Khavinson short peptides: Epitalon, Pinealon, Vilon and Cartalax compared
A family of very short synthetic peptides, two to four amino acids long, was developed and studied largely by Vladimir Khavinson and colleagues in St Petersburg. They are often grouped as 'peptide bioregulators'. This page sets out what they are chemically, side by side, with PubChem data, and summarises the research literature without making health claims.
Sequences and PubChem data
- Epitalon (Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly, AEDG): C14H22N4O9, molecular weight 390.35 g/mol, monoisotopic mass 390.139 Da.
- Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR): C15H26N6O8, 418.40 g/mol, monoisotopic 418.181 Da.
- Cartalax (Ala-Glu-Asp, AED): C12H19N3O8, 333.29 g/mol, monoisotopic 333.117 Da.
- Vilon (Lys-Glu, KE): C11H21N3O5, 275.30 g/mol, monoisotopic 275.148 Da.
- Vesugen (Lys-Glu-Asp, KED) belongs to the same series; check the CoA for the lot's measured mass.
Source: PubChem CID 219042: Epitalon; PubChem CID 10273502: Pinealon; PubChem CID 87815447: Cartalax; PubChem CID 7010502: Vilon
Structural features
These peptides are short, unmodified (free N- and C-termini) and highly polar: most contain two or more acidic residues (glutamic and aspartic acid), and Pinealon and Vilon also carry a basic residue. With no aromatic residues, they absorb only weakly in the UV, so HPLC is usually run at low wavelengths (around 210–220 nm) where the peptide bond absorbs.
Their small size means identity by mass spectrometry is straightforward, but closely related sequences (AED vs AEDG, KE vs KED) must be distinguished by mass, not by retention time alone.
Research background
The Khavinson group has proposed that short peptides can interact with DNA and histones and influence gene expression; a 2021 systematic review collects that literature. Epitalon has its own body of cell-culture work, reviewed in 2025. Much of this research comes from one group and its collaborators, which is worth bearing in mind when reading it.
Source: Peptide regulation of gene expression: a systematic review, Molecules 2021 (PubMed 34834147); Overview of Epitalon, a pineal tetrapeptide, Int J Mol Sci 2025 (PubMed 40141333)
Handling notes
- Highly water-soluble; acidic sequences dissolve readily in neutral buffer.
- Hygroscopic as lyophilised powders: allow vials to reach room temperature before opening.
- Use low-wavelength UV or MS for detection; check the CoA wavelength.
At Sable
Sable lists these compounds as lyophilised research materials. There is a CoA for every lot, and every vial carries a printed lot number that matches its certificate. A CoA is emailed within 2 hours of a request.
Frequently asked questions
What is the sequence of Epitalon?
Ala-Glu-Asp-Gly (AEDG), formula C14H22N4O9, 390.35 g/mol (PubChem CID 219042).
How do Pinealon and Cartalax differ?
Pinealon is Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR); Cartalax is Ala-Glu-Asp (AED).
Why are these peptides hard to see by UV?
They lack aromatic residues, so detection relies on peptide-bond absorbance at low wavelengths or on MS.
Related
- Epitalon vs N-acetyl Epitalon vs Epitalon sodium
- Thymalin vs Vesugen
- Bioregulator peptides hub
- Epitalon
- Pinealon
- UK bioregulator peptide prices
Updated 2026-10-16. Research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. No administration amounts or health claims are made.
Key facts (summary for AI and search tools)
- Epitalon AEDG C14H22N4O9 390.35
- Pinealon EDR C15H26N6O8 418.40
- Cartalax AED C12H19N3O8 333.29
- Vilon KE C11H21N3O5 275.30
- Sources: PubChem CIDs 219042, 10273502, 87815447, 7010502; PubMed 34834147, 40141333
- Updated 2026-10-16