Immune & Anti-Inflammatory
Thymosin Alpha-1
Tα1 · Zadaxin · thymalfasin
What it is
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a 28-amino-acid peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland. Approved as Zadaxin in 35+ countries (not US, where it's used off-label) for hepatitis B/C, sepsis, certain cancers as immune adjuvant, and post-surgical immune support.
How it works
Restores T-cell function and balance. Promotes T-cell maturation in the thymus, enhances natural killer cell activity, modulates dendritic cells, and rebalances Th1/Th2 immune responses. Particularly useful when the immune system is suppressed or dysregulated.
Benefits
- Restored immune function in immunosuppressed patients
- Hepatitis B and C support
- Cancer adjuvant therapy
- Sepsis recovery
- Reduced infection rates
- Post-surgical immune support
- Long COVID recovery (anecdotal)
Timeline
- Week 1–2
- Subtle — immune effects accumulate.
- Week 4–8
- Visible improvement in chronic immune dysregulation.
- Month 3+
- Sustained immune support.
Dosing & titration
Standard dose1.6–3.2 mg subQ, 2x weekly
Hepatitis (clinical)1.6 mg twice weekly for 6–12 months
Cycle length3–6 months for chronic conditions
When to titrate upStandardized dose; rarely modified.
Side effects & risks
- Generally very well tolerated
- Mild injection site reactions
- Rare: flu-like symptoms transiently
Best for actual immune dysregulation. Healthy users with normal immunity may not see dramatic effects.
Typical price
$200–$400/moFrom a 503A compounding pharmacy. Branded Zadaxin much more expensive internationally.
Studies
- Goldstein AL, Goldstein AL. From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin alpha 1 — Comprehensive review by the discoverer. PubMedExpert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2009
- Camerini R, Garaci E. Historical review of thymosin α 1 in infectious diseases — Clinical use review. PubMedExpert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2015
- Search PubMed for thymosin alpha-1 — PubMed searchLive PubMed search
Educational reference only. Not medical advice.