Epithalon

Epithalon (also spelled Epitalon) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, developed by Russian gerontologist Professor Vladimir Khavinson as a bioregulatory peptide based on epithalamin, a polypeptide extract from the pineal gland. Its primary mechanism of interest is the activation of telomerase, the enzyme responsible for maintaining and elongating telomeres, the protective DNA-protein caps at chromosome ends that shorten with each cell division and serve as a biological clock for cellular ageing. In cell culture studies, Epithalon has been shown to reactivate telomerase in somatic cells, extend telomere length, and increase the replicative lifespan of human fibroblasts and retinal pigment epithelial cells. Beyond telomere biology, research has demonstrated effects on melatonin production, circadian rhythm regulation, antioxidant enzyme expression, and immune function normalisation in ageing models. Longitudinal animal studies by Khavinson's group reported increased mean and maximum lifespan in rodents treated with Epithalon, along with reduced incidence of spontaneous tumours and improved neuroendocrine function. It remains one of the most referenced peptides in biogerontology research.