Research library
Longevity & MitochondrialModest registered trials
Epithalon (AEDG tetrapeptide)
Epitalon, Telomerase activating tetrapeptide
A synthetic tetrapeptide (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) analog of the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied for telomerase activation and pineal/melatonin rhythm regulation in aging models.
AEDG
hTERT
Russia only
How Epitalon works
A four amino acid pineal peptide studied for switching telomerase back on in human cells, the basis for its telomere and longevity research.
Epitalon
Telomerase
Telomere ↑
Cellular aging
Research applications
Telomerase activation
Telomere elongation
Lifespan extension
Aging biology
Melatonin / circadian
Pineal regulation
Bars indicate how far the evidence has progressed (in vitro to animal to human), not the size of any effect.
Molecular profile
Key studies
Epithalon peptide induces telomerase activity and telomere elongation in human somatic cells
Khavinson VK, Bondarev IE, Butyugov AA
In telomerase negative human fibroblasts, Epithalon induced hTERT expression, telomerase activity, and telomere elongation.
Evidence, safety & status
Claimed benefits & evidence
In vitro it activated telomerase and extended human fibroblast proliferation past the Hayflick limit; animal studies report ~13% lifespan extension in rats and reduced spontaneous tumors. The literature is dominated by a single group (Khavinson, St. Petersburg) with limited independent replication; no modern, independent RCT confirms anti aging benefit in humans.
Safety & dangers
Telomerase activation is double edged, the same mechanism is exploited by most cancers, so theoretical oncogenic risk is real if it genuinely activates telomerase systemically. Long term human safety unknown.
Contraindications
Active/history of malignancy (theoretical); pregnancy.
Regulatory status
Approved for human use in Russia; not FDA approved. Category 2 (2023), removed April 2026 (grey zone); PCAC review July 24, 2026 (insomnia). WADA: would fall under S0.
Source: Fnx Performance Peptide Research Database, a synthesis of the scientific and regulatory literature, not medical advice. For medical questions, consult a qualified physician.
For research use only
For Research Use Only. Not for human or animal consumption. Products are sold strictly for in vitro laboratory research, not for compounding or therapeutic application.