Epithalon
Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
The telomere peptide
A synthetic tetrapeptide based on the natural pineal gland peptide epithalamin. Epithalon activates telomerase, the enzyme that maintains telomere length, potentially slowing cellular aging. Discovered by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, it remains one of the most studied anti-aging peptides in gerontology.
Key Benefits
Telomerase activation and telomere length maintenance
Melatonin production restoration in aging individuals
Antioxidant defense enhancement (SOD, glutathione peroxidase)
Potential improvement in neuroendocrine function
Mechanism of Action
How Epithalon works
Epithalon targets the core machinery of cellular aging through two primary pathways:
- Telomerase activation via TERT — directly upregulates the catalytic subunit of telomerase (hTERT), enabling cells to rebuild telomere caps that shorten with each division. Longer telomeres delay replicative senescence.
- Pineal gland restoration — stimulates melatonin production in aging pineal tissue, restoring circadian rhythm regulation that deteriorates with age. Melatonin itself is a potent antioxidant protecting mitochondrial DNA.
- Antioxidant enzyme upregulation — increases superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase activity, reducing oxidative damage to DNA and lipid membranes.
- Gene expression normalization — in aged cells, Epithalon has been shown to reactivate genes that become silenced with age, particularly those involved in protein synthesis and immune function.
Your Genetics & Epithalon
Genetic variants that affect your response
These SNPs determine how effectively Epithalon works for you specifically. A genetic peptide report identifies your variants before you start.
This variant in the TERT gene affects baseline telomerase expression. Carriers of the A allele tend to have shorter telomeres and may benefit more from Epithalon's telomerase-activating effect.
Affects the RNA template component of telomerase. The C allele is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length, suggesting these individuals have a larger deficit for Epithalon to target.
The Val16Ala polymorphism affects mitochondrial SOD efficiency. The T allele (Ala) variant produces less efficient SOD — Epithalon's antioxidant upregulation may be proportionally more valuable.
Which variants do you carry?
Upload your DNA data or order a kit to find out.
Evidence & Research
20+
Published studies
Animal studies and in vitro data with promising but limited clinical validation
Common Stacks
Epithalon is commonly combined with:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epithalon used for?
Epithalon is primarily used as an anti-aging peptide. It activates telomerase to maintain telomere length, restores melatonin production, and enhances antioxidant defenses. It was developed from decades of research by Russian gerontologist Vladimir Khavinson on pineal gland peptides.
Does genetics affect Epithalon response?
Yes. Your TERT and TERC gene variants determine baseline telomerase activity and telomere length. Individuals with variants linked to shorter telomeres may see more pronounced effects. SOD2 variants also influence how much you benefit from Epithalon's antioxidant upregulation.
How is Epithalon typically administered?
Epithalon is most commonly administered via subcutaneous injection in cycles — typically 10-20 days on, followed by a break of 4-6 months. Some protocols use it transdermally or intranasally, though injection remains the most studied route.
Personalize your protocol
Does Epithalon match your DNA?
Upload your existing genetic data or order a kit. Your report scores Epithalon against your unique genetic profile — CYP metabolism, receptor variants, pathway markers — in minutes.