What is Epitalon (Epithalon)? A research overview
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Epitalon is a short synthetic peptide made of four amino acids: alanine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, or AEDG). It is supplied as a lyophilised (freeze-dried) powder for laboratory research. It is not a medicine and is not for human use.
Epitalon or Epithalon: which is right?
Both. Epitalon, Epithalon, Epithalone, Epitalone and AEDG all name the same tetrapeptide. The spellings come from different transliterations of the original Russian name.
What is Epitalon made of?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Sequence | Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG) |
| Molecular formula | C14H22N4O9 |
| Molecular weight | 390.35 g/mol |
| CAS number | 307297-39-8 |
| PubChem CID | 219042 |
Research material is usually supplied as a salt, such as the acetate. A salt form has a slightly different formula and weight from the free peptide above.
Where does Epitalon come from?
Epitalon was designed by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues at the St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. They based it on the amino acid make-up of epithalamin, a polypeptide extract of the pineal gland described in the literature from the 1970s. The synthetic tetrapeptide was patented in Russia around 2000.
Epithalamin and Epitalon are different substances. Epithalamin is a natural extract; Epitalon is a single defined synthetic peptide.
What has research on Epitalon looked at?
Published studies have looked at telomerase activity in cultured cells, pineal and melatonin markers in animals, and antioxidant and immune markers in lab models. Most of this work comes from a small number of research groups, and independent replication is limited, as a 2026 review notes. None of it establishes any effect in people.
Is Epitalon a licensed medicine?
No. Epitalon is not a licensed medicine in the UK, and there is no FDA-approved Epitalon product in the US. It is sold here strictly for laboratory research.
Is Epitalon legal in the UK?
Epitalon is not listed as a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Because it is not a licensed medicine, it may be sold for laboratory research only, not for human use. This is general information, not legal advice.
Is Epitalon banned in sport?
WADA's Prohibited List does not name Epitalon. However, its S0 section bans any substance not approved for human therapeutic use, which would appear to cover it.
How should Epitalon be stored?
Store the lyophilised powder dry, sealed and away from light, at −20 °C for longer-term storage. Let the vial reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation, and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles. See our full guide: How to store research peptides.
How do I check the purity of Epitalon?
Each batch comes with a certificate of analysis showing HPLC purity and mass spectrometry identity. Our current batch tested at 99.11% purity by HPLC. Learn how to read one: How to read a peptide certificate of analysis.
For laboratory research use only. Not for human consumption.