Peptide Profile
Imunofan
Synthetic hexapeptide derived from thymopoietin with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties
Dose Range
50-100mcg
Frequency
Once daily
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
8-12 weeks
Onset
Rapid (hours to days)
Evidence
Limited
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C36H61N13O10
Molecular Formula
836.0 g/mol
Molecular Weight
Approximately 2-4 hours (intranasal administration)
Half-Life
~90-95% (subcutaneous injection)
Bioavailability
Not assigned (Russian pharmacopeia compound)
CAS #
15788399
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · Research ongoing
Academic research consortium
Multiple research institutions
Primary Benefits
Imunofan provides a balanced three-phase immunomodulatory response — fast antioxidant protection within hours, enhanced phagocytosis within days, and sustained restoration of cellular and humoral immunity lasting up to 4 months after treatment.
Demonstrated ability to stimulate fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation (30-50% increase), reduce chemotherapy and radiation toxicity, and promote tissue repair through epigenetic mechanisms including DNA demethylation gene activation.
Potent antioxidant activity that inactivates free radicals and peroxide compounds, combined with hepatoprotective effects and redox balance restoration, addresses key mechanisms of cellular aging.
Amino Acid Sequence
Arg-α-Asp-Lys-Val-Tyr-Arg (RDKVYR)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
50 mcg subcutaneously or intramuscularly every other day
Standard injection protocol uses 1 mL of 0.005% solution (50 mcg) administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly every other day. A typical course consists of 10-15 injections. For chronic infections and cancer adjuvant therapy, courses may be repeated after a break.
Standard Dose
50 mcg per dose, one spray in each nostril once daily
Intranasal administration provides a non-invasive route with good mucosal absorption. One spray delivers 50 mcg. Convenient for patients who prefer to avoid injections or for maintenance therapy after an initial injection course.
Advanced Dose
100 mcg once daily
Rectal suppositories contain 100 mcg of active ingredient — double the injection dose to compensate for absorption differences. Used when injection and intranasal routes are not suitable, particularly in pediatric populations or patients with needle aversion.
Timing
Best time to take
Administer Imunofan at the same time each day (or on the same day each week for weekly injections). Many users prefer morning or evening administration. Pick a time you'll remember consistently.
With food?
Imunofan injections can be given regardless of meal timing. However, if GI effects occur, administering on an empty stomach or with a light meal may help reduce discomfort.
If stacking
Imunofan should be used as directed by your healthcare provider. If combining with other medications or supplements, discuss potential interactions with your provider. Avoid combining with compounds that have overlapping mechanisms unless specifically guided by a medical professional.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +Your healthcare provider determines that a longer course (beyond 15 injections) is needed based on immune parameter monitoring
- +You are undergoing extended chemotherapy and need sustained immune support
- +Your condition involves severe immunodepression requiring more intensive treatment
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent injection site reactions — consider switching to nasal spray or suppository form
- -You show signs of excessive immune activation (fever, malaise)
- -Your immune parameters have normalized and maintenance rather than intensive therapy is appropriate
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeable improvement in target symptoms
- ✓Good tolerance with minimal side effects
- ✓Consistent positive response between doses
- ✓Improved lab markers or clinical assessments (if applicable)
Dosing Calculator
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Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Cancer Adjuvant Therapy
Imunofan enhances the body's reserve capacity to inactivate free radicals and oxidants during chemotherapy and radiation, substantially reducing toxic reactions and enabling continuity of cancer treatment. Its unique ability to inhibit multiple drug resistance proteins may also improve chemotherapy drug effectiveness.
Chronic Viral Hepatitis
With established hepatoprotective properties and immune-restoring capabilities, Imunofan is used as adjunctive therapy in chronic hepatitis B and C, helping restore antiviral immunity and supporting liver function recovery.
Chronic Infections with Immunodepression
Patients with chronic infections (brucellosis, opportunistic infections in HIV) who display cell-mediated immunodepression may benefit from Imunofan's three-phase immune restoration, particularly the sustained slow-phase effect lasting up to 4 months.
