Epitalon: peptide of the week

What is Epitalon?

Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) developed in Russia, modeled on a pineal-gland extract called epithalamin.

How it works

Cell studies report it can activate telomerase, the enzyme that maintains the protective caps (telomeres) on chromosomes.

What researchers are studying

• ●Telomere length in cell cultures
• ●Aging models in animals
• ●Melatonin and circadian rhythms

Where the evidence stands: Not approved by the FDA. Much of the research comes from a single group of investigators and has not been widely replicated.

Recent peer-reviewed research

1. Overview of Epitalon-Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide with Promising Properties
   International journal of molecular sciences · 2025 Mar 17 · PubMed ↗
2. The Antioxidant Tetrapeptide Epitalon Enhances Delayed Wound Healing in an in Vitro Model of Diabetic Retinopathy
   Stem cell reviews and reports · 2025 Aug · PubMed ↗
3. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity
   Biogerontology · 2025 Sep 4 · PubMed ↗