Cognitive & NootropicTarget: BrainNervous

Pinealon

EDR · Glu-Asp-Arg · Пинеалон

Pinealon is synthetic Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR) - a CNS cytogen on the NPCRIZ list, sitting on the border of brain and pineal stories. It is not Epitalon (AEDG) and not Cortexin (extract).

Not FDA-approved - research chemical

Quick answer

What it is: Pinealon is synthetic Glu-Asp-Arg (EDR) - a CNS cytogen on the NPCRIZ list, sitting on the border of brain and pineal stories.

Class and target: Cytogen (synthetic short peptide) · CNS / pineal-adjacent neurons · sequence EDR

Typical research dose: 1–2 capsules/day (Cytomed) or 1–2 mg SC (research vial)

Reconstitution calculator ↓What it is & the evidence on The Bioregulator Atlas →

Research summary, not medical advice.

Reviewed by Kymata Health Editorial Team
Last updated: August 2026Evidence: Low4 peer-reviewed citations
Typical research dose
1–2 capsules/day (Cytomed) or 1–2 mg SC (research vial)
Frequency
1× daily for 10-30 day cycles
Half-life
~15-30 minutes (short peptide, rapid CNS uptake)
Common vials
5 mg / 10 mg
CAS
188922-35-0
Molecular weight
389.32 g/mol

Use-case scores

0–10 against the evidence we have, not a gym ranking. Hidden domains do not apply here.

  • Cognition3.5/10

    Khavinson-group neuronal/oxidative-stress papers. Single-lab concentration after haircut. Not a Western cognition RCT.

  • Longevity / aging3.5/10

    Pineal/melatonin-adjacent bioregulator story. Same literature family as other cytogens. Not Epitalon telomerase papers pasted on.

Compound card

Sequence
EDR (Glu-Asp-Arg)
Class
Khavinson cytogen (pineal/CNS tripeptide)
Formula
C13H19N5O8
Status
Not FDA-approved · research use
Dose it
5 mg + 2.5 mL BAC water → 2 mg/mL · 1000 mcg ≈ 50 units (U-100)
Open in calculator

How it works

Pinealon (Glu-Asp-Arg, EDR) is a synthetic tripeptide bioregulator developed by Vladimir Khavinson at the Saint Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology. It specifically targets central nervous system tissues, particularly the pineal gland and cortical neurons.

Pinealon penetrates the nuclear membrane of neuronal cells and interacts directly with DNA, modulating gene expression related to neuroprotection, antioxidant defense, and melatonin synthesis. In vitro studies demonstrate that Pinealon reduces markers of oxidative stress (ROS) in cortical neuron cultures by 30-40%.

As a pineal gland bioregulator, it normalizes melatonin production - which naturally declines with age - supporting circadian rhythm regulation, sleep quality, and the endogenous antioxidant cascade that melatonin drives. Khavinson's group has published over 30 papers demonstrating short peptide bioregulators ability to regulate gene expression epigenetically.

Khavinson map

Canonical 41
Class
Cytogen (synthetic short peptide)
Organ
CNS / pineal-adjacent neurons
Target
Brain
System
Nervous
Sequence
EDR · Glu-Asp-Arg
Pair
Cerluten (brain Cytomax); Endoluten/Epitalon are the pineal aisle
Пинеалон

Used in bioregulator stacks

Manufacturer-style organ combinations - not FDA protocols. Every name is a live leaf.

The Khavinson school

Pinealon is filed here as cytogen (synthetic short peptide), targeting the cns / pineal-adjacent neurons. Khavinson's St. Petersburg group moved from organ extracts (Cytamins) to capsule complexes (Cytomaxes) to synthetic short peptides (Cytogens); most of the evidence comes from that one group, with little independent Western replication.

Read the full background, the proposed epigenetic mechanism, the literature limits, and how we count the canonical 41 on the Khavinson bioregulators index.

History of this molecule

EDR is one of the better-documented cytogens in animal neuroprotection work: oxidative stress, neuronal DNA, circadian-adjacent claims. English blogs then merge it with Epitalon because both touch pineal. Different sequences. Epitalon is the telomerase-famous tetrapeptide. Pinealon is the tripeptide. Endoluten is the pineal complex. Cerluten is the brain complex.

Public PSI teaching uses Pinealon as an example of short peptides binding promoter regions (including FNDC5/irisin in one public article). That is a teaching slide pointing at published figures - cite the papers, not the course. We do not paste their diagrams.

Cortagen (AEDP) is cortex. Pinealon is not “the same shot with a different vowel.”

Caveats

A defined sequence is not an FDA indication. CNS cytogens sit in a Russian experimental-gerontology literature with limited Western replication. “Oral bioavailability because PEPT1” is real peptide-transport biology; it is not proof this SKU treats the organ disease. Gray-market identity is a live problem - HPLC is the only way to know the vial is the sequence on the label.

