Epithalon (Epitalon)
The pineal tetrapeptide that activates telomerase and reprograms the epigenetic clock
Definition
Epithalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide developed by Dr. Vladimir Khavinson (St. Petersburg Institute of Gerontology) from Epithalamin, a natural extract of the bovine pineal gland. Its most characteristic effect is telomerase activation: in vitro and human studies show increased telomerase activity in lymphocytes and telomere elongation after treatment cycles. It also normalises the diurnal melatonin curve, a function especially compromised with ageing.
Detailed explanation
The most extensive longitudinal Russian studies (Khavinson 2002-2018) — including 6-12-year follow-up of older patients treated — show a 28-50% reduction in all-cause mortality and significant cancer reduction compared with matched controls. Although methodological quality of some studies is heterogeneous, the total body of evidence is one of the most extensive for any longevity peptide.
Proposed mechanisms: transcriptional stimulation of the TERT gene (catalytic subunit of telomerase), increased endogenous melatonin (circadian rhythm re-synchronisation), modulation of gene expression via interaction with DNA promoter regions ('epigenetic peptidomimetic' effect, per Khavinson).
Typical protocols: 5-10 mg/day subcutaneous for 10-20 consecutive days, repeated twice yearly (spring and autumn). Some protocols use intranasal administration with equivalent bioavailability. Side effects are minimal: mild initial drowsiness (melatonergic effect) that disappears within a few days.
In Spain and the EU, Epithalon has no regulatory approval as a medicine; it is obtained through compounding pharmacies with specialised medical prescription, or accessed in clinics operating under compassionate use frameworks.
Scientific sources
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