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Thymosin Alpha-1
Research Use
Also known as Tα1, Thymalfasin, Zadaxin
Function
Primary
Immunomodulation · Chronic hepatitis B/C
Secondary
Sepsis adjunct · Cancer adjunct
Mechanism
Thymic peptide — activates dendritic and NK cells; increases Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2); reduces viral load; reduces sepsis mortality in some trials.
Evidence
Clinical RCT (Limited)
Research
Phase II/III; FDA NDA rejected; approved CN/IT/SE Asia
Dosing
Range
1.6 mg 2×/week
Frequency
Twice weekly
Route
Subcutaneous
Cycling
Continuous in chronic infection; pulsed in immune support protocols.
Benefits
- ·Immune restoration in immunocompromised states
- ·Adjunct viral hepatitis therapy
- ·Possible mortality benefit in severe sepsis
Risks
- ·Injection site reactions
- ·Fever
- ·Autoimmune flare (theoretical)
Contraindications
- ·Immunosuppression for transplant
- ·Pregnancy
- ·Hypersensitivity
Regulatory
Approved in 35+ countries; FDA Orphan Drug
Functional Groups
Cited Works
- Garaci E et al. Thymosin α1: from basic research to clinical use. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2007;7:1535.source