Full 41-map: Khavinson bioregulators index · Bioregulator stacks

Research Use Cases

  • ✓EDR identity vs Epitalon vs Cortagen vs Cerluten
  • ✓Not a dementia, stroke, or TBI treatment page

Dosing

PhaseDoseFrequencyNotes
Oral Protocol (Most Common)10 - 20 mgDaily for 10-30 days, then cycle offStandard Khavinson oral bioregulator protocol. Take in the evening to align with pineal melatonin synthesis.
Injectable Protocol1 - 2 mgDaily SC for 10 days, repeat 2-4x/yearInjectable form offers higher bioavailability. Used in Khavinson clinical protocols in Russia.

Administration

Route / form
Two real SKUs: Cytomed oral capsules (swallowed) or a lyophilized research vial reconstituted for subcutaneous injection. Nobody manufactures these as sublingual tablets.
Timing
Capsules: morning, about 30 minutes before meals. Research vial (SubQ): food does not change the injection.
Empty stomach?
Capsules: yes - Swallow on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals. Reconstituted vial (SubQ): food does not change the injection. Cytomed boxes sometimes print “with food” because they are labeled as supplements; the manufacturer user-guide preference is before meals.

Pinealon: oral vs SubQ

Cytomed oral capsule
Bioavailability
No published human F% for this SKU. Di- and tripeptides can ride PEPT1/LAT; that is transporter biology, not proof the capsule treats the named organ. Cytomed cytogen capsules are swallowed.
Dose note
Pinealon Cytomed cytogen capsules: 1–2 capsules/day, typically 10–30 day courses. No reconstitution. Swallow; do not melt under the tongue. Manufacturer user-guide folklore for cytogen capsules is morning, about 30 minutes before meals. Pineal-adjacent blogs dose evening to sit next to melatonin; that is a scheduling heuristic, not a PK study. Cytomed boxes sometimes print “with food” because they are labeled as supplements. Pair: Cerluten is the brain Cytomax. Endoluten and Epitalon (AEDG) are the pineal aisle. Cortagen is AEDP cortex. Cortexin is the pharma extract.
Advantages
  • Official Cytomed cytogen SKU is a swallowed capsule. No BAC water, no syringe.
  • Matches how Cytomed ships the poster line.
  • Nobody manufactures this as a sublingual tablet.
  • EDR is a tripeptide, so oral PEPT1/LAT is a real transporter conversation, still not a sleep or dementia indication.
Considerations
  • Capsule milligrams are not 1–2 mg SC. Do not convert a research-vial protocol into capsule counts by arithmetic theater.
  • Empty-stomach timing is user-guide folklore plus PEPT1 logic, not a cited human PK study for this SKU.
  • Pinealon is EDR, a CNS cytogen on the NPCRIZ poster. It is not Epitalon (AEDG), not Cortagen (AEDP), and not Cortexin. Do not steal telomerase PMIDs from AEDG.
  • Evening-for-melatonin timing is folklore on this leaf. It does not turn the capsule into a Z-drug or a melatonin gummy.
Research vial SubQ
Bioavailability
No published human PK curve for this cytogen. Research-chem SubQ is the gray-market route. Class estimate is minutes-to-hours, not a depot ester.
Dose note
Research lyophilized vial: reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, sterile technique, SubQ. Class pattern is about 1–2 mg daily for on the order of 10 days, not a 12-week GLP-1 titration. Food does not change the injection. Do not convert Cytomed capsule counts into vial milligrams. Pair: Cerluten is the brain Cytomax. Endoluten and Epitalon (AEDG) are the pineal aisle. Cortagen is AEDP cortex. Cortexin is the pharma extract.
Advantages
  • Vial math is checkable if the COA matches the sequence on the label.
  • Food timing is irrelevant for SubQ.
  • Short pulsed courses match how the school used defined synthetics.
  • SubQ research use is how US vials are actually sold; food does not change the shot even if you pick an evening clock.
Considerations
  • Gray-market identity: HPLC is the only way to know the cake is EDR (Glu-Asp-Arg).
  • Not a Western Phase 3. Russian experimental-gerontology literature is real and concentrated.
  • Not a sublingual tablet and not a Cytomax complex.
  • Pinealon is EDR, a CNS cytogen on the NPCRIZ poster. It is not Epitalon (AEDG), not Cortagen (AEDP), and not Cortexin. Do not steal telomerase PMIDs from AEDG.
  • Indexed neuronal/oxidative-stress work is Khavinson-group concentrated. Not a Western neurodegeneration RCT.
Recommendation: Two SKUs. Swallow Cytomed Pinealon capsules (no recon, not sublingual) or BAC-reconstitute a research vial for SubQ at the 1–2 mg / ~10-day class pattern. Food does not change the shot. Pair: Cerluten is the brain Cytomax. Endoluten and Epitalon (AEDG) are the pineal aisle. Cortagen is AEDP cortex. Cortexin is the pharma extract. Pinealon is EDR, a CNS cytogen on the NPCRIZ poster. It is not Epitalon (AEDG), not Cortagen (AEDP), and not Cortexin. Do not steal telomerase PMIDs from AEDG. Russian literature is real; Western Phase 3 is not. Capsule vs vial follows the cytogen rules. Sequence vs Epitalon is the whole identity job.

