Overview
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In plain language
Epitalon (also spelled epithalon) is a very short, lab-made peptide of just 4 amino acids. It was developed in Russia, based on an extract from the pineal gland.
Researchers have studied it in cells and animals for effects on aging, sleep hormones and telomeres (the protective caps on chromosomes). Nearly all of this research comes from one group, and there are no good human trials. It is not an FDA-approved medicine.
For students
Epitalon is the tetrapeptide Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG, about 390 Da), synthesized by Vladimir Khavinson's group in St. Petersburg as a defined analogue of epithalamin, a bovine pineal extract.
Reported findings include telomerase activation and telomere elongation in cultured human cells, normalization of melatonin rhythms in aged animals and increased lifespan in some rodent and fly studies. Because these results come mostly from one research program and have little independent replication, VALREXA grades it Preclinical.
For researchers and instructors
Proposed mechanism. The group has proposed that short peptides bind DNA or histones and regulate gene expression directly, a hypothesis not widely tested outside the originating lab.
Evidence quality. Few independent replications, small sample sizes and limited publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. Human studies reported from the same group are small and lack modern randomized designs.
Regulatory. Not FDA-approved. Since October 2026, licensed 503A pharmacies may compound it under FDA enforcement discretion, which is not approval.
Molecular identity
- Amino acids
- 4
- Molecular weight
- ~390.4 Da
- Formula
- C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉
- Sequence
- AEDG
Sequence map
Hydropathy
Kyte–Doolittle score per residue. Positive values are water-repelling.
Origin and history
Epitalon was developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia. In the 1970s–80s his group made an extract of the pineal gland called epithalamin and reported anti-aging effects in animals.
They then designed a synthetic four-amino-acid peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) meant to mimic it. In 2003 they reported that it switched on telomerase in human cells grown in the lab. Almost all studies come from the same Russian group, and independent replication is lacking.
Key people
- Vladimir KhavinsonSt. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology
Timeline
- 1980s
Pineal extract epithalamin studied
- Late 1990s
Synthetic epitalon developed
- 2003
Telomerase activation reported in cell culture
- 2026
FDA allows 503A compounding under enforcement discretion
See every peptide on one history timeline.
Human evidence
Human reports come largely from one research group, and large independent randomized trials are lacking.
Registration and enrollment are not proof of benefit; check study results directly.
Explore original publications and distinguish preclinical findings from controlled human evidence.
Safety and regulatory status
See every compound on the regulatory tracker.
Not FDA-approved. Since October 2026, licensed 503A pharmacies may compound it under FDA enforcement discretion, which is not approval.
This profile is educational and does not provide treatment, dosing or sourcing guidance.
Sources
- PubMed literature search: Epitalon
- PubChem compound search: Epitalon
- PubMed: Khavinson epitalon
- ClinicalTrials.gov search: Epitalon
Hernandez Gener, E. (2026, November 7). Epitalon: molecular data, research history and evidence. VALREXA Biosciences. https://valrexa.com/peptides/epitalon.html
APA style · Last reviewed November 7, 2026 · Our editorial standardsLast reviewed November 7, 2026. Trial and regulatory status can change; confirm in the linked registries. This profile is educational and is not medical advice, a treatment recommendation, or dosing or sourcing guidance. Report an error · Corrections policy