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🧬 Epitalon

The Telomere Peptide

Longevity Telomerase Activation 25+ Years Research

📋 Overview

Epithalon / Epitalon (AEDG peptide) is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) that has been studied for over 25 years for its potential role in telomerase activation and telomere support. Originally developed from Russian longevity research at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology, Epitalon is based on the naturally occurring epithalamin extracted from the pineal gland.

Research has focused on its ability to stimulate telomerase production, the enzyme responsible for maintaining telomere length. Telomeres are protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that shorten with each cell division, and their length is associated with biological aging.

✨ Fun Facts & History

  • Soviet Longevity Project: Epitalon was developed by Russian scientist Professor Vladimir Khavinson as part of Soviet/Russian longevity research programs
  • 30+ Years Clinical Use: Has been used clinically in Russia for over 3 decades, primarily for age-related conditions
  • The Pineal Connection: Works by stimulating the pineal gland, which is sometimes called the "third eye" or "seat of the soul" in various traditions
  • Telomere Extension: One of the few compounds shown to actually lengthen telomeres (the "caps" on chromosomes that shorten with age)
  • 25 Year Patent Anniversary: June 2025 marked 25 years since Epitalon was patented, with extensive research during that time

🐭 Animal Research Findings

  • Lifespan Extension: Aged rat studies showed increased maximum lifespan and delayed age-related changes
  • Telomerase Activation: Campbell rat studies demonstrated reactivation of telomerase in somatic cells
  • Pineal Function: Improved melatonin production and circadian rhythm regulation in aged animals
  • Cancer Prevention: Some rodent studies suggest reduced tumor incidence, though more research needed
  • Retinal Protection: Animal models of retinal degeneration showed protective effects

🔮 Potential Future Applications (If Clinical Trials Succeed)

  • Longevity Medicine: Anti-aging protocols if Western clinical trials validate Russian data
  • Ophthalmology: Retinal degeneration (already used clinically in Russia for Retinitis pigmentosa)
  • Sleep Disorders: Melatonin regulation and circadian rhythm support
  • Cellular Rejuvenation: Broader anti-aging and healthspan extension research
25+
Years Research
7.9yr
Bio Age Reduction*
162
Patient RP Trial
2025
Telomere Study

*Case study result, individual results may vary

Research Stage 40%
Discovery Preclinical Early Clinical Phase III Approved
FDA Category 2 25+ Years Data

📅 Research Timeline

2000
Patent Filed
Original patent for Epitalon tetrapeptide filed, establishing foundation for longevity research applications.
2000-2010
Russian Clinical Studies
Extensive clinical research conducted in Russia including the 162-patient Retinitis pigmentosa trial and elderly patient studies.
2023
FDA Category 2 Classification
FDA classifies Epitalon as Category 2, acknowledging research compound status with established safety data.
2024
Biological Age Case Report
Published case report documents 7.9-year biological age reduction in subject following Epitalon protocol.
2025
Brunel University Telomere Study
New research published in Biogerontology confirms telomere extension mechanisms in cellular models.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

How Epitalon Works

🧠
Pineal Gland
Target activation
Telomerase
Enzyme activation
⬆️
hTERT Up
Gene upregulation
🧬
Telomere Extension
Chromosome protection

📊 Key Studies

YearFocusFindingSource
2025 Telomere Extension Confirmed telomere extension in cellular models Biogerontology
2024 Biological Age 7.9-year reduction in biological age markers Case Report
2003 Retinitis Pigmentosa 162 patients showed visual function improvements Russian Clinical
2003 Telomerase Activity Reactivation of telomerase in somatic cells PubMed

🛡️ Safety Profile

✅ 30+ Years Clinical Use

Extensive clinical use history in Russia spanning over three decades with documented safety data.

✅ No Significant Adverse Events

No significant adverse events reported in clinical literature across multiple studies and patient populations.

✅ FDA Category 2

Classified as FDA Category 2, indicating recognized research compound status with established safety profile.

⚠️ Research Status

Most Western studies are preclinical. Large-scale Phase III trials still needed for regulatory approval.

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