TL;DR
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a synthetic analog of naturally occurring pineal gland peptides. It is one of the most widely researched tools for investigating telomerase activation, pineal function, and cellular senescence in preclinical aging research.
Research use only. Epitalon has not received FDA approval for any human therapeutic indication and is sold strictly for in-vitro laboratory research purposes.
What is Epitalon?
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a synthetic analog of naturally occurring pineal gland peptides. It is one of the most widely researched tools for investigating telomerase activation, pineal function, and cellular senescence in preclinical aging research.
Research-grade Epitalon is supplied as a lyophilized powder with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis verification at ≥99% purity by HPLC.
Molecular Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular formula | C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molecular weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| Amino acid count | 4 |
| Purity standard | ≥99% (HPLC verified) |
| Lyophilized storage | -20°C, 24–36 months |
| Reconstitution vehicle | Bacteriostatic water (primary), 0.6% acetic acid or saline (alternative) |
Proposed Mechanisms of Action
Published preclinical research has proposed several complementary mechanisms through which Epitalon may exert observed effects in laboratory models. No single mechanism has been fully validated in human contexts.
Telomerase activation in cell culture
Published research reports telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) upregulation and extended telomere length in human somatic cell cultures following Epitalon exposure.
Pineal regulatory peptide activity
Rodent studies describe altered melatonin synthesis rhythms and circadian marker expression following Epitalon administration.
Antioxidant pathway modulation
Reports of reduced oxidative stress markers and altered SOD/catalase activity in aged animal models.
Research Applications
Cellular senescence research
Replicative senescence and Hayflick limit studies in primary fibroblast cultures examining Epitalon-mediated extension of proliferative capacity.
Circadian biology research
Studies examining melatonin synthesis, sleep architecture, and pineal gland function in aged rodent models.
Longevity biology studies
Long-term rodent cohort studies examining lifespan and age-related biomarkers.
Storage and Reconstitution
- Lyophilized at -20°C in original sealed vial; typical shelf life 24–36 months.
- Reconstitution with bacteriostatic water (0.9% benzyl alcohol) is standard. Alternative vehicles include sterile saline or dilute acetic acid depending on experimental requirements.
- Reconstituted solution stored at 2–8°C, used within 7–28 days.
- Avoid repeated freeze-thaw of reconstituted peptide.
- Handling: Follow institutional biosafety protocols; use only in qualified research settings.
Regulatory Considerations
As of early 2026, Epitalon has no investigational human therapeutic indication. The peptide continues to be available for strictly in-vitro research purposes when properly labeled, sold to qualified researchers, and handled under appropriate institutional biosafety protocols. Researchers should consult current FDA guidance and institutional policies before acquiring any research peptide.
Research Gaps
Despite the substantial published literature on Epitalon:
- Human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data remains limited.
- Proposed mechanisms require further validation in human-relevant systems.
- Long-term safety data across species is incomplete.
- Dose-response optimization for specific research applications continues to be an active research question.
- Independent cross-laboratory replication of specific findings is uneven across the literature.
These gaps represent ongoing research opportunities for careful, well-designed preclinical investigation using research-grade material with verified Certificate of Analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epitalon approved for human use?
No. Epitalon has no investigational therapeutic indication. It is sold exclusively for in-vitro laboratory research in qualified research settings.
What purity standard should research-grade Epitalon meet?
Quality research-grade material should be ≥99% purity as verified by HPLC with a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis. Aureum Peptides provides COAs with every shipment and maintains a searchable COA portal.
How is Epitalon typically reconstituted for research?
Bacteriostatic water is the most common reconstitution vehicle. Alternative vehicles (sterile saline, dilute acetic acid) may be used depending on specific experimental protocols.
How long is reconstituted Epitalon stable?
Once reconstituted, the peptide is generally stored at 2–8°C and used within 7–28 days depending on specific handling and vehicle. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Where can I verify the Certificate of Analysis for my batch?
Aureum Peptides includes a batch-specific COA with every shipment and maintains an online COA portal accessible using the batch number printed on your vial.
References
- Khavinson VK et al. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003.
- Anisimov VN et al. Exp Gerontol. 2003.
- Khavinson VK, Morozov VG. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2003.
- Khavinson VK et al. Int J Biol Sci. 2011.
- Korkushko OV et al. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2006.
(Reference list abbreviated. Full bibliography with DOIs available on request.)
Shop Research-Grade Epitalon
Order research-grade Epitalon from Aureum Peptides: Epitalon product page
All peptides ship with batch-specific Certificate of Analysis, ≥99% purity verification, and cold-chain logistics. Same-day dispatch on orders placed before 2:00 PM EST.
Disclaimer: This article summarizes published preclinical research for educational purposes to support qualified research activities. The information herein does not constitute research information, therapeutic claims, or recommendations for human use. Epitalon is not approved by the FDA for any therapeutic indication. Always consult institutional policies and applicable regulations when conducting research with peptides.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-21
Author: Aureum Peptides Scientific Writing Team
Category: Cellular Aging Research
Tags: Epitalon, pineal peptide, telomerase research, longevity
