets, labeled "not for human use" with associated purity and contamination risks.
From Russian clinical studies and research protocols:
Reported side effects:
Contraindications: Known hypersensitivity, pregnancy/breastfeeding (no safety data), active or suspected cancer (telomerase activation concern).
A 2025 systematic review in International Journal of Molecular Sciences states: "Information regarding critical issues about this peptide's safety is missing." The FDA cites immunogenicity as a significant risk.
Epitalon represents frontier science with compelling theoretical foundations but inadequate validation for clinical use:
The prudent approach is to monitor for independent replication studies while recognizing that current evidence falls well short of established validation standards.
For laboratory research use only.
| Amino Acid Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
|---|---|
| Single-Letter Code | AEDG |
| Molecular Formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular Weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| Amino Acid Count | 4 |
| CAS Number | 307297-39-8 |
| PubChem CID | 219042 |
| Origin | Synthetic tetrapeptide based on a naturally occurring epithalamin extract from the pineal gland, developed through Khavinson bioregulatory peptide research. N-acetyl amidate modification enhances stability. |
| Synonyms | Epithalon, Epithalone, AEDG peptide, Epitalamin, N-Acetyl Epitalon |
This product ships as lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder. After reconstitution, the solution requires different storage conditions than the powder.
Do not freeze. Use within 30 days of mixing.