Epithalon
Synthetic Tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
Epithalon (Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for its ability to activate telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length, one of the most fundamental biomarkers of biological aging. Originally developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Epithalon is the most directly studied peptide in telomere biology research.
Aliases: Epitalon, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
- Research score
- 5/10
Mechanism
Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide analog of epithalamin, the naturally occurring pineal gland peptide. It activates telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression in somatic cells, leading to telomerase enzyme activation and telomere elongation. In telomerase-negative human fetal fibroblasts, epithalon induced catalytic subunit expression, enzymatic telomerase activity, and measurable telomere lengthening. Additional mechanisms include melatonin production regulation, antioxidant enzyme activation, and possible epigenetic modulation. Developed by Prof. Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.
Evidence note
Experimental — Primarily in-vitro and animal data from Russian research groups (Khavinson lab). The telomerase mechanism is well-demonstrated in cell culture. Animal longevity data is promising. No Western RCTs. The science is plausible but the evidence base is narrow (largely one research group).
Community evidence
- Source window English Reddit Updated 12 Aug 2026 · 6-month window
- Coverage confidence Low Confidence in the available community sample
- Distribution Pending Not enough data for a distribution.
Selected reports
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5 months agor/Biohackers · Post
Legit, great for mood and sleep, also pro longevity. I do two or three 2 week cycles of NA-Epitalon a year. 12 6 more replies 6 more replies ... I did a 10 day 10mg a day cycle about 6 weeks ago. Helped with me with staying asleep and falling back to sleep after waking at
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8 months agor/PeptideDiscussion · Post
You can dose a full vial of bioregulators and have little to no side effects. Used injectable Epitalon and Thymalin I dosed 10mg of each for 10 days . ... The Russian "reset" protocol is 100mg epitalon over 10 (sometimes 20) days, so 10mg/day for 10 days. Simultaneously, 100mg
Based on 2 qualifying reports from 2 threads. 36 candidates excluded as duplicates, promotion, deleted content, or lacking concrete personal experience. Reddit self-reports are not medical evidence or proof of causation.
Reference data
- Molecular formula
- C14H22N4O9
- Sequence
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly
Studies
Epithalon and pineal gland function in aging models
Restored melatonin production in aging animals; improved circadian rhythm and extended lifespan in rodent models.
Epitalon increases telomere length through telomerase upregulation
Confirmed telomere lengthening in human cell lines via multiple mechanisms including hTERT activation.
Open source · PMID 12411320Epithalon induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells
Reactivated telomerase in telomerase-negative fibroblasts; induced measurable telomere elongation in human cell lines.
Open source · PMID 12937682
FAQ
Does telomerase activation increase cancer risk?
This is a common question. While cancer cells typically have active telomerase, no published Epithalon studies have shown cancer promotion. Cancer cells already have telomerase active independently. The short cycle protocol (10-20 days) also limits exposure. However, Epithalon should not be used by anyone with active cancer.
What is the typical Epithalon cycle protocol?
The standard research protocol is 5-10mg SC daily for 10 consecutive days, followed by a 4-6 month off period. This cyclic approach (10 days on / 6 months off) is based on the original Khavinson laboratory protocols. It is not intended for continuous daily use.
What is Epithalon?
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for its ability to activate telomerase — the enzyme that maintains telomere length, one of the most fundamental biomarkers of biological aging.
For research and educational use only. This content is not medical advice.