Compound profile

Thymosin Alpha-1

Immune-modulating peptide

A 28-amino-acid immune-modulating peptide, marketed abroad as Zadaxin (thymalfasin) for hepatitis but not FDA-approved in the US, studied as an immune adjuvant.

Reviewed for accuracy · Last reviewed July 8, 2026
ClassImmune-modulating peptide (thymic)
RouteSubcutaneous injection
Studied hepatitis regimen1.6 mg, twice weekly
ApprovalMarketed abroad; not FDA-approved

Overview

Thymosin alpha-1 is a 28-amino-acid peptide derived from prothymosin alpha that acts as an immunomodulator rather than a simple stimulant. Reviews describe it interacting with Toll-like receptors to influence T cells, natural killer cells, and cytokine balance, which is why it has been studied as an immune adjuvant in viral infection and cancer care.

It is approved and marketed in various countries as Zadaxin (thymalfasin), for example for chronic hepatitis B and C, but it is not FDA-approved for marketing in the United States, where it holds only orphan-drug designations. Evidence quality varies by indication, so claims here are framed cautiously.

Dosing

In chronic hepatitis B trials the studied regimen was 1.6 mg subcutaneous twice weekly, usually for about 26 weeks. Because it is not FDA-approved in the US, there is no US prescribing dose.

Read the full Thymosin Alpha-1 dosage guide →

Side effects

It is generally reported as well-tolerated, with injection-site reactions the most commonly noted effect. Longer-term and research-use safety data are limited, so this is a hedged reading.

Read the full Thymosin Alpha-1 side effects guide →

Storage

Keep unmixed vials refrigerated and away from light. Once reconstituted, follow the product or research handling guidance and use within the stated window. See the full storage & safety guide for handling and disposal basics.

FAQ

Is thymosin alpha-1 FDA-approved?No. It is approved and marketed in various countries as Zadaxin (thymalfasin), for example for hepatitis B and C, but it is not FDA-approved for marketing in the United States, where it holds only orphan-drug designations.
What is it studied for?Mostly as an immune modulator: chronic hepatitis B and C, as an immune adjuvant in cancer care, and, more tentatively, in COVID-19. Evidence quality varies a lot by indication.
Does the hepatitis B evidence show it works?It is mixed. A meta-analysis found no immediate advantage over interferon at the end of therapy, but a delayed response emerging months afterward. Most treatment guidelines do not currently include it.

References

  1. Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literatureWorld Journal of Virology (Baishideng Publishing Group) · 2020 · PMID 33362999 · DOI 10.5501/wjv.v9.i5.67
  2. Comparison of the efficacy of thymosin alpha-1 and interferon alpha in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B: a meta-analysisAntiviral Research · 2008 · PMID 18078676 · DOI 10.1016/j.antiviral.2007.10.014
  3. Thymosin alpha1 use in adult COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis on clinical outcomesInternational Immunopharmacology · 2022 · PMID 36527881 · DOI 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109584
Following a protocol? PepHub can log your twice-weekly doses and remind you.Learn more →

This page is an independent educational reference and is not medical advice, and does not indicate any approval status for any use. Talk to a doctor before starting any compound.