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The Peptide Effect
approvedImmune Modulation

Thymosin Alpha-1

Also known as: Tα1, Zadaxin, Thymalfasin, Ta1

Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymus gland extracts. It is one of the few peptides approved as a pharmaceutical drug — marketed as Zadaxin in over 35 countries for hepatitis B and C, and granted FDA orphan drug status in the United States. It is a cornerstone of immune modulation therapy.

Key Facts

Mechanism
Thymosin Alpha-1 enhances T-cell maturation and function by promoting differentiation of T-cell progenitors in the thymus. It activates toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR9 on dendritic cells, increases MHC class I expression on tumor and infected cells, stimulates dendritic cell maturation, and shifts the cytokine balance toward a Th1-dominant response. It also augments NK cell cytotoxicity and macrophage-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Research Status
approved
Half-Life
~2 hours
Molecular Formula
C₁₂₉H₂₁₅N₃₃O₅₅
Primary Use
Immune Modulation

Benefits

  • Enhances immune response in immunocompromised patients (HIV, post-chemotherapy)strong
  • Adjunct therapy for chronic hepatitis B and C — improves sustained viral responsestrong
  • Improves vaccine response in elderly and immunosuppressed populationsmoderate
  • Potential cancer immunotherapy adjunct — enhances response to checkpoint inhibitors and chemotherapymoderate
  • COVID-19 immune support — studied as adjunct to reduce mortality in severe casespreliminary
  • May restore immune balance in sepsis by preventing immunoparalysispreliminary

Dosage Protocols

RouteDosage RangeFrequencyNotes
Subcutaneous injection1.6 mg2× weeklyStandard maintenance dose used in most clinical trials and approved protocols
Subcutaneous injection1.6 mgDailyAcute/intensive protocol for active infections or pre-surgical immune priming
Subcutaneous injection0.8–1.6 mg3× weeklyIntermediate dosing used in some cancer adjunct and hepatitis combination protocols

Medical disclaimer

Dosage information is provided for educational reference only. Always follow your prescriber's instructions and consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.

Side Effects

  • Injection site redness, swelling, or discomfortcommon
  • Mild fatigue following initial dosescommon
  • Transient skin rash or urticariarare
  • Low-grade fever (immune activation response)rare
  • Theoretical risk of autoimmune flare in predisposed individuals due to immune stimulationserious

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Zadaxin (Thymosin Alpha-1) available in the United States?
Thymosin Alpha-1 has FDA orphan drug designation but is not yet FDA-approved for general use in the US. It is approved in over 35 countries including China, India, and several European and South American nations. In the US, it is available through compounding pharmacies and integrative medicine practitioners.
What is the difference between Thymosin Alpha-1 and Thymosin Beta-4?
Despite sharing the "thymosin" name, they have completely different structures, mechanisms, and uses. Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino acid immune modulator that enhances T-cell function and dendritic cell activity. Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino acid peptide primarily involved in tissue repair, wound healing, and actin sequestration. They come from different fractions of the original thymus extract.
Can Thymosin Alpha-1 actually boost my immune system?
Thymosin Alpha-1 is one of the best-studied immune-modulating peptides with decades of clinical trial data. It specifically enhances T-cell maturation, activates dendritic cells, and shifts the immune response toward pathogen clearance. Unlike many supplements marketed as "immune boosters," Tα1 has robust evidence supporting its immunomodulatory effects, which is why it is an approved drug in many countries.
Is Thymosin Alpha-1 used for hepatitis treatment?
Yes. Thymosin Alpha-1 is approved in multiple countries as an adjunct therapy for chronic hepatitis B and C. Clinical trials have shown it improves sustained virological response when combined with standard antiviral therapy, particularly interferon-alpha. It is often used in patients who are poor responders to interferon alone.
Can Thymosin Alpha-1 be used alongside cancer treatment?
Research suggests Thymosin Alpha-1 may enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors by boosting the immune system's anti-tumor response. Several clinical trials have investigated its use in melanoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and non-small cell lung cancer. It is used as an adjunct — not a standalone cancer treatment — and should only be considered under oncologist supervision.

References

  1. 1
    Thymosin alpha 1 — a peptide immune modulator with a broad range of clinical applications(2007)PubMed ↗
  2. 2
    Thymalfasin: biological properties and clinical applications(2007)PubMed ↗
  3. 3
    Thymosin alpha 1 as a potential adjunct treatment for COVID-19: a systematic review(2020)PubMed ↗
  4. 4
    Thymosin alpha-1 in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: results of a randomized controlled trial(1998)PubMed ↗

Last updated: 2026-02-14