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Thymosin Alpha-1

Aliases: Ta1 · Zadaxin · Timozin alfa-1

Last verified: 2026-09-23

Approved drugModerate evidencePeptidesMedium interest

The short version

Thymosin alpha-1 is one of the most studied immunomodulatory peptides: approved in 30+ countries for chronic hepatitis B and C (as adjunct), with a real clinical program behind it. The effect is moderate, and in Western medicine it has been marginalized by potent antivirals. In the post-COVID era there are new small trials, but no breakthrough. It is a solid, approved peptide with a narrowed place in therapy.

Identity & type

Molecular type
peptide
Sequence / structure
28 aa, acetiliran N-terminus
Molecular weight
~3108 Da
Origin
Natural thymic peptide, N-terminally acetylated; approved in many countries (Zadaxin) for certain hepatitis indications and immunomodulation.

Mechanism of action

Activates TLR9/MyD88 and TLR2 pathways in dendritic cells, enhances Th1 responses, increases MHC-I expression and NK-cell function.

Dosing & routes

Official / clinical context

Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. 1.6 mg SC twice weekly (approved regimen); protocols use 1.6–3.2 mg 2–3× weekly.

Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.

Community-reported practice

1.6 mg SC twice weekly (approved regimen); protocols use 1.6–3.2 mg 2–3× weekly. In clinical practice (approved in 30+ countries): support in chronic viral infections; the community uses it for an "immune reset" during autumn/winter and alongside vaccinations.

Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.

Expected effects (community)

In clinical practice (approved in 30+ countries): support in chronic viral infections; the community uses it for an "immune reset" during autumn/winter and alongside vaccinations.

Protocol — official vs community

Official / label

Approved in 30+ countries (Zadaxin), not the US: 1.6 mg SC twice weekly (3.2 mg/week) for hepatitis B/C and immune-adjunct indications.

  1. 01Flat 1.6 mg SC twice weekly

Duration: Indication-defined, often 6–12 months.

One of the most-approved peptides in the world that Americans have to gray-market.

Community (anecdotal)

1.6 mg SC twice weekly, mirroring the label.

Cycle:
6–12 weeks in immune-adjunct use.
Break:
Reassess after course.

Community use hews closest to the label of any gray-market peptide — because the label exists.

Human evidence

Approved in multiple countries; meta-analyses in hepatitis B/C show a moderate antiviral adjunct to interferon.

Preclinical evidence

The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.

Known risks

  • Rare injection-site reactions; profile is mildcharacterized
  • Autoimmune concerns remain theoreticaltheoretical

Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.

Unknowns & evidence gaps

  • Place in modern therapy beside new antivirals

Frequently asked questions

References

  1. Zadaxin (thymosin alpha-1) — regulatory documentation and meta-analyses