Epitalon: Reference Overview and Reconstitution Notes

Epitalon

What it is

Epitalon, also written Epithalon and identified by its amino acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), is a synthetic four amino acid peptide, or tetrapeptide, with a molecular weight near 390 g/mol. It was engineered as a short analog of epithalamin, a longer polypeptide extract of the pineal gland, and is one of the best known members of the Khavinson bioregulators, a family of short peptides developed at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology.

Research context and categorization

Epitalon is generally grouped under the anti-aging and longevity category, and more specifically among the Khavinson peptide bioregulators. In cell-culture and animal models it has been investigated for its reported activation of telomerase and elongation of telomeres, and it is commonly discussed in relation to regulation of the pineal melatonin rhythm and various age-related markers in model organisms. It is also studied in the context of antioxidant activity and lifespan endpoints in laboratory animals.

These uses are investigational. Epitalon is not FDA-approved, and the effects described above come mainly from laboratory and animal work plus long-standing use within the Russian bioregulator framework. Whether an in-vitro telomerase effect translates to living human tissue has not been established, and no controlled human clinical trial has confirmed these outcomes. The descriptions here reflect what the compound is studied or discussed in relation to, not confirmed or approved benefits.

Status

  • Regulatory status: Not FDA-approved. Epitalon has no approved indication in the United States and is sold and handled as a research chemical, typically labeled not for human consumption. As of 2026 it was among peptides removed from the FDA Section 503A compounding category and placed under formal advisory review.
  • Sport status: Not specifically listed on the WADA Prohibited List by name. As a substance without regulatory approval for human therapeutic use, it can fall under the broad S0 Non-Approved Substances catch-all, which covers any pharmacological substance not currently approved by a governmental regulatory health authority. That is a general umbrella provision rather than a specific listing.

Reconstitution notes (general)

Concentration equals the milligrams of peptide in the vial divided by the millilitres of bacteriostatic water added. For example, a 10 mg vial reconstituted with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water yields 5 mg/mL, while the same vial with 1 mL yields 10 mg/mL. To work out a target concentration for any vial size, use the reconstitution calculator.

Dilution and handling notes (compound-specific)

Epitalon ships as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before use. Typical practice is to add roughly 1 to 2 mL of bacteriostatic water per 10 mg vial, giving working concentrations in the 5 to 10 mg/mL range. A smaller water volume gives a more concentrated solution and lower draw volumes, while a larger volume makes small measurements easier to read.

As a short, highly polar tetrapeptide, Epitalon is one of the most readily water-soluble research peptides, and it typically goes into solution almost immediately on contact with the water. It generally does not gel, cloud, or persistently precipitate at the concentrations above, which contrasts with larger or more hydrophobic peptides that can haze or leave undissolved cake. The main practical quirk is temperature: reconstituting with cold water, or working with a vial straight from the refrigerator, can encourage uneven dissolution or brief precipitation, so letting both the powder and the water reach room temperature first is the common fix. Some protocols note that a small volume of dilute (about 0.6 percent) acetic acid can be used first to aid dissolution before topping up with bacteriostatic water, though this is usually unnecessary given how freely the peptide dissolves. Direct the water stream gently down the inner glass wall rather than onto the powder, let the vial stand for a minute or two, and swirl gently if anything remains. Avoid shaking, since agitation foams the solution and stresses the peptide. A properly reconstituted vial should look clear and particle-free.

Handling and storage

Refrigerate the reconstituted solution at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and keep it out of light. Wipe the rubber stopper with alcohol before each needle puncture, and label the vial with the mix date. Observe the general roughly 4-week refrigerated window for a reconstituted vial, and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, aliquoting into single-use volumes if longer storage is needed. Discard any vial that turns cloudy or discolored or that shows floaters or particulates.

Related reading

Tools and supplies

For laboratory and research reference only. Educational content, not medical, dosing, injection, or therapeutic guidance, and not intended for human or animal use. Any research uses described are investigational and not confirmed or approved benefits. Confirm anything involving health with a licensed professional. References linked above.