Peptide Comparison
Thymopentin (TP-5)vsLL-37
Immune-boosting pentapeptide fragment that enhances T-cell function and dendritic cell maturation
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
Thymopentin (TP-5)
1–2 mg
LL-37
0.5–1.6 mg/mL (topical)
Frequency
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Once daily
LL-37
Once daily
Administration
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Subcutaneous injection
LL-37
Topical application (wound healing)
Cycle Length
Thymopentin (TP-5)
4-6 weeks
LL-37
12+ weeks
Onset Speed
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
LL-37
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
LL-37
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune Enhancement
Cardiovascular Support
Post-Recovery Support
Wound Healing
Fighting Infections
Immune Boost
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Molecular Formula
C30H49N9O9
Molecular Weight
679.8
Half-Life
30 seconds to few minutes in plasma
Bioavailability
Sustained release via subcutaneous route
CAS Number
69558-55-0
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
Thymopentin (TP-5)
LL-37
Applications
Best
suited for
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Immune System Enhancement
Thymopentin directly increases T-cell function and promotes dendritic cell maturation, making it ideal for people seeking to boost immune response naturally
Cardiac Health Support
Clinical trials show thymopentin improves ejection fraction and exercise capacity in elderly heart failure patients while enhancing immune markers
Post-Surgery Recovery
Helps restore immune function after major surgery and protects important immune responses during recovery period
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
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Common
- Local injection site reaction
- Mild fatigue
- Transient fever
Uncommon
- Muscle aches
- Mild headache
Serious
- 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
Thymopentin (TP-5)
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Thymopentin is well-tolerated with minimal side effects reported in clinical trials. Most adverse events are mild and local. No serious safety concerns have emerged from decades of clinical use in China and Europe.
Contraindications
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding
- xActive malignancy (without medical supervision)
- xSevere immunosuppression
- xHypersensitivity to peptide medications
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 Thymopentin (TP-5) if...
- Immune system strengthening
- Recovering from illness or surgery
- Managing autoimmune conditions
- Supporting cardiac health in elderly patients
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