What is Epithalon (Epitalon)?
Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (often abbreviated AEDG). It was designed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology as a short-chain synthetic analogue of epithalamin — a regulatory peptide preparation originally isolated from the pineal gland.
Research interest in Epithalon centres on the pineal gland's role in neuroendocrine regulation and ageing. In laboratory studies it has been examined as a peptide bioregulator — a class of short peptides proposed to influence tissue-specific gene expression. The most cited line of work concerns its reported capacity to induce telomerase activity and telomere elongation in cultured human somatic cells, alongside effects on melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm in animal models.
ClaraScience supplies Epithalon in 10mg vials, HPLC-tested to ≥99% purity, with a full Certificate of Analysis included with every batch. For laboratory research use only.
Class. Short peptide bioregulator — synthetic analogue of the pineal peptide epithalamin.
Research focus. Telomerase activation, telomere maintenance, melatonin/circadian regulation, cellular-ageing markers.
Sequence. Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG tetrapeptide, 390.35 g/mol).
Research Background
Epithalon emerged from several decades of Russian peptide-bioregulator research led by Khavinson and colleagues, building on earlier work with the pineal extract epithalamin. The compound is most frequently cited in the context of telomere biology: Khavinson et al. reported that Epithalon induced telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cell cultures (Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2003).
Additional preclinical work has examined Epithalon's effects on melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm, antioxidant and gene-expression markers, and lifespan and age-related markers in rodent and other model systems. A portion of the literature comes from gerontological studies conducted by Russian research groups.
It is important to note the evidence base differs from Western clinically-staged peptides: Epithalon has not been evaluated in Western Phase II/III clinical trials, and much of the supporting data is preclinical or from smaller gerontology studies. It is studied as a research tool alongside other longevity compounds such as NAD+, MOTS-C, and SS-31.
Key citation Khavinson VKh, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. "Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells." Bull Exp Biol Med. 2003;135(6):590–592.
Compound Specifications
| Common Name |
Epithalon · Epitalon · AEDG |
| Sequence |
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly |
| Molecular Formula |
C₁₄H₂₂N₄O₉ |
| Molecular Weight |
390.35 g/mol |
| CAS Number |
307297-39-8 |
| Purity (HPLC) |
≥99% — full COA with every batch |
| Vial Size |
10mg lyophilised powder |
| Storage |
2–8°C (short-term) · −20°C (long-term) |
| Primary Reference |
Khavinson VKh et al., Bull Exp Biol Med 2003;135:590–592 |
Storage & Handling
- Unopened vial: 2–8°C for regular use; −20°C for longer-term storage. Protect from light.
- After reconstitution: 2–8°C, use within 28 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
- Reconstitution: Sterile bacteriostatic water. Use our free reconstitution calculator.
Full protocols: Storage & Handling Guide.
Ordering & Pricing — Australia
| Quantity |
Price per vial |
Saving |
| 1–4 vials |
$64.95 AUD |
— |
| 5–9 vials |
$59.95 AUD |
Save 8% |
| 10+ vials |
$54.95 AUD |
Save 15% |
Epithalon is currently available on pre-order — reserve now at a baked-in 10% pre-order discount and your vials ship as soon as the next batch lands. Free priority tracked shipping on orders over $250 AUD. Wholesale enquiries welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon?
Epithalon (Epitalon, Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Khavinson as an analogue of the pineal peptide epithalamin. It is studied in preclinical and gerontological research for telomerase activation, telomere maintenance, and circadian regulation. For laboratory research use only.
Why is Epithalon spelled two ways?
"Epithalon" and "Epitalon" refer to the same compound — the AEDG tetrapeptide. Both spellings appear across the research literature and supplier listings; ClaraScience uses "Epithalon."
How does Epithalon differ from other longevity peptides?
NAD+ is a coenzyme and sirtuin cofactor; MOTS-C is a mitochondria-derived peptide that activates AMPK; SS-31 targets cardiolipin at the inner mitochondrial membrane. Epithalon is a pineal-derived peptide bioregulator studied chiefly in the context of telomere biology and circadian regulation — a different mechanism from each of these.
Is Epithalon approved by the FDA or TGA?
No. Epithalon has not been approved by the FDA, TGA, or any major regulatory authority, and has not been evaluated in Western Phase II/III clinical trials. ClaraScience supplies it for laboratory research use only.
Is Epithalon available in Australia?
ClaraScience supplies Epithalon (Epitalon) in 10mg vials, dispatched from our Australian warehouse. Currently available on pre-order. For laboratory research use only.
