Peptide Comparison
ThymopoietinvsLL-37
Thymic hormone that supports T-cell development and immune function, with the active fragment thymopentin (TP-5) used in clinical research
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
Thymopoietin
50–100 mg
LL-37
0.5–1.6 mg/mL (topical)
Frequency
Thymopoietin
Every other day
LL-37
Once daily
Administration
Thymopoietin
Subcutaneous injection
LL-37
Topical application (wound healing)
Cycle Length
Thymopoietin
4-6 weeks
LL-37
12+ weeks
Onset Speed
Thymopoietin
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
LL-37
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Thymopoietin
Limited human trials
LL-37
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Immune Cell Development
Post-Surgical Recovery
Cancer Immunotherapy Enhancement
Wound Healing
Fighting Infections
Immune Boost
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Thymopoietin
Molecular Formula
C246H404N66O73
Molecular Weight
5454
Half-Life
Minutes to hours in plasma
Bioavailability
Moderate with subcutaneous injection
CAS Number
67632-30-6
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
Thymopoietin
LL-37
Applications
Best
suited for
Thymopoietin
Cancer Treatment Support
Used alongside chemotherapy to maintain immune function and reduce treatment side effects while enhancing anti-tumor immunity
Post-Surgical Immune Recovery
Helps restore T-cell function and prevent immune depression following major surgery or serious medical stress
HIV-Related Immune Support
Combined with antiretroviral therapy to support T-cell populations and improve immune response
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
Thymopoietin
Common
- Injection site redness or swelling
- Mild fever
- Transient lymphocytosis
Uncommon
- Mild to moderate fatigue
- Temporary headaches
- Joint or muscle aches
Serious
- Neuromuscular weakness or myasthenia-like symptoms
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Autoimmune flare
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
Thymopoietin
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Thymopoietin is a naturally-derived thymic hormone with a well-characterized mechanism but limited human safety data. Most clinical experience comes from thymopentin (TP-5), the active pentapeptide fragment. It is generally well-tolerated but has important safety considerations, particularly regarding neuromuscular effects.
Contraindications
- xMyasthenia gravis or other neuromuscular junction disorders
- xActive autoimmune diseases
- xPregnancy and breastfeeding
- xSevere allergic reactions to thymic proteins
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 Thymopoietin if...
- Supporting immune function during cancer treatment
- Recovering immune function after surgery
- Managing HIV-related immune deficiencies
- Enhancing response to other immunotherapies
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