Epitalon — Khavinson tetrapeptide bioregulator — pineal gland / telomerase activator
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is the synthetic tetrapeptide equivalent of Epithalamin, the natural pineal gland extract. Proposed mechanism: enters somatic cells and binds DNA promoter sequences to activate telomerase (hTERT), extending telomere length and delaying cellular senescence. Also restores melatonin secretion, normalizes circadian rhythms, and modulates antioxidant defense. In Khavinson's longitudinal studies (n=266 over 15 years), combined epithalamin + thymalin treatment showed a 4.1-fold reduction in all-cause mortality vs controls.
Overview
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Compound Class
Khavinson tetrapeptide bioregulator — pineal gland / telomerase activator
Mechanism of Action
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is the synthetic tetrapeptide equivalent of Epithalamin, the natural pineal gland extract. Proposed mechanism: enters somatic cells and binds DNA promoter sequences to activate telomerase (hTERT), extending telomere length and delaying cellular senescence. Also restores melatonin secretion, normalizes circadian rhythms, and modulates antioxidant defense. In Khavinson's longitudinal studies (n=266 over 15 years), combined epithalamin + thymalin treatment showed a 4.1-fold reduction in all-cause mortality vs controls.
Regulatory Status
Not FDA approved. Research peptide. Russian pharmaceutical-grade Epithalamin is approved in Russia.
Evidence Level
Low-Moderate — Multiple studies from Khavinson's group (n=162 retinitis pigmentosa RCT; n=266 longitudinal mortality study); limited independent replication. Cell biology data for telomerase activation is published in peer-reviewed journals.