Thymalin
Thymalin; polypeptide extract of calf thymus (containing active dipeptides EW [Glu-Trp, 'thymogen'] and KE [Lys-Glu], and tripeptide EDP [Glu-Asp-Pro, 'crystagen'])
Human data is very limited. Most evidence comes from case reports or observational studies.
A natural extract from thymus gland tissue containing short peptides that support immune function, particularly the development of T-cells (immune cells that fight infection and cancer). Small studies in elderly COVID-19 patients showed faster immune recovery compared to standard care alone.
This entry is a cited research summary, not an established treatment reference. Dosing language is included as source context, not as medical instruction.
Thymalin has limited human evidence; signal requires confirmation.
Human data is very limited. Most evidence comes from case reports or observational studies.
Safety Summary
Clinical trial literature and medical summaries describe thymalin as well tolerated with 'practically no side effects.' No consistent acute adverse events, published event-frequency tables, dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs), or maximum tolerated dose (MTD) have been reported in publicly available clinical literature (PMC8365293, PMC8654498, Pillintrip thymalin listing). Pharmacovigilance searches of FAERS, EudraVigilance, and WHO VigiBase returned no specific safety signals attributable to thymalin. No CYP enzyme interactions documented. No anti-drug antibody formation reported. Systematic reviews of thymic peptides (Cochrane/Wolf et al. 2011, PMC6481824) report generally favorable profiles. No tolerance, tachyphylaxis, or withdrawal effects reported. CRITICAL DATA GAPS: No formal preclinical chronic/subchronic toxicology studies with NOAEL/LOAEL, no carcinogenicity/genotoxicity reports, no reproductive/developmental toxicity studies, and no dedicated PK studies in renal or hepatic impairment are publicly available. The 'clean' safety profile should be interpreted with caution as it likely reflects absence of rigorous safety monitoring rather than proven safety. Trials were small, unblinded, and may have underreported events. Community reports on and online communities generally report minimal side effects.
Clinical check-in
If real-world use or exposure is being considered, review potential interactions, contraindications, and monitoring needs with a licensed clinician rather than relying on summary copy alone.
Cited sources
Every claim on this page links to one of the 11 sources below. Identifiers are PubMed (PMID), ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT), or DOI; click through to the source of record before acting on a claim.
- 1doi:10.1134/S2079057021040068DOI
- 2Effect of Thymalin on Cellular and Humoral Immunity and Quality of Life in Elderly Patients with COVID-19Reference
- 3Effect of Thymalin on Adaptive Immunity in Complex Therapy for Patients with COVID-19Reference
- 4Thymalin as a Potential Alternative in the Treatment of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Associated with SARS-CoV-2Reference
- 5PMID 33237528PubMed
- 6doi:10.1134/S2079086421040046DOI
- 7doi:10.3390/ijms241713377DOI
- 8PMID 14523363PubMed
- 9Meta-Analysis of Immunomodulatory Activity of the Medicinal Peptide Preparation ThymalinReference
- 10Thymic peptides for treatment of cancer patients (Cochrane/systematic review)Reference
- 11Effect of Thymalin on Clinical Course and Lipid Peroxidation in Children with Chronic GastroduodenitisReference