Epitalon

Epitalon (epithalamin tetrapeptide)

Tetrapeptide developed for telomerase activation and longevity

FDA Status

Not FDA-approved · Used in Russian gerontology

Class

Tetrapeptide · pineal gland-derived

Sequence

Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly

Half-life

Short (~30 min) · cumulative effect via gene expression

Mechanism of action

• Telomerase activity stimulation in some cell lines
• Pineal gland function modulation
• Melatonin secretion regulation
• Gene expression modulation in aging-related pathways

Research areas

• Telomere length and cellular aging
• Sleep cycle regulation (pineal pathway)
• Melanoma protection (animal data)
• Geriatric studies in Russian institutes

Evidence and clinical data

Russian longitudinal data from Khavinson group. Reduced age-related mortality in observational cohorts. No Western Phase III data. Mechanism remains debated.

Safety profile

No significant adverse events in Russian observational data over 25+ years. Western pharmacovigilance limited.