Thymalin is a complex of short peptides from the thymus gland that has been used in Russia for more than 40 years. It is studied as an agent for supporting immunity in older adults and extending lifespan, especially together with Epitalon.
Polypeptide complex from bovine thymus. Active components are short peptide fragments, including thymopentin-like structures.
Khavinson's #1 geroprotector. Prospective cohort study of 266 older adults over 6-8 years: mortality ↓2.0–2.1× vs control; + Epithalamin: ↓2.5× (courses over 2–3 years), ↓4.1× (annually for 6 years). COVID-19: ↓IL-6, CRP, D-dimer. ↑Hematopoiesis. 40+ years of clinical use in Russia.
↑Maturation and differentiation of T lymphocytes. ↑CD3+/CD4+, normalization of CD4/CD8. ↑NK cells. ↑IL-2, IFN-γ. ↓Chronic inflammation. ↑Blood cell production (stimulation of hematopoiesis).
Studies used 5–10 mg IM or SC once a day for a course of 5–10 days; 2–3 courses a year.
Level B Human observational data. There are studies in humans, but they are small, uncontrolled, or cohort studies. The data are encouraging but need confirmation.
Data come mainly from Khavinson's laboratory. No independent Western RCTs. Research only.
Research peptides are laboratory reagents (Research Use Only). They are not medicines and are not intended for use in humans or animals.