Thymalin
/ Fractionated peptide complex (multiple low-MW thymic peptides; not a defined single molecule)ALIAS · Thymic peptide complex · TFX (Thymus Factor X) · Khavinson thymic preparation
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Tier 3. Thymalin is a fractionated complex of low-molecular-weight thymic peptides extracted from calf thymus — not a single chemical entity. Used clinically in Russia and several Eastern European countries since the 1970s for indications including age-related immunosuppression, post-surgical recovery, and chronic infections. Western trial-grade evidence is sparse.
The proposed mechanism is restoration of thymic involution-related immunodeficiency by providing exogenous thymic-peptide cytokines that drive T-cell maturation, regulatory T-cell development, and immune homeostasis. Specific peptide identities, receptors, and signalling pathways are incompletely characterised.
Tier 3. Russian and Eastern European clinical literature includes randomised studies in age-related immunosuppression and chronic infection. None reach the methodological standard of contemporary Western Phase 3 trials. Approved as an immunomodulator in Russia and several CIS states.
In the published Russian-language clinical literature, well tolerated. No comprehensive safety database meeting Western regulatory standards.
Regulatory status
- FDA status:
- Not FDA-approved
The 'thymalin' name covers different products from different manufacturers with non-identical peptide composition. Vendor-sold thymalin in the US peptide-research market is sold as a research chemical and is not the same product as the Russian therapeutic preparation.