Peptide Comparison
Ziconotide (Prialt)vsThymosin Beta-4
FDA-approved intrathecal analgesic derived from cone snail venom for severe chronic pain
The body's natural healing peptide that accelerates tissue repair and reduces inflammation
At a Glance
Quick
comparison
Dose Range
Ziconotide (Prialt)
2.4 mcg/day–19.2 mcg/day mcg
Thymosin Beta-4
2–5 mg
Frequency
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Once daily
Thymosin Beta-4
Twice weekly
Administration
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Intrathecal infusion
Thymosin Beta-4
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Ongoing/indefinite
Thymosin Beta-4
8-12 weeks
Onset Speed
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Thymosin Beta-4
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence Level
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
Thymosin Beta-4
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
Efficacy
Benefit
ratings
Pain Relief
Opioid Alternative
Neuropathic Pain
Wound Healing
Inflammation Reduction
Tissue Regeneration
Technical Data
Compound
specifications
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Molecular Formula
C102H172N36O32S7
Molecular Weight
2639.2 Da
Half-Life
CSF: 4.6 hours; Plasma: 1.3 hours
Bioavailability
100% intrathecal; does not cross blood-brain barrier systemically
CAS Number
107452-89-1
Thymosin Beta-4
Molecular Formula
C212H350N56O78S
Molecular Weight
4963
Half-Life
Dose-dependent (increases with higher doses)
Bioavailability
100% (subcutaneous and intravenous)
CAS Number
77591-33-4
Applications
Best
suited for
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Severe chronic pain management
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on severe chronic pain management. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Opioid-refractory neuropathic pain
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on opioid-refractory neuropathic pain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Cancer-related intractable pain
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on cancer-related intractable pain. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Reducing systemic opioid dependence
Ziconotide (Prialt) is particularly well-suited for individuals focused on reducing systemic opioid dependence. Research and clinical experience suggest meaningful benefits in this area when used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
Thymosin Beta-4
Post-Surgery Recovery
Accelerates healing of surgical wounds and reduces post-operative inflammation and scarring
Chronic Wound Management
Helps pressure ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, and other slow-healing wounds progress faster
Tissue Regeneration
Supports repair of damaged tissues from injury, burns, or degenerative conditions
Safety Profile
Side
effects
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Common
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Uncommon
- Confusion and Memory Impairment
- Ataxia and Nystagmus
Serious
- Psychiatric Symptoms
- Elevated Creatine Kinase and Rhabdomyolysis
- Psychiatric Symptoms
- Rhabdomyolysis with Acute Renal Failure
Thymosin Beta-4
Common
- Injection site redness
- Injection site swelling
Uncommon
- Temporary mild headache
- Mild bruising at injection site
- Transient fatigue
Serious
- Allergic reaction
Research Status
Safety
& evidence
Ziconotide (Prialt)
Evidence Level
Strong human trials (Phase 3 or FDA approved)
FDA Status
FDA approved for this use
Safety Overview
Ziconotide (Prialt, FDA-approved since 2004) demonstrates favorable safety in intrathecal delivery with dose-dependent adverse effects primarily cognitive/psychiatric: dizziness, confusion, memory impairment, and mood changes in 20-50% of patients depending on infusion rate. Serious risks include meningitis-like aseptic meningitis (rare but documented), cognitive decline requiring dose reduction in ~25% of treated patients, and infection at intrathecal catheter insertion site. Hemodynamic effects (hypotension, dizziness) occur in dose-dependent fashion, necessitating slow titration (starting at 2.4 mcg/day, increasing weekly).
Contraindications
- xPre-existing history of psychosis
- xInfection at the microinfusion injection site
- xUncontrolled bleeding diathesis
- xSpinal canal obstruction impairing CSF circulation
Thymosin Beta-4
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials (Phase 1-2)
FDA Status
Research compound
Safety Overview
Thymosin Beta-4 is a naturally occurring peptide found in all cells and body fluids in the human body. Clinical trials have demonstrated excellent safety even at very high doses. IV studies showed doses up to 1260 mg were well tolerated with no serious adverse events.
Contraindications
- xActive systemic infections
- xSevere immunosuppression
- xHypersensitivity to thymosin or any component
- xPregnancy (insufficient safety data)
Decision Guide
Which is
right for you?
Choose Ziconotide (Prialt) if...
- Severe chronic pain management
- Opioid-refractory neuropathic pain
- Cancer-related intractable pain
- Reducing systemic opioid dependence
Choose Thymosin Beta-4 if...
- Recovering from injuries or surgery
- Improving wound healing speed
- Reducing inflammation
- Minimizing scar formation