Evidence Tier: Approved in 30+ Countries — Thymosin Alpha-1 (Zadaxin) is a 28-amino acid peptide originally isolated from thymic tissue. It is approved for clinical use in over 30 countries for hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and as a vaccine adjuvant.
Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Ta1) was first isolated and characterized by Dr. Allan Goldstein at the George Washington University School of Medicine. It is a naturally occurring thymic peptide that modulates the immune system by acting on dendritic cells, T lymphocytes, and natural killer cells.
Approved Indications (Non-US)
- Chronic Hepatitis B: Approved in multiple Asian and European countries
- Chronic Hepatitis C: Used in combination with interferon therapy
- Vaccine Adjuvant: Enhances immune response to vaccines in immunocompromised patients
- Cancer Immunotherapy: Used as adjunct to chemotherapy in various solid tumors
COVID-19 Research
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thymosin Alpha-1 was studied in multiple clinical trials for its potential to restore T-cell function in critically ill patients with lymphopenia.
References
- Goldstein AL, et al. "Thymosin alpha1: isolation and sequence analysis of an immunologically active thymic polypeptide." Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1977;74(2):725-729.
- Romani L, et al. "Thymosin alpha 1: an endogenous regulator of inflammation, immunity, and tolerance." Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012;1270:45-55.
Research Disclaimer
This article is compiled from peer-reviewed research and publicly available scientific literature. It is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.