Thymalin is a thymus-derived peptide complex that promotes T-cell regeneration and epigenetic rejuvenation of immune cells. It enhances redox balance, reduces inflammation, and delays immune aging.
Thymalin
Also known as: Thymic Peptide Extract A-6
Overview
Benefits
- Boosts T-cell production
- Balances immune response
- Supports redox stability
- Rejuvenates immune progenitors
Consider This Peptide If You Want To
- Support immune repair and healthy aging
- Rebuild thymic function
Dosage & Administration
Dosage Guidelines
Recommended Dosage
• Amount:5 mg
• Frequency:daily
• Duration:10 days
• Rest Period:12 weeks
• Time of Day:evening
• Ingestion:subcutaneous
Inject preferably in the evening due to circadian thymic activity. Can be combined with Epitalon for synergistic effects.
Administration Routes:SubcutaneousOral
Research Findings on Dosage:
Subcutaneous Injection
• Commonly Reported Dosage: 5--10 mg daily
• Duration: 10--20 days per cycle; repeat every 3--6 months
• Administration Notes: Inject preferably in the evening due to circadian thymic activity
Oral Formulation (less studied)
• Reported Dosage: 1-2 capsules (0.215 g each) twice daily (this equates to 20-40 mg of peptide complex A-6)
• Note: Oral bioavailability is lower; clinical benefit is less documented than injection
Alternative Protocols
1. Subcutaneous Injection:
• Commonly Reported Dosage: 1 mg daily for 2 weeks, then 1 mg three times per week for 4 months
• Alternative Dosage:
◦ Immunity disorders: 5-20 mg daily (30-100 mg total per course)
◦ Anti-aging and disease prevention: 5-10 mg daily
2. General Immune Support & Anti-Aging
• Commonly Reported Dosage: 0.5 mg -- 2 mg, 2-5 times per week
• Duration: 4--12 weeks, followed by a maintenance phase (1--2 times per week)
3. Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
• Dosage: 1 mg -- 3 mg per injection
• Frequency: 3--7 times per week
• Duration: 3--6 months, followed by a tapering maintenance protocol
4. Acute Illness (Viral Infections, Flu, URI etc.)
• Dosage: 2 mg -- 5 mg per injection
• Frequency: Daily or every other day
• Duration: 7--30 days, depending on symptom resolution
5. Neurological & Anti-Aging Applications (Cognitive Function, Neuroprotection)
• Dosage: 0.5 mg -- 2 mg per injection
• Frequency: 3--5 times per week
• Duration: Ongoing or cycled (8--12 weeks on, 4 weeks off)
Notes:
• Thymalin is often taken in combination with Epitalon to achieve synergistic effects (1-5 mg each via subcutaneous or IM injection once daily for 20-30 days: repeat every 6 months)
Mechanism of Action
Mechanism of Action
How this peptide works in the body
Thymocyte Differentiation and T Cell Reconstitution
Thymalin upregulates IL-7 receptor expression on lymphoid progenitors, facilitating survival and differentiation into double-positive CD4+/CD8+ thymocytes. It enhances FOXN1 and Notch1 signaling in thymic epithelial cells, critical for T cell lineage commitment. This reconstitutes thymopoiesis and replenishes naïve T cell pools, particularly in immunosenescence.
Epigenetic Regulation of Immune and Aging Genes
The peptide complex modifies histone acetylation (H3K9ac, H3K27ac) and suppresses DNMT1 expression, reversing age-related methylation at loci involved in telomere maintenance (TERT), oxidative defense (SOD2), and immune regulation (FOXP3). These changes rejuvenate the transcriptional landscape in hematopoietic and thymic cells.
Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Effects
Thymalin induces expression of NRF2 and its downstream targets (HO-1, NQO1), enhancing cellular antioxidant defenses. It also downregulates pro-oxidant enzymes such as NOX2, reducing ROS-mediated damage in lymphoid tissues. This contributes to redox balance and immune cell longevity.
Normalization of Cytokine Profiles
Thymalin suppresses the production of IL-6, TNF-α, and other inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of NF-κB translocation in macrophages and dendritic cells. Simultaneously, it promotes IL-10 and TGF-β secretion, restoring immune tolerance and reducing systemic inflammation.
Telomerase Reactivation and Stem Cell Renewal
The peptide stimulates telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression in hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, supporting genomic stability and proliferative capacity. It enhances the self-renewal potential of CD34+ stem cells in bone marrow, which are crucial for sustained immune regeneration.
Consider Stacking With
- Epitalon
- Livagen
- Vladonix
- Testoluten
- Svetinorm
Side Effects & Cautions
Common Side Effects
- None common
Cautions
- Avoid during autoimmune flare or lymphoid malignancy
Rare Side Effects
- Mild redness or fatigue
Research & References
Research Highlights
Khavinson et al., 2003: Demonstrated restoration of T cell populations and immune normalization in elderly subjects
Trofimova et al., 2014: Reported reduction in biological age markers and improved telomerase activity
Linkova et al., 2012: Showed suppression of systemic inflammation and redox imbalance in chronic disease models
Morozov et al., 2016: Observed improved outcomes in patients with immunosuppressive conditions and infections
References
Khavinson V, et al. "Thymic peptide bioregulators and immune rejuvenation." Gerontology. 2003.
Trofimova SV, et al. "Thymalin and telomere length restoration in aging humans." Rejuvenation Res. 2014.
Linkova NS, et al. "Anti-inflammatory properties of thymus-derived peptides." Cytokine. 2012.
Morozov VG, et al. "Thymalin in immunosuppressed and chronic inflammation patients." Clin Immunol. 2016.