Peptide Comparison
Magainin-2vsThymosin Alpha-1
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
Your immune system's master trainer—a naturally occurring thymus peptide that wakes up tired immune cells, helps your body fight infections, and keeps your defenses sharp as you age.
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Magainin-2
1–5 mg
Thymosin Alpha-1
1.6–3.2 mg
Frequency
Magainin-2
Multiple times daily
Thymosin Alpha-1
Twice weekly
Administration
Magainin-2
Topical application (primary clinical route)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Magainin-2
4-6 weeks
Thymosin Alpha-1
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Magainin-2
Rapid (hours to days)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Magainin-2
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Healing
Immune
Immune Activation
Infection Fighting
Immune Balance
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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Molecular Formula
C129H215N33O55
Molecular Weight
3108.32 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 2 hours
Bioavailability
High when injected subcutaneously (rapid absorption, peak at ~2 hours)
CAS Number
62304-98-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Magainin-2
Thymosin Alpha-1
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.
Thymosin Alpha-1
Chronic Hepatitis B or C Support
Thymosin Alpha-1 has its strongest clinical evidence here. Multiple trials show it helps clear viral loads and normalize liver enzymes, especially when combined with antiviral medications. It's approved in over 30 countries specifically for hepatitis treatment.
Cancer Treatment Support
When used alongside chemotherapy, Thymosin Alpha-1 may help maintain immune function that chemo tends to suppress. Research in lung cancer, melanoma, and liver cancer shows improved outcomes when added to standard treatments. It helps your immune system keep fighting even during tough treatments.
Age-Related Immune Decline
As you age, your thymus shrinks and produces less thymosin naturally—a process called immunosenescence. Supplementing with Thymosin Alpha-1 may help compensate, keeping your immune defenses more youthful and responsive. Think of it as replacing what your body makes less of over time.
Severe Infection Recovery
In sepsis and critical infections, Thymosin Alpha-1 has shown promise for reducing mortality by helping restore immune balance. It's particularly interesting because it modulates immunity rather than just boosting it—calming overreaction while enhancing pathogen-fighting ability.
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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Common
- Injection site reactions
- Mild fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms
Uncommon
- Mild fever
- Lymph node awareness
Serious
- 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
Thymosin Alpha-1
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
FDA approved for other use
Safety Overview
Thymosin Alpha-1 has one of the most extensive safety records of any peptide, with decades of clinical use across multiple countries. Studies consistently report minimal side effects—mostly limited to mild injection site reactions. The 2-hour half-life means it doesn't accumulate in your system. It's been used safely in thousands of patients with hepatitis, cancer, and other serious conditions.
Contraindications
- xOrgan transplant recipients on immunosuppressants
- xActive autoimmune disease flares
- xKnown allergy to thymosin peptides
- xPregnancy or breastfeeding
- xChildren under 18 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 Thymosin Alpha-1 if...
- Immune system strengthening
- Chronic infection support
- Cancer adjunct therapy
- Healthy aging immune support