Thymogen

In simple words

Thymogen is a peptide of just two amino acids, the smallest known immunoactive fragment of the thymus gland. It is studied as a gentle agent for restoring immunity, for example in older patients after cancer surgery.

What this molecule is

L-glutamic acid + L-tryptophan (Glu-Trp dipeptide). ~333 Da. Minimal immunoactive fragment of the thymus.

Why it is studied

A gentle immunostimulant without the risk of overstimulation. RCT in older cancer patients (double-blind): ↓postoperative complications, restoration of immunity. ↓Carcinogenesis by 1.5× (animals). Intranasal and IM forms.

How it works

↑T-cell differentiation. ↑IL-2, IFN-γ. ↓Pro-inflammatory cascades. Chirality matters: the L-form (Thymogen) = immunostimulant, the D-form (Thymodepressin) = immunosuppressant.

Doses used in studies

Studies used 0.1 mg (100 mcg) IM once a day for 10 days; intranasally, a 0.01% solution, 1–2 doses per nostril 2–3 times a day for 10 days.

Combined with in studies

• Thymalin
• Crystagen
• Epitalon — anti-aging complex

Level of evidence

Level A-C Human clinical trials. There are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or the compound has been approved by a regulatory agency. The most reliable level.

Studies in PubMed

1. [Application thymogen for preoperative preparation of elderly patients with tumor processes in abdominal cavity]. (Adv Gerontol, 2011)
2. Immunomodulatory synthetic dipeptide L-Glu-L-Trp slows down aging and inhibits spontaneous carcinogenesis in rats. (Biogerontology, 2000)
3. The First Reciprocal Activities of Chiral Peptide Pharmaceuticals: Thymogen and Thymodepressin, as Examples. (Int J Mol Sci, 2024)
4. [The effect of the synthetic immunomodulator thymogen on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats]. (Vopr Onkol, 1992)