Oxidative Stress Reduction
The rapid antioxidant phase makes Imunofan valuable for conditions involving elevated oxidative stress, as it directly inactivates free radicals and peroxide compounds while restoring the body's oxidative-antioxidant balance.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You have a known hypersensitivity to the hexapeptide or any formulation excipients
- ×You are pregnant with Rh-conflict — this is a specific contraindication for Imunofan
- ×You are a child under 2 years of age
- ×You have severe allergic conditions in acute exacerbation
Use with caution if
- !You are taking immunosuppressive medications — Imunofan's immune-activating effects may counteract immunosuppression
- !You have active autoimmune disease — the immune-modulating effects could potentially affect autoimmune status
- !You are pregnant or breastfeeding (general caution despite no specific evidence of harm)
- !You are receiving organ transplant rejection prevention therapy
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Imunofan vial (lyophilized powder or solution)
- •Bacteriostatic water or sterile sodium chloride for reconstitution
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Appropriately sized syringes with fine-gauge needles (27-30 gauge)
- •Sharps disposal container
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (into the fatty tissue just under the skin)—allows for consistent absorption and can be self-administered at home after proper training
Best sites
- •Abdomen (stomach area)—at least 2 inches from the belly button, most popular choice for self-injection
- •Front of thighs—middle to upper portion of the outer leg
- •Back of upper arm—outer area (may need assistance from another person)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling supplies
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch a fold of skin at the chosen injection site
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (depending on needle length and body composition)
- 5.Inject the medication slowly and steadily over 5-10 seconds
- 6.Release the skin fold and remove the needle, applying gentle pressure with a clean swab
- 7.Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue irritation or lipodystrophy
- 8.Dispose of the needle safely in a sharps container—never recap or reuse needles
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
Imunofan (Iletin-alpha, a synthetic tetrapeptide) demonstrates good tolerability in Russian clinical practice spanning 20+ years with oral and parenteral administration. Immunomodulatory peptides carry theoretical risks of over-stimulating autoimmune responses, but Imunofan safety data show no increased autoimmune flare rates in patients with existing autoimmune conditions. Injection site reactions and mild fever (1-3% of users) are the documented adverse events, not immunotoxicity. The mechanism of enhanced T-cell maturation appears selective and safe at therapeutic doses.
Imunofan safety is supported by post-market surveillance in Russia and Eastern Europe involving thousands of patients with immunodeficiency, cancer, and chronic infection. Published trials in Russian journals show stable white blood cell counts and no worsening of autoimmune disease activity at standard doses. While not FDA-approved in the US, the peptide's structural simplicity and lack of systemic toxicity signals (hepatic, renal, cardiac) support its use as an immune support agent in research settings.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site reaction
Mild redness, tenderness, or slight swelling at the subcutaneous or intramuscular injection site. This is the most commonly reported side effect and is typically transient.
Management: Rotate injection sites between administrations. Apply a cold compress if needed. Reactions typically resolve within 24 hours.
Transient headache
Mild headache may occur within the first few hours after administration, particularly during the initial fast-phase antioxidant response.
Management: Usually self-resolving within a few hours. Standard analgesics may be used if needed. Tends to diminish with subsequent doses.
Nasal irritation (intranasal form)
Brief stinging, itching, or irritation in the nasal passages after intranasal spray administration. May include temporary bitter taste.
Management: Normal and transient — resolves within minutes. If persistent irritation occurs, consider switching to injection or suppository form.
Transient mild fever
Low-grade temperature elevation may occur as part of the immune activation process, particularly during the middle phase of action when phagocytic responses increase.
Management: Monitor temperature. Usually resolves within 24 hours without intervention. Antipyretics may be used if uncomfortable.
Mild fatigue
Some patients report mild fatigue or drowsiness in the hours following administration, likely related to the immune rebalancing process.
Management: Rest as needed. This effect typically diminishes over the course of treatment as the immune system normalizes.
Gastrointestinal discomfort (suppository form)
Mild rectal irritation or abdominal discomfort may occur with suppository use, particularly during the first few administrations.
Management: Ensure proper insertion technique. If discomfort persists, consider switching to intranasal or injection route.
Less Common
- •Allergic reaction
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Severe or worsening side effects that don't improve with dose adjustment or supportive care
- ×Signs of an allergic reaction—rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing
- ×Your healthcare provider recommends discontinuation based on your clinical response
- ×Development of any new medical condition that may be contraindicated with Imunofan
- ×Pregnancy or planning to become pregnant (unless specifically approved for use during pregnancy)
- ×Abnormal lab results or clinical markers that suggest adverse effects
Imunofan should only be started, adjusted, or discontinued under medical supervision. This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Never stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abrupt discontinuation may have consequences.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Both derive from thymic peptide pathways and share immune-enhancing mechanisms. Combination may be synergistic but could lead to excessive immune activation. Use together only under medical supervision.
- ✓Closely related — both are derived from thymopoietin. Imunofan is a modified version of TP-5's parent molecule. Combined use is likely redundant rather than harmful, but not typically recommended.
- ✓Complementary mechanisms — BPC-157 focuses on tissue repair while Imunofan provides immune modulation and antioxidant support. No known negative interactions.
With medications
- ✓Chemotherapy drugs - Imunofan is specifically designed for adjunctive use with chemotherapy. It reduces toxic and radiation reactions while its inhibition of drug resistance proteins may enhance chemotherapy effectiveness. Used together under oncologist supervision.
- !Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) - Imunofan's immune-restoring effects may counteract the intended immunosuppression. Avoid concurrent use or use only with careful medical monitoring.
- ✓Antiviral medications (hepatitis treatment) - Imunofan is commonly used alongside antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C, with complementary mechanisms — antivirals target the virus while Imunofan restores immune function and protects the liver.
- ✓Corticosteroids - High-dose systemic corticosteroids may partially counteract Imunofan's immune-enhancing effects. However, Imunofan has been used in settings involving steroid resistance, suggesting potential complementary mechanisms.
With supplements
- ✓N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) - Both have antioxidant properties. Combining may provide additive antioxidant protection. No known negative interactions.
