— Research monograph
Epitalon
A synthetic tetrapeptide investigated for telomerase and circadian signaling.
- Class
- Synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly)
- Half-life (research)
- Short circulating half-life characteristic of short peptides.
- Origin
- Developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues, modeled on bioactive fractions of bovine pineal extract (epithalamin) characterized in earlier Russian peptide-bioregulation research.
- Solubility
- Highly water-soluble; reconstitutes readily in bacteriostatic water.
What is Epitalon?
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of L-alanine, L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and L-glycine. It is among the most-studied "peptide bioregulators" in the Russian gerontology research literature.
Much of the published literature on Epitalon derives from the Khavinson group and its collaborators. The peptide has been investigated primarily in the context of circadian rhythm regulation, telomerase activity in cultured cells, and rodent lifespan models.
How does Epitalon work?
Reported telomerase induction and telomere elongation in cultured human somatic cells. Modulation of circadian rhythm gene expression and melatonin signaling in preclinical models. Specific receptor or transcription-factor targets remain incompletely characterized in the public literature.
Research applications
- Telomerase activity research
- Circadian rhythm investigation
- Pineal axis research
- Cellular aging models
- Peptide bioregulator pharmacology
Handling & reconstitution
Epitalon ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Highly water-soluble; reconstitutes readily in bacteriostatic water. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the Epitalon reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is Epitalon?
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide composed of L-alanine, L-glutamic acid, L-aspartic acid, and L-glycine. It is among the most-studied "peptide bioregulators" in the Russian gerontology research literature. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does Epitalon work?
Reported telomerase induction and telomere elongation in cultured human somatic cells. Modulation of circadian rhythm gene expression and melatonin signaling in preclinical models. Specific receptor or transcription-factor targets remain incompletely characterized in the public literature. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of Epitalon?
Short circulating half-life characteristic of short peptides. Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is Epitalon reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the Epitalon reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit Epitalon for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells. Khavinson VK, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 2003 · PMID 12937682
- Effect of Epitalon on biomarkers of aging, life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in female Swiss-derived SHR mice. Anisimov VN, Khavinson VKh, Provinciali M, et al.. Biogerontology, 2003 · PMID 14501183
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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