Peptide Comparison
Magainin-2vsThymalin
Amphipathic 23-amino-acid antimicrobial peptide from Xenopus laevis skin — the founding member of the magainin family discovered by Michael Zasloff at NIH in 1987, operating through the toroidal pore membrane disruption model with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whose synthetic derivative Pexiganan (MSI-78) advanced to Phase III clinical trials for diabetic foot ulcers
Russian thymic peptide complex that rejuvenates immune function and supports healthy aging
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Magainin-2
1–5 mg
Thymalin
5–10 mg
Frequency
Magainin-2
Multiple times daily
Thymalin
Once daily
Administration
Magainin-2
Topical application (primary clinical route)
Thymalin
Intramuscular injection
Cycle Length
Magainin-2
4-6 weeks
Thymalin
4-6 weeks
Onset Speed
Magainin-2
Rapid (hours to days)
Thymalin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Magainin-2
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Thymalin
Limited human trials
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Healing
Immune
Immune Restoration
Longevity Support
Disease Prevention
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Magainin-2
Molecular Formula
C114H180N30O29S
Molecular Weight
2,466.9 g/mol (magainin-2); Pexiganan (MSI-78): ~2,500 Da
Half-Life
Plasma half-life: minutes (rapid proteolytic degradation by serum proteases); local tissue persistence in wound environment: hours at therapeutic concentrations
Bioavailability
Topical bioavailability: local tissue concentrations achieve bactericidal levels with 1-2% cream formulation; systemic bioavailability minimal — rapidly degraded by tissue proteases if absorbed; poor oral bioavailability
CAS Number
108433-95-0
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
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Magainin-2
Thymalin
Applications
Best
suited for
Magainin-2
Research into topical antimicrobial peptides for diabetic foot ulcer management
Magainin-2 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on research into topical antimicrobial peptides for diabetic foot ulcer management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Understanding the toroidal pore model of antimicrobial peptide membrane disruption
Magainin-2 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on understanding the toroidal pore model of antimicrobial peptide membrane disruption. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Development of resistance-proof antimicrobial agents targeting membrane architecture
Magainin-2 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on development of resistance-proof antimicrobial agents targeting membrane architecture. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Investigation of selective anticancer activity mediated by membrane phospholipid asymmetry
Magainin-2 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on investigation of selective anticancer activity mediated by membrane phospholipid asymmetry. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
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.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Magainin-2
Common
- Application site burning/stinging
- Local erythema
- Mild pruritus
- Increased wound exudate
Uncommon
- Contact sensitization
Serious
- No serious systemic adverse effects documented
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
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Magainin-2
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Magainin-2 demonstrates favorable safety in topical antimicrobial wound care studies with minimal systemic absorption through intact skin. Local tissue irritation minimal at therapeutic concentrations (0.1-1% w/w); hemolytic activity negligible at concentrations <10 μM. No serious adverse events in Phase II wound healing trials. Peptide stability dependent on formulation pH; activity preserved at physiologic pH. Resistance development slower than traditional antibiotics.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to magainin peptides or amphibian-derived proteins
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data for magainin-derived therapeutics
- xDeep tissue infections requiring systemic antimicrobial therapy — topical magainin has limited tissue penetration depth
- xSevere peripheral vascular disease with non-viable tissue — antimicrobial peptides require viable tissue interface for effective action
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
- xActive thymic tumors or malignancies
- xKnown hypersensitivity to animal-derived peptide products
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- xSevere uncontrolled autoimmune disease without medical supervision
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Magainin-2 if...
- Research into topical antimicrobial peptides for diabetic foot ulcer management
- Understanding the toroidal pore model of antimicrobial peptide membrane disruption
- Development of resistance-proof antimicrobial agents targeting membrane architecture
- Investigation of selective anticancer activity mediated by membrane phospholipid asymmetry
Choose Thymalin if...
- Immune system restoration in aging adults
- Longevity and healthy aging support
- Reducing infection frequency and severity
- Multi-system health optimization