What is Epitalon?
Epitalon (also epithalon, epithalamin-derived tetrapeptide) is a short peptide sequence (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) studied for its effects on telomerase activity and telomere length in cellular models. Research-grade materials are available from vendors offering certificates of analysis documenting batch identity and purity.
Laboratories sourcing epitalon for experimental use should match supplier documentation to institutional assay protocols. Published studies focus on cellular models; human clinical evidence remains limited.
Research areas & preclinical findings
Telomerase and telomere research
Khavinson et al. (2003, DOI:10.1023/a:1025493705728) reported epitalon induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human fetal fibroblasts—assay endpoints depend on cell type and culture conditions. A 2025 study (PMID:40908429) found dose-dependent telomere extension in normal cells via hTERT upregulation; cancer cells showed ALT activation.
Pineal peptide preparation context
Korkushko et al. (2006, Bull Exp Biol Med, PMID:17426848) reported a randomized clinical study in which epithalamine (a pineal gland peptide preparation containing multiple peptides) was associated with lower cardiovascular mortality over 12 years of follow-up in elderly patients with coronary disease—this does not establish epitalon tetrapeptide efficacy or safety as a standalone agent in humans.
HHS enforcement discretion status (Oct 2026)
On October 30, 2026, HHS published an enforcement discretion policy for 503A compounding with epitalon acetate (subcutaneous or intramuscular injectable, intermittent courses) under specified conditions (Federal Register Vol. 91, No. 209, FR Doc. 2026-22192). The policy applies to state-licensed pharmacies, federal facilities, and licensed physicians compounding patient-specific prescriptions—not RUO catalog suppliers. See HHS enforcement discretion analysis.
Published research (selection)
| Study | Journal | Year | DOI | Finding (summary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells | Bull Exp Biol Med | 2003 | link | Human fetal fibroblasts showed telomerase induction and telomere elongation—cellular model only. |
| Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity (Al-Dulaimi et al.) | Biogerontology | 2025 | link | Dose-dependent telomere extension in normal cells via hTERT; cancer cells showed ALT activation. |
| Geroprotective effect of epithalamine (pineal gland peptide preparation) in elderly subjects with accelerated aging (Korkushko et al.) | Bull Exp Biol Med | 2006 | link | 12-year randomized study in elderly patients with coronary disease and accelerated cardiovascular aging; multi-peptide preparation—not standalone epitalon validation. |
Important Disclaimer
All products and information on this page are intended strictly for laboratory and scientific research use only. Not for human consumption. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
Quality & documentation
Certificates of analysis should document amino-acid sequence confirmation and HPLC purity suitable for your institutional assay requirements. Verify salt form (acetate vs free base) matches assay plan.
Storage & reconstitution (laboratory protocol)
- Store lyophilized peptide with desiccant at −20 °C or per vendor insert.
- Reconstitute with sterile solvent validated for peptide stability.
- Aliquot to minimize freeze–thaw cycles; document cold-chain compliance.
Use the research peptide stock solution calculator to translate mass and concentration targets into documented laboratory volumes.
Where to source for research
Compare vendor documentation depth on the retailer matrix; see partner codes for checkout context.
| Vendor | List context | COA signal | Code |
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Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vasquez, Ph.D.· Last reviewed November 2026