Telomerase-Activating Tetrapeptide

Epithalon

Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) for telomerase activation, circadian rhythm regulation, and anti-aging research.

◆ Evidence Level: Primarily Animal ResearchEpithalon (Epitalon) has been studied primarily in animal models for telomerase activation and anti-aging effects. Human data is very limited. See references →

What Is Epithalon?

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG). Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, it is a synthetic analog of Epithalamin, a polypeptide naturally produced by the pineal gland.

Epithalon is best known for its ability to activate telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining and lengthening telomeres – the protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. Telomere shortening is one of the hallmarks of cellular aging, making Epithalon one of the most studied peptides in anti-aging research.

Mechanism of Action

Telomerase Activation

Epithalon’s primary mechanism involves stimulating the production of telomerase in somatic cells. By reactivating this enzyme, it may allow cells to replicate beyond their normal Hayflick limit, effectively extending cellular lifespan in research models.

Pineal Gland & Melatonin

As a pineal gland bioregulator, Epithalon has been shown to restore melatonin production in aged animal models, helping normalize circadian rhythms and sleep architecture that typically deteriorate with age.

Gene Expression

Like other Khavinson peptides, Epithalon is theorized to interact with DNA at the epigenetic level, modulating the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense, apoptosis regulation, and cellular repair mechanisms.

Research Applications

Telomere Lengthening – Primary area of study: reactivating telomerase to extend telomere length in somatic cells
Anti-Aging – Investigated for lifespan extension in multiple animal models with significant results
Circadian Rhythm – Studied for restoring melatonin production and normalizing sleep-wake cycles in aged subjects
Oncology Research – Explored for potential tumor-suppressive properties through normalized cell differentiation
Retinal Health – Investigated for preserving retinal structure and function in degenerative models

Dosing Protocols

Protocol	Dose	Frequency	Duration
Standard Anti-Aging	5–10mg	1x daily	10–20 days
Intensive Cycle	10mg	1x daily	20 days
Maintenance	5mg	1x daily	10 days every 4–6 months

Epithalon is typically administered in short cycles of 10–20 days, repeated every 4–6 months. This mirrors the pulsatile dosing pattern used in Khavinson’s original clinical research.

Preparation & Storage

Reconstitution

Supplies: peptide vial, bacteriostatic water, insulin syringes (29–31 gauge), alcohol swabs.

Clean both vial tops with alcohol swabs and let dry
Draw 2 mL of bacteriostatic water into the syringe
Insert needle into peptide vial at an angle against the glass wall
Let water run slowly down the side – never squirt directly onto powder
Gently swirl until fully dissolved – never shake
Solution should be clear – discard if cloudy or contains particles

Concentration: 10 mg in 2 mL = 5,000 mcg/mL

Storage

Unreconstituted: Room temp or refrigerated, stable up to 24 months
Reconstituted: Refrigerate at 2–8°C (36–46°F), use within 4–6 weeks
Protect from direct sunlight and heat
Do not freeze reconstituted solution

Cycling

Typical research cycle: 10–20 day cycles. Results generally reported within Varies.