VialOwlLibrary / Longevity
Epitalon
Also known as Epithalon, Epithalone, AEDG peptide
Largely unstudied
Synthetic tetrapeptide based on a pineal gland extract. Research is mainly cell and animal work plus a small number of human studies, mostly from a single research group; there are no registered controlled trials.
Not an approved medicine. Epitalon is not an approved medicine for this use in Australia or the United States. This page summarises published research for information only. It is not a recommendation to use Epitalon, and VialOwl does not sell or supply it.
Background
A synthetic four amino acid peptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) patented in 2000 by Vladimir Khavinson's group in St Petersburg, Russia, based on the composition of Epithalamin, an extract of cattle pineal gland. Most research comes from this one group.
How it is thought to work
Lab studies report that it switches on telomerase and lengthens telomeres in cultured cells, affects melatonin production and has antioxidant effects. Reviewers say its mechanism of action remains unclear.
What is claimed, and the evidence
| Claim | Evidence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lengthening telomeres | Animal studies only | Shown in cultured cells; in cancer cell lines it also lengthened telomeres through a different pathway (ALT). No controlled human evidence. |
| Longer lifespan and anti ageing | Animal studies only | Lifespan effects in fruit flies and rodents, mostly from one research group. |
| Retinitis pigmentosa (inherited eye disease) | Small human studies | One Russian clinical study of 162 patients compared with conventional treatment; not independently replicated. |
| Better sleep, immunity and youthfulness | No published evidence | Marketing claims; no registered controlled human trials. |
Side effects
| Effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Side effects in humans | Frequency unknown | Reviewers note that safety information is missing and short and long term toxicity studies are needed. The FDA has not identified safety information. |
Warnings
- No registered controlled trials; evidence is mostly cell and animal work from a single group.
- Telomerase activation is a hallmark of many cancers; whether boosting it is safe is unknown.
- Unapproved products bought online are not checked by any regulator for purity, sterility or strength; they may be contaminated, underdosed, overdosed or contain a different substance to the label.
Regulatory status
- Australia
- Not included on the ARTG (unapproved). Not specifically listed in the Poisons Standard (June 2026).
- United States
- Not FDA approved. Nomination withdrawn and removed from 503A Category 2 in April 2026. In July 2026 an FDA advisory committee voted 7 to 5 to recommend it for the 503A bulks list; FDA has not finalised this.
Sources
- Araj et al. 2025, Overview of Epitalon: highly bioactive pineal tetrapeptide (PMC full text)
- Al-Dulaimi et al. 2025, Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines (PubMed)
- FDA: Certain bulk drug substances for use in compounding that may present significant safety risks
- PubMed: Overview of Epitalon: Highly Bioactive Pineal Tetrapeptide
- FDA: Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee meeting, 23 to 24 July 2026
Also in Longevity
From the VialOwl library, reviewed 26 September 2026. For education and general information. It is not medical advice and not a recommendation to use Epitalon.