Epitalon (Epithalon)

Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly) is a synthetic tetrapeptide specifically designed to normalize the function of the pineal gland and regulate melatonin synthesis. Its most groundbreaking research application lies in its ability to activate the enzyme telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), which extends the length of telomeres by adding TTAGGG repeats to the ends of chromosomes. This effectively slows down the telomere shortening associated with cellular senescence and aging. Beyond telomere elongation, Epitalon enhances the antioxidant defense system and restores circadian rhythms disrupted by aging. Research is heavily focused on its potential to extend maximum lifespan, treat age-associated retinopathies, and improve reproductive function in aging models. It is one of the few known compounds studied explicitly for its direct effect on the Hayflick limit in healthy cells.