Timeline

Week 1-2
Improved sleep onset and sleep quality. Vivid dreams may occur from normalized melatonin rhythm.
Month 1-3
Enhanced antioxidant capacity in CNS. Improved cognitive resilience and neuroprotection markers.

Who it is for

Sleep Quality / Circadian Rhythm

Moderate

Normalizes pineal melatonin production rather than flooding receptors with exogenous melatonin. More physiological approach.

Neuroprotection

Low

Reduces cortical oxidative stress markers in vitro. Human evidence is limited to Russian clinical practice.

Longevity / Bioregulator Protocol

Low

Khavinson data shows synergy with Epitalon. Used together for combined telomerase activation and neuroprotection.

Reconstitution

Vial
5 mg
Diluent
2.5 mL
Concentration
2 mg/mL
Per Unit (100u syringe)
20 mcg
Dose of 1000 mcg = 50 units on a 100-unit insulin syringe

Safety & Considerations

Russian clinic history is not a US safety NDA. May potentiate sedative effects due to melatonin pathway modulation. Avoid combining with exogenous melatonin without medical guidance. Not FDA-approved. Well-tolerated in available clinical data.

Regulatory & Legal Status

FDA Status (US)
Research Only
WADA Status (2026)
Not Listed

Not currently on the WADA 2026 Prohibited List. Policies may change - verify before competition.

Classification

Research Chemical

US Compounding: Not eligible / not available

⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current regulatory updates. Always verify with official FDA, WADA, and jurisdiction-specific sources before use.

Limits of current evidence

  • Do not steal Epitalon telomerase PMIDs.
  • “30 papers” is the school, not 30 independent Western replications of this tripeptide.
  • This site will not treat neurodegeneration from a peptide page.

Verdict

Pinealon is EDR, the pineal cytogen. Khavinson’s group published on it. That is a real, concentrated literature, not a Phase 3. It is not Epitalon (AEDG). Capsule vs vial follows the cytogen rules on this site.

Interactions & Contraindications

Sedation/melatonin folklore is not a labeled interaction. This site will not treat stroke from a peptide page.

Synergies & Common Stacks

+ Epitalon →

Neighboring pineal peptides (EDR vs AEDG). Sequence vs sequence, not a combo drug.

Appears in goal guides

Goal guides are maps, not clinic protocols. A mention here is not a treatment plan.

Cellular Redox & DNA Integrity

Khavinson-style 10-day intensive: Epitalon, Thymalin (injectable), and Pinealon, then a long off. Autophagy supplements named, not stocked as peptides.

View Protocol →

Frequently Asked Questions

Pinealon vs Epitalon vs Cortagen vs Cerluten?▼
Pinealon = EDR cytogen (CNS). Epitalon = AEDG (pineal tetrapeptide). Cortagen = AEDP (cortex). Cerluten = brain Cytomax complex.
Nootropic like Semax?▼
Different institute, different sequence, different literature. Semax is an ACTH(4-10) analog.
Sleep peptide?▼
Circadian/pineal-adjacent claims exist. It is not a Z-drug and not melatonin.
Oral capsule or injection?▼
Two SKUs. Cytomed Pinealon is a swallowed cytogen capsule (1–2/day, typical 10–30 day courses, not a sublingual tablet, no reconstitution). Research vials are BAC-reconstituted SubQ at about 1–2 mg for on the order of 10 days; food does not change the shot. Manufacturer user-guide folklore is morning empty-stomach; evening-for-melatonin is a scheduling heuristic, not a PK study. EDR, not Epitalon (AEDG).
What is the difference between Pinealon and Epitalon?▼
Both are Khavinson bioregulators. Epitalon (AEDG) activates telomerase and extends telomeres - a longevity mechanism. Pinealon (EDR) focuses on neuroprotection and normalizing melatonin synthesis. Epitalon is a longevity peptide; Pinealon is primarily neuroprotective and sleep-restorative. They are often used in sequence.
How is Pinealon administered?▼
Three forms available: oral capsules (10-20 mg/day, most common), intranasal drops, or subcutaneous injection (1-2 mg/day). The Khavinson protocol runs 10-30 day cycles with breaks between each cycle.
Does Pinealon improve sleep?▼
Yes - by normalizing pineal gland melatonin production, Pinealon improves sleep onset and quality. Unlike exogenous melatonin which floods receptors, it restores the gland's own production capacity, providing a more sustainable and physiological sleep benefit.

References

  1. Khavinson VKh et al. “Tissue-specific effects of peptides.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2001). PMID: 11713572
  2. Khavinson VKh, Lin’kova NS, Tarnovskaya SI “Short peptides regulate gene expression.” Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine (2016). PMID: 27909961
  3. Khavinson VKh, Morozov VG “Peptides of pineal gland and thymus prolong human life.” Neuroendocrinology Letters (2003). PMID: 14523363
  4. Khavinson VK, et al. “Short peptides modulate the effect of endonucleases of wheat seedling.” Bull Exp Biol Med (2011). PMID: 21590377

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Where to get itOral bioregulator

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