Peptide Comparison
ThymalinvsLL-37
Russian thymic peptide complex that rejuvenates immune function and supports healthy aging
Human cathelicidin-derived antimicrobial peptide (37 amino acids) that disrupts bacterial membranes at MIC 0.62 μM against S. aureus, neutralizes endotoxin (LPS) to prevent septic shock, and has reached Phase II clinical trials as Ropocamptide for wound healing — achieving 6-fold accelerated healing at 0.5 mg/mL in venous leg ulcers
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Thymalin
5–10 mg
LL-37
0.5–1.6 mg/mL (topical)
Frequency
Thymalin
Once daily
LL-37
Once daily
Administration
Thymalin
Intramuscular injection
LL-37
Topical application (wound healing)
Cycle Length
Thymalin
4-6 weeks
LL-37
12+ weeks
Onset Speed
Thymalin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
LL-37
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Thymalin
Limited human trials
LL-37
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune Restoration
Longevity Support
Disease Prevention
Healing
Immune
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
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
LL-37
Molecular Formula
C205H340N60O53
Molecular Weight
4,493.26 Da
Half-Life
Short systemic half-life (minutes) due to protease susceptibility; local tissue persistence at wound sites is longer due to binding to extracellular matrix components and lipid membranes
Bioavailability
Topical application achieves high local wound-bed concentrations; systemic bioavailability limited by rapid proteolytic degradation and serum protein binding; not intended for oral delivery
CAS Number
154947-66-7
Protocols
Dosing
tiers
Thymalin
LL-37
Applications
Best
suited for
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.
LL-37
Treatment of chronic non-healing wounds including venous leg ulcers and diabetic ulcers
LL-37 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on treatment of chronic non-healing wounds including venous leg ulcers and diabetic ulcers. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Immune defense against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (MRSA, Pseudomonas)
LL-37 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on immune defense against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (mrsa, pseudomonas). Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Anti-biofilm strategies for chronic wound infections and medical device-associated infections
LL-37 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on anti-biofilm strategies for chronic wound infections and medical device-associated infections. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Boosting innate immune defense in immunocompromised or aging individuals
LL-37 is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on boosting innate immune defense in immunocompromised or aging individuals. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Safety Profile
Side
effects
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
LL-37
Common
- Local site irritation
- Transient stinging or burning
- Mild perilesional erythema
- Increased wound exudate
Uncommon
- Allergic contact reaction
Serious
- Hemolytic activity at systemic concentrations
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
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
LL-37
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
LL-37 is an endogenous cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide naturally produced by immune cells and epithelial tissues, conferring inherent biocompatibility and low toxicity at physiological concentrations. Synthetic LL-37 shows excellent safety in in vitro immune assays and animal models with no hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, or genotoxicity at relevant doses. At elevated concentrations, the cationic amphipathic structure can cause hemolysis and cell membrane damage, but therapeutic doses are far below these thresholds. Injection site reactions are minimal in research applications.
Contraindications
- xKnown hypersensitivity to cathelicidin peptides or formulation components
- xActive hemolytic conditions — LL-37 demonstrates concentration-dependent hemolytic activity
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient reproductive safety data from clinical trials
- xSevere renal impairment — peptide clearance may be altered
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Thymalin if...
- Immune system restoration in aging adults
- Longevity and healthy aging support
- Reducing infection frequency and severity
- Multi-system health optimization
Choose LL-37 if...
- Treatment of chronic non-healing wounds including venous leg ulcers and diabetic ulcers
- Immune defense against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections (MRSA, Pseudomonas)
- Anti-biofilm strategies for chronic wound infections and medical device-associated infections
- Boosting innate immune defense in immunocompromised or aging individuals