- ✓Vitamin C - Complementary antioxidant support. Vitamin C may enhance the antioxidant fast-phase effects of Imunofan. Safe to combine.
- ✓Selenium - Selenium supports the antioxidant enzyme system and may complement Imunofan's redox-balancing effects. No known negative interactions.
- ✓Zinc - Zinc supports immune cell function and may enhance Imunofan's immune-restorative effects. Commonly used together in clinical practice.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Limited human trials
What to Expect
Hours to Day 3 (Fast Phase)
What you might notice
- •Antioxidant effects begin within 2-3 hours of first dose
- •Potential reduction in oxidative stress markers
- •Some patients report improved energy or well-being within the first few days
What's normal
- •Mild injection site reaction or nasal irritation is normal
- •The fast phase primarily involves biochemical changes that may not produce noticeable symptoms
- •Transient mild headache or low-grade fever reflects immune activation
What's next
- →Continue with every-other-day dosing schedule as prescribed
- →The middle phase of enhanced antimicrobial activity is developing
- →Free radical and peroxide inactivation is already underway
Day 3 to Week 2 (Middle Phase)
What you might notice
- •Enhanced phagocytic activity and intracellular pathogen killing
- •Reduction in inflammatory symptoms if present
- •Improved recovery from concurrent infections
- •Reduced side effects from concurrent chemotherapy or radiation (in cancer patients)
What's normal
- •Gradual improvement rather than sudden changes
- •The immune system is actively rebalancing during this period
- •Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) are being regulated downward
What's next
- →Continue the injection course to completion (typically 10-15 injections)
- →The slow phase immunoregulatory effects are beginning to develop
- →Your healthcare provider may assess immune markers during this period
Week 2 to Month 4 (Slow Phase)
What you might notice
- •Full restoration of cellular and humoral immunity parameters
- •Sustained reduction in infection frequency and severity
- •Improved liver function markers (in hepatitis patients)
- •Enhanced overall immune resilience that persists for months
What's normal
- •Benefits continue to develop even after completing the injection course
- •The immunoregulatory effect can last up to 4 months after treatment
- •Immune parameters normalize — both low values increase and high values decrease
What's next
- →Your doctor may order blood tests to assess immune parameter restoration
- →Repeat courses may be recommended depending on your condition
- →Maintain overall health practices to support sustained immune benefits
Signs It's Working
Treatment Response
- ✓Improvement in the primary symptoms or condition being treated
- ✓Positive changes in relevant lab values or clinical markers
- ✓Consistent, stable response to Imunofan over time
- ✓Reduction in symptom frequency or severity
General Well-being
- ✓Improved energy levels and daily functioning
- ✓Better quality of life related to the treated condition
- ✓Manageable or absent side effects indicating good tolerance
- ✓Positive feedback from healthcare provider during check-ups
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not at therapeutic dose yet—initial doses are for building tolerance, not maximum effect
- •Insufficient time at target dose—most compounds need several weeks to show full benefits
- •Inconsistent dosing schedule—regular, consistent use is crucial for optimal results
- •Individual variation in response—genetics, metabolism, and other factors affect outcomes
- •Underlying conditions or medications interfering with absorption or effectiveness
- •Improper storage leading to degraded product—always verify proper storage conditions
Key Research
"Imunofan: new-generation synthetic peptide agent"
Lebedev VV, Pokrovskii VI, 1999
Finding: Scientists engineered Imunofan by modifying a natural immune hormone, creating a super-powered version that restores immune cells and boosts the body's infection-fighting bacteria-killing system. The peptide also quiets dangerous inflammation chemicals and strengthens the body's antioxidant defenses, meaning it's valuable for cancer patients enduring radiation and chemotherapy damage.
View Study"Imunofan—RDKVYR Peptide—Stimulates Skin Cell Proliferation and Promotes Tissue Repair"
Sawicka J, Dzierżyńska M, Wardowska A, 2020
Finding: Imunofan turbo-charged skin cells to divide 30-50% faster without poisoning them, and when injuries were made on mice ears, the peptide accelerated healing by up to 36%. The peptide essentially flipped a genetic switch in stem cells, activating immune genes that help the body repair damaged tissue.
View Study"Hydrophilic hexapeptide Imunofan as a hyperactive regulator of transport proteins for multiple drug resistance"
Lebedev VV, Shamsheva OV, 2007
Finding: Imunofan is 1,000 times more powerful than other drugs at blocking the pumps that cancer cells use to pump out chemotherapy before it kills them. This discovery makes Imunofan a potential game-changer for overcoming drug resistance in difficult-to-treat cancers.
View Study"Mechanisms of inhibiting production of tumor necrosis factor alpha by the synthetic hexapeptide immunophane"
Pisarev VM, Tutel'ian AV, Danilina AV, 1995
Finding: Imunofan silences the body's inflammatory alarm system within just 2-8 hours by creating special immune cells that release chemical brake pads that slow down tumor necrosis factor, the main chemical messenger of destructive inflammation. This elegant mechanism allows the immune system to fight germs without burning down the tissue around them.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions