Peptide Comparison
PidotimodvsThymosin Alpha-1
Synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator that enhances both innate and adaptive immunity through Toll-like receptor activation
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
Pidotimod
400–800 mg
Thymosin Alpha-1
1.6–3.2 mg
Frequency
Pidotimod
Multiple times daily
Thymosin Alpha-1
Twice weekly
Administration
Pidotimod
Oral (tablet)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Pidotimod
12+ weeks
Thymosin Alpha-1
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Pidotimod
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Pidotimod
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Thymosin Alpha-1
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune
Healing & Recovery
Anti-Aging
Immune Activation
Infection Fighting
Immune Balance
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Pidotimod
Molecular Formula
C9H12N2O4S
Molecular Weight
244.27 g/mol
Half-Life
Approximately 4 hours
Bioavailability
~45% (oral)
CAS Number
121808-62-6
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
Pidotimod
Thymosin Alpha-1
Applications
Best
suited for
Pidotimod
Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Pidotimod is specifically indicated and most widely studied for preventing recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTIs), particularly in children over 3 years. Multiple clinical studies and a Phase 4 trial with 338 children have demonstrated significant reductions in infection frequency and duration.
Immunocompromised Patients
Patients with documented cell-mediated immunodepression, including those with HIV or the elderly with weakened immune function, may benefit from pidotimod's ability to enhance T-cell function and rebalance cytokine production.
Seasonal Immune Support
Preventive courses before cold and flu season can strengthen immune defenses through TLR activation and enhanced mucosal immunity (increased salivary IgA), reducing susceptibility to viral respiratory infections.
Chronic Respiratory Conditions
Patients with chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or COPD who experience frequent exacerbations may benefit from pidotimod as an adjunctive therapy to reduce infection-triggered flares.
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
Pidotimod
Common
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Skin rash
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Transient fever
Uncommon
- Allergic reaction
Serious
- Severe hypersensitivity reaction
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
Pidotimod
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Pidotimod (immuno-stimulating dipeptide analog) has 40+ years of safety data in European/Asian markets with favorable tolerability profile. Mild gastrointestinal effects occur in <5% of users; no serious adverse events in 25 years of clinical use across 50,000+ patient population. Oral bioavailability excellent with rapid intestinal absorption. No mutagenicity or carcinogenicity in preclinical testing; immunomodulatory mechanism carries theoretical risk in severely immunocompromised patients.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to pidotimod or any excipients
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
- xChildren under 3 years of age
- xSevere autoimmune disease in active flare
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 Pidotimod if...
- Preventing recurrent respiratory tract infections
- Supporting immune function in immunocompromised individuals
- Reducing frequency of infections in children and elderly
- Immune support during HIV management
Choose Thymosin Alpha-1 if...
- Immune system strengthening
- Chronic infection support
- Cancer adjunct therapy
- Healthy aging immune support