Thymosin alpha-1
Sleep & Recovery · Immunomodulatory peptide
Tier C+
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Thymosin alpha-1 as C+ (5.7/10) based on weak evidence, med benefit magnitude, and a low-risk safety profile.
Approved in >30 countries (not US).
Typical use: 1. — Rx in EU, Asia, Russia (Zadaxin); NOT FDA-approved in US; Category 2 on 503A bulks — compounding prohibited as of Jan 2025.
What this is
Approved in >30 countries (not US). Wu 2013 meta-analysis in sepsis showed mortality benefit. Used in long-COVID, Lyme, and chronic fatigue protocols with weak evidence. Same Jan 2025 FDA compounding restriction. Generally considered one of the better-studied 'biohacker peptides.'
Mechanism
28-amino-acid peptide derived from thymus prothymosin alpha; stimulates TLR9/Th1 immunity; activates dendritic cells and T-cell maturation; used in Europe/Asia for hepatitis B/C, sepsis, as vaccine adjuvant
Dose & route
1.6 mg subQ 2x/week (hepatitis indications); biohacker dosing similar
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23442320/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30700018/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7232131/
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Common questions
- Does Thymosin alpha-1 work?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Thymosin alpha-1 as Weak and the benefit magnitude as med, producing an overall grade of C+ (5.7/10). Approved in >30 countries (not US).
- Is Thymosin alpha-1 safe?
- Thymosin alpha-1 has a low risk profile in published human data. Legal status: Rx in EU, Asia, Russia (Zadaxin); NOT FDA-approved in US; Category 2 on 503A bulks — compounding prohibited as of Jan 2025. This is not medical advice — see the disclaimer.
- What is the typical dose for Thymosin alpha-1?
- 1.6 mg subQ 2x/week (hepatitis indications); biohacker dosing similar
- How does Thymosin alpha-1 work?
- 28-amino-acid peptide derived from thymus prothymosin alpha; stimulates TLR9/Th1 immunity; activates dendritic cells and T-cell maturation; used in Europe/Asia for hepatitis B/C, sepsis, as vaccine adjuvant
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.