What Is Epitalon?
Epitalon (also spelled Epithalon; CAS 307297-39-8) is a synthetic tetrapeptide with the amino-acid sequence Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly and a molecular weight of 390.35 Da. Its molecular formula is C14H22N4O9. Originally derived from a naturally occurring peptide called epithalamin, isolated from the bovine pineal gland, Epitalon was first synthesized and characterized by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St. Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in the early 1990s. The compound belongs to a class known as bioregulatory peptides, short-chain peptides studied for their potential influence on gene expression and cellular regulation.
In preclinical research, Epitalon has attracted significant attention for its reported ability to activate telomerase, the ribonucleoprotein enzyme responsible for elongating telomeric DNA at chromosome ends. Telomere shortening is one of the hallmarks of cellular aging described in contemporary biogerontology, and compounds that modulate telomerase activity represent an active frontier in longevity research. For wholesale buyers supplying academic labs, biotech startups, and anti-aging research institutions, Epitalon remains one of the most consistently requested longevity and anti-aging peptides on the market.
As a research-use-only (RUO) compound, Epitalon is sold exclusively for in vitro and in vivo laboratory investigation. It is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Wholesale distributors sourcing Epitalon should ensure full regulatory compliance and clear RUO labeling across all packaging and documentation. Browse our full wholesale peptide catalog for bulk availability.
Mechanism of Action
The primary mechanism studied in Epitalon research centers on telomerase activation. Telomerase is a reverse transcriptase enzyme that adds TTAGGG nucleotide repeats to the 3′ ends of telomeres, the protective caps on chromosomes that shorten with each mitotic division. In cell culture models, Epitalon has been observed to upregulate the expression of hTERT (human telomerase reverse transcriptase), the catalytic subunit of telomerase, thereby restoring telomere elongation capacity in senescent or near-senescent cell populations.
Beyond telomerase, researchers have investigated Epitalon’s effects on melatonin secretion. Studies in aged animal models suggest the peptide may restore circadian rhythm integrity by modulating pineal gland function and normalizing nocturnal melatonin peaks. This neuroendocrine pathway is of particular interest because melatonin itself functions as an antioxidant and immunomodulator, and its decline is closely associated with aging.
Additional preclinical data indicate that Epitalon may influence antioxidant enzyme expression, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase, potentially reducing oxidative damage to DNA and mitochondrial membranes. Researchers studying the intersection of oxidative stress, telomere biology, and cellular senescence frequently pair Epitalon with other longevity-focused compounds such as NAD+ and MOTS-c in combinatorial protocols.
Research Applications
Epitalon has been investigated across a broad spectrum of preclinical research domains. Below are the most prominent areas of study documented in peer-reviewed literature:
Telomere and Aging Research
Researchers have studied Epitalon in human somatic cell cultures to evaluate telomerase reactivation and telomere length maintenance. Published data from pulmonary fibroblast models demonstrated that Epitalon-treated cells underwent significantly more population doublings compared to untreated controls, suggesting a delay in replicative senescence. These findings have made Epitalon a staple compound in longevity and anti-aging research pipelines.
Neuroendocrine Function
Animal model studies have examined Epitalon’s capacity to restore age-related declines in pineal gland output. In aged rodent models, administration of Epitalon was associated with normalized melatonin rhythms and improved circadian gene expression. Researchers interested in neuroendocrine aging often study Epitalon alongside nootropic peptides such as Selank for complementary mechanistic insights.
Oxidative Stress and DNA Integrity
Epitalon has been studied in animal models for its effects on markers of oxidative damage, including 8-OHdG (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine) and lipid peroxidation products. Some investigators have reported reductions in chromosomal aberrations in bone marrow cells of aged animals following peptide administration.
Retinal and Ophthalmic Research
A specialized line of research has examined Epitalon’s effects on retinal pigment epithelium cells, with published reports suggesting improved cellular morphology and function in degenerative models. This application is relevant to researchers studying age-related retinal conditions in preclinical settings.
For laboratories conducting large-scale screening or longitudinal aging studies, our Epitalon wholesale page offers volume-tiered pricing designed specifically for institutional buyers.
