What it is
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino-acid peptide produced by the thymus gland and the active ingredient in Zadaxin. It is approved internationally for chronic hepatitis B and C and used adjunctively in immunocompromised states, sepsis, and as an oncology supportive therapy.
Mechanism of action
Enhances T-cell maturation, shifts immune response toward Th1 (cellular immunity), increases natural killer cell activity, and modulates dendritic cell function. Particularly active in immunocompromised or senescent immune systems.
Evidence summary
Approved for hepatitis B/C in 30+ countries. Significant body of clinical research in sepsis, immune reconstitution, COVID-19 adjunct, and cancer adjuvant therapy.
Typical dosing protocols
- 1.6 mg subcutaneous 2Ć per week (standard)
- Higher doses (3.2 mg) in immune-challenged states
- 8ā12 week cycles, repeat based on immune markers
Side effects & safety
- Excellent safety profile across clinical use
- Mild injection-site reactions most common
- Rare flu-like symptoms in first few doses
Cited studies
- (1996). A randomized controlled trial of thymosin-alpha1 versus interferon alfa treatment in patients with hepatitis B e antigen antibody-and hepatitis B virus DNA-positive chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology.Read source ā
- (1999). Thymosin alpha1 treatment of chronic hepatitis B: results of a phase III multicentre, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study. Journal of Viral Hepatitis.Read source ā
- (2013). The efficacy of thymosin alpha 1 for severe sepsis (ETASS): a multicenter, single-blind, randomized and controlled trial. Critical Care.Read source ā
- Liu F, Wang HM, Wang T, Zhang YM, Zhu X (2015). The efficacy of thymosin α1 as immunomodulatory treatment for sepsis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. BMC Infectious Diseases.PMID 26715538Read source ā
- Costantini C, Bellet MM, Pariano M, et al. (2019). A reappraisal of thymosin Alpha1 in cancer therapy. Frontiers in Oncology.PMID 31799197Read source ā
- (2022). A Double-blind Multicenter Two-arm Randomized Placebo-controlled Phase-III Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effectiveness and Safety of Thymosin α1 as an Add-on Treatment to Existing Standard of Care Treatment in Moderate-to-severe COVID-19 Patients. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine.Read source ā
- (2025). The efficacy and safety of thymosin α1 for sepsis (TESTS): multicentre, double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. BMJ.Read source ā
- (2025). Efficacy of thymosin α1 for sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology.Read source ā
All content is for research and educational purposes. Peptides described are sold for laboratory research use only and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any protocol.
