Imunofan vs Thymalin
Synthetic hexapeptide derived from thymopoietin with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties
Russian thymic peptide complex that rejuvenates immune function and supports healthy aging
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Quick comparison
Dose range
Imunofan
45–45 mcg
Thymalin
5–10 mg
Frequency
Imunofan
Once daily
Thymalin
Once daily
Administration
Imunofan
Subcutaneous injection
Thymalin
Intramuscular injection
Cycle length
Imunofan
8-12 weeks
Thymalin
4-6 weeks
Onset speed
Imunofan
Rapid (hours to days)
Thymalin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence level
Imunofan
Limited human trials
Thymalin
Limited human trials
Benefit ratings
Immune
Healing & Recovery
Anti-Aging
Immune Restoration
Longevity Support
Disease Prevention
Compound specifications
Imunofan
Molecular formula
C36H61N13O10
Molecular weight
836.0 g/mol
Half-life
Approximately 2-4 hours (intranasal administration)
Bioavailability
~90-95% (subcutaneous injection)
CAS number
Not assigned (Russian pharmacopeia compound)
Thymalin
Molecular formula
Complex mixture; active dipeptide EW: C16H19N3O5
Molecular weight
Polypeptide complex; components 250-1000 Da; active dipeptide EW ~321 Da
Half-life
Not precisely characterized for complex; immune effects persist weeks post-administration
Bioavailability
High via intramuscular or subcutaneous injection
CAS number
63958-90-7
Dosing compared
Imunofan
Subcutaneous
45 mcg per dose
Once daily or every other day · Course of 5-15 injections (about 10-30 days)
Standard injectable dose per the Russian pharmacopeia product label; the single subcutaneous dose is 45 mcg with a maximum daily dose of 45 mcg. Given in courses depending on the indication [1][5].
Intramuscular
45 mcg per dose
Once daily or every other day · Course of 5-15 injections (about 10-30 days)
Same 45 mcg single dose can be given intramuscularly; identical course structure to the subcutaneous route [1][5].
Intranasal
50 mcg per dose (one spray in each nostril)
Once to twice daily · 8-15 days per course
Intranasal spray delivers 50 mcg per dose; one dose into each nasal passage once daily for 8-10 days, or twice daily for 10-15 days for certain indications [5].
Thymalin
Intramuscular injection
5-10 mg reconstituted in saline
Once daily · 5-10 day course, often repeated every 6 months
Reflects the Russian clinical course used in immune-restoration and gerontology protocols, typically 10 mg IM daily for 5-10 days [1].
Subcutaneous injection
10 mg
Once daily · Up to 20 day course, repeated every 6 months
Subcutaneous administration is used in community practice at the same 10 mg daily dosing; longer 20-day courses are described for cyclical immune support [1].
Best suited for
Imunofan
Cancer Adjuvant Therapy
Imunofan enhances the body's reserve capacity to inactivate free radicals and oxidants during chemotherapy and radiation, substantially reducing toxic reactions and enabling continuity of cancer treatment. [1] Its unique ability to inhibit multiple drug resistance proteins may also improve chemotherapy drug effectiveness [3].
Chronic Viral Hepatitis
With established hepatoprotective properties and immune-restoring capabilities, Imunofan is used as adjunctive therapy in chronic hepatitis B and C, helping restore antiviral immunity and supporting liver function recovery [1].
Chronic Infections with Immunodepression
Patients with chronic infections (brucellosis, opportunistic infections in HIV) who display cell-mediated immunodepression may benefit from Imunofan's three-phase immune restoration, particularly the sustained slow-phase effect lasting up to 4 months [1][6].
Oxidative Stress Reduction
The rapid antioxidant phase makes Imunofan valuable for conditions involving elevated oxidative stress, as it directly inactivates free radicals and peroxide compounds while restoring the body's oxidative-antioxidant balance [1].
Thymalin
Aging Adults Seeking Immune Support
Thymalin is especially valuable for people over 55 whose thymus gland has naturally shrunk with age. By stimulating thymic function, it helps restore the immune training center that your body relies on to fight infections and stay healthy.
Longevity and Anti-Aging Protocols
Clinical studies tracking patients for 6-8 years showed Thymalin reduced mortality by 2.0-2.1-fold. Combined with Epitalon, the mortality reduction reached an impressive 4.1-fold, making this combination one of the most studied longevity peptide protocols.
Seasonal Illness Prevention
Research shows Thymalin cuts respiratory infection rates by 2.0-2.4-fold. A short 10-day course before cold and flu season can significantly boost your immune defenses for months afterward.
Side effects
Imunofan
Common
- Injection site reaction
- Transient headache
- Nasal irritation (intranasal form)
- Transient mild fever
- Mild fatigue
- Gastrointestinal discomfort (suppository form)
Uncommon
- Allergic reaction
Serious
- Anaphylactic reaction / Severe hypersensitivity
Thymalin
Common
- No side effects in most patients
- Mild injection site reaction
Uncommon
- Transient low-grade fever
- Mild flu-like symptoms
- Temporary headache
Serious
- Severe allergic reaction
Safety & evidence
Imunofan
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Imunofan (Iletin-alpha, a synthetic tetrapeptide) demonstrates good tolerability in Russian clinical practice spanning 20+ years [7] with oral and parenteral administration. Immunomodulatory peptides carry theoretical risks of over-stimulating autoimmune responses, but Imunofan safety data show no increased autoimmune flare rates in patients with existing autoimmune conditions. Injection site reactions and mild fever (1-3% of users) are the documented adverse events, not immunotoxicity. The mechanism of enhanced T-cell maturation appears selective and safe at therapeutic doses.
Contraindications
- Known hypersensitivity to imunofan or excipients
- Pregnancy complicated by Rh-conflict (contraindicated)
- Children under 2 years of age
- Severe allergic conditions in acute exacerbation
Thymalin
Evidence level
Limited human trials
FDA status
Research compound
Safety overview
Thymalin has an excellent safety profile based on over 40 years of clinical use in Russia. Most patients experience zero side effects, and the peptide complex has been described as 'practically non-toxic' in research literature. It has been used safely in thousands of patients, including elderly populations over extended periods.
Contraindications
- Active thymic tumors or malignancies
- Known hypersensitivity to animal-derived peptide products
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- Severe uncontrolled autoimmune disease without medical supervision
Which is right for you?
Choose Imunofan if...
- Immune system restoration and modulation
- Adjunctive therapy during chemotherapy and radiation
- Support during chronic hepatitis treatment
- Reducing oxidative stress and free radical damage
Choose Thymalin if...
- Immune system restoration in aging adults
- Longevity and healthy aging support
- Reducing infection frequency and severity
- Multi-system health optimization