Available Formats and Bulk Options
Wholesale Bulk Peptides supplies Epitalon in multiple formats to accommodate diverse research requirements:
- 5 mg lyophilized vials — ideal for small-scale pilot studies and assay development
- 10 mg lyophilized vials — suited for dose-response experiments and extended study protocols
- Bulk lyophilized powder — available in gram-scale quantities (1 g, 5 g, 10 g+) for high-throughput screening, contract research organizations, and private-label peptide brands
All formats are manufactured under strict quality controls with batch-specific documentation. Custom packaging and labeling options are available for qualified wholesale accounts. Visit our wholesale program application to request access to institutional pricing tiers.
Wholesale Pricing Summary
Epitalon wholesale pricing follows a volume-tiered structure designed for B2B buyers, contract research organizations, and peptide resellers. Pricing decreases significantly at higher volume commitments. For detailed pricing tables, minimum order quantities, and lead-time estimates, visit the dedicated Epitalon wholesale pricing page. Qualified accounts can also access custom quotes through the wholesale program application.
Quality Assurance, Testing, and COAs
Every batch of Epitalon distributed by Wholesale Bulk Peptides undergoes rigorous analytical testing before release. Our quality assurance protocol includes:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) — confirms purity of 98% or greater and verifies peptide identity by retention time
- Mass Spectrometry (MS) — validates molecular weight (390.35 Da) and confirms the absence of deletion sequences or truncation products
- Amino Acid Analysis (AAA) — quantifies Ala, Glu, Asp, and Gly content ratios
- Endotoxin Testing (LAL) — ensures bacterial endotoxin levels are below threshold for sensitive bioassays
Batch-specific Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available for every lot shipped. Access our COA library or learn more about our analytical methods on the testing methodology page. For guidance on interpreting peptide COAs, see our Peptide COA Guide.
Storage and Stability
Epitalon should be stored as a lyophilized powder at -20 degrees Celsius for long-term stability. Under these conditions, the peptide maintains integrity for 24+ months from the date of manufacture. Once reconstituted (typically in bacteriostatic water or sterile saline), aliquots should be stored at 2-8 degrees Celsius and used within 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can promote aggregation and reduce bioactivity. Protect from light and moisture during handling. Bulk powder orders should be subdivided into working aliquots upon receipt to minimize degradation from repeated container opening.
Compliance and Intended Use
Epitalon is supplied by Wholesale Bulk Peptides strictly for research use only (RUO). It is not a drug, food additive, cosmetic ingredient, or dietary supplement. This compound has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any equivalent regulatory body for human or veterinary therapeutic use. Purchasers must be qualified research professionals or authorized distributors operating in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Wholesale accounts are expected to maintain proper documentation and labeling that clearly indicates the RUO status of all peptide products.
Related Compounds
Researchers studying Epitalon within the context of aging, telomere biology, and cellular longevity frequently investigate complementary compounds available through our catalog:
- NAD+ — a critical coenzyme studied for its role in sirtuin activation, DNA repair, and mitochondrial function
- MOTS-c — a mitochondrial-derived peptide investigated for metabolic regulation and exercise mimetic effects
- SS-31/Elamipretide — a mitochondria-targeted peptide studied for its effects on oxidative phosphorylation and cardiolipin stabilization
- GHK-Cu — a copper-binding tripeptide studied for gene expression modulation and tissue remodeling
Explore our complete longevity and anti-aging peptide catalog to build multi-compound research panels. For information on launching your own peptide brand, visit our Start a Peptide Brand resource.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epitalon
Our technical team has compiled answers to the most common questions received from wholesale buyers and research professionals regarding Epitalon sourcing, testing, and handling. For compound-specific FAQs, visit the Epitalon wholesale page. For general questions about our wholesale program, bulk pricing, and account setup, see the wholesale peptides hub.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for informational and research purposes only. Epitalon is sold as a Research Use Only (RUO) compound. It is not intended for human or veterinary diagnostic or therapeutic use. All buyers are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and institutional guidelines. Wholesale Bulk Peptides makes no claims regarding the safety or efficacy of this compound for any purpose other than qualified laboratory research.