Epitalon

Epitalon (Epithalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide based on the naturally occurring peptide Epithalamin, derived from the pineal gland. It has been studied in research for its effects on telomerase activity, telomere length maintenance, and cellular senescence markers in vitro and in vivo.

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) derived from the pineal gland peptide Epithalamin. It is studied in research for its effects on telomerase activation, telomere dynamics, and cellular senescence. Supplied as a lyophilized research peptide.

Epitalon was developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in Russia. It was designed as a synthetic analogue of Epithalamin, a pineal gland extract studied in gerontological research since the 1980s. Published work by Khavinson's group has characterized its effects on bioregulatory mechanisms.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that Epitalon activates telomerase (hTERT) expression in human somatic cell cultures, resulting in telomere elongation. Animal model studies have reported effects on pineal gland function, melatonin production cycles, and various biomarkers associated with cellular aging. Research continues into its mechanisms of action on chromatin remodeling and gene expression.