What is thymosin alpha-1?
Thymosin alpha-1 was isolated in 1977 by Allan Goldstein's group from a thymus extract. It has 28 amino acids with an acetylated start (Ac-SDAAVDTSSEITTKDLKEKKEVVEEAEN), molar mass 3,108.3 g/mol (CAS 62304-98-7). Despite the similar name it is unrelated to thymosin beta-4.
Research status
In cell experiments it influences toll-like receptor signalling and promotes T-cell maturation. Clinically it was studied mainly in chronic hepatitis B and C and as a vaccine adjunct, and it was generally well tolerated, with injection-site reactions most common.
Status
As thymalfasin it is approved in several countries outside the EU, for example China; there is no approval in the EU or the US. Research use only. Another thymic peptide is thymalin.
Background in the magazine: Thymosin alpha 1: effects, studies and approval
