Imunofan
Synthetic hexapeptide derived from thymopoietin with immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties
Written by Michael Carroll — Owner, Director of Research · Reviewed by the Peptide Initiative Research Team · Editorial standards
Suggested dose
45 mcg
Compound profile
Scientific & efficacy data
Immune
Peptide profile
Limited human trials
Imunofan
45 mcg per dose · Once daily
Molecular formula
C36H61N13O10
- Mol. weight
- 836.0 g/mol
- CAS number
- Not assigned (Russian pharmacopeia compound)
- PubChem
- 15788399
- Developed · Research ongoing
- Academic research consortium
Multiple research institutions
Amino acid sequence
Arg-α-Asp-Lys-Val-Tyr-Arg (RDKVYR)Immune
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 [1][6].
Dosing
How much do I take?
45 mcg · once daily or every other day · subcutaneous
45 mcg
Once daily or every other day
Covers all 3 documented dose levels · 3 administration routes · timing · dose-adjustment guidance.
Suitability
Is this right for me?
Best for immune system restoration and modulation & adjunctive therapy during chemotherapy and radiation
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. [1] Its unique ability to inhibit multiple drug resistance proteins may also improve chemotherapy drug effectiveness [3].
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 [1].
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 [1][6].
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 [1].
Consider alternatives if
Do not use if
Use with caution if
Not sure?
Compare Imunofan with similar peptides to find the best fit for your goals.
Administration
How do I use it?
Subcutaneous injection · Intramuscular 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
Covers reconstitution · step-by-step technique · storage · a sample daily schedule.
Safety
Is it safe?
6 common side effects · 2 serious
Imunofan (Iletin-alpha, a synthetic tetrapeptide) demonstrates good tolerability in Russian clinical practice spanning 20+ years [7] 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
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.
With other peptides
- Safe:Thymosin Alpha-1 — 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.
- Safe:Thymopentin (TP-5) — 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.
- Safe:BPC-157 — Complementary mechanisms — BPC-157 focuses on tissue repair while Imunofan provides immune modulation and antioxidant support. No known negative interactions.
With medications
- Safe: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.
- Caution:Immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus) — Imunofan's immune-restoring effects may counteract the intended immunosuppression. Avoid concurrent use or use only with careful medical monitoring.
- Safe: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.
- Safe: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
- Safe:N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) — Both have antioxidant properties. Combining may provide additive antioxidant protection. No known negative interactions.
- Safe:Vitamin C — Complementary antioxidant support. Vitamin C may enhance the antioxidant fast-phase effects of Imunofan. Safe to combine.
- Safe:Selenium supports the antioxidant enzyme system and may complement Imunofan's redox-balancing effects. No known negative interactions.
- Safe:Zinc supports immune cell function and may enhance Imunofan's immune-restorative effects. Commonly used together in clinical practice.
Effectiveness
How do I know it's working?
Limited human trials · first signs hours to day 3 (fast phase)
Evidence level
Limited human trials
Regulatory status
Research compound
Onset of effects
Rapid
(hours to days)
How it works
Imunofan is a synthetic peptide that works as an immune balancer, not an immune booster.
It activates your body's antioxidant systems within hours to neutralize free radicals, then enhances immune cells' ability to kill bacteria and viruses over days. Over months, it restores normal immune function by bringing overactive and underactive responses back into balance [1][6].
The deeper mechanism
Imunofan exerts its effects through a multiphasic mechanism involving antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and epigenetic pathways.
The fast phase (hours) activates the cellular redox system through interaction with cytochrome oxidase and catalase, directly inactivating free radicals and peroxide compounds. [1][6] This restores the oxidative-antioxidative balance critical for immune cell function.
The middle phase (2-10 days) enhances phagocytic activity through upregulation of complement receptors on macrophages and neutrophils, increasing intracellular pathogen killing capacity.
[6] Simultaneously, Imunofan induces regulatory T cells (Tregs) that produce soluble TNF-α receptors and IL-10, effectively dampening pathological TNF-α and IL-6 production while preserving necessary immune responses.
[1][4] The slow phase (7 days to 4 months) involves sustained restoration of T cell, B cell, and NK cell populations through upregulation of thymic factor expression and IL-2 signaling.
[1][6] Imunofan also inhibits ABC transporters (P-glycoprotein, MDR1) involved in multidrug resistance through PKC-dependent mechanisms, enhancing chemotherapy efficacy.
[3] Additionally, the peptide promotes skin cell proliferation through epigenetic mechanisms including TET2-mediated active DNA demethylation at cell cycle regulatory genes [2].
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
Questions
Frequently asked
What is Imunofan derived from?
Imunofan is a synthetic hexapeptide created by chemically modifying positions 32-37 of the natural thymic hormone thymopoietin. [1] While inspired by this natural immune regulatory hormone, Imunofan has been specifically engineered to have substantially greater potency and different pharmacological properties than its natural precursor. The sequence Arg-α-Asp-Lys-Val-Tyr-Arg (RDKVYR) [2] represents the optimized active core.
How is Imunofan different from other thymic peptides?
Unlike thymic extracts (like Thymalin) which contain mixtures of peptides, or Thymopentin (TP-5) which is a direct fragment, Imunofan is a chemically modified derivative [1] that achieves what its developers describe as hundreds-fold greater efficacy. Its unique triple action — immunomodulation, antioxidant activity, and hepatoprotection — sets it apart from other thymic peptides that primarily focus on immune function alone. Additionally, Imunofan uniquely inhibits multiple drug resistance proteins [3].
Is Imunofan available outside Russia?
Imunofan is primarily approved and marketed in Russia [6][7] and some former Soviet Union countries. It is not approved by the FDA, EMA, or most Western regulatory agencies. Availability outside Russia is limited to import channels. Individuals interested in Imunofan should consult with a healthcare provider familiar with the compound and ensure they obtain it from a reputable source.
Which form of Imunofan is best?
The injection form (50 mcg SC or IM) [1] is considered the standard and most studied formulation. The intranasal spray (50 mcg/dose) [5] offers a convenient non-invasive alternative, particularly suitable for respiratory immune support and maintenance therapy. Rectal suppositories (100 mcg) [5] contain a higher dose to account for absorption differences and are useful for children over 2 years or patients who prefer to avoid injections and nasal sprays. Your healthcare provider can recommend the best form based on your specific needs.
How long do the effects of Imunofan last?
Imunofan's effects develop in three phases. The antioxidant fast phase begins within 2-3 hours. The antimicrobial middle phase develops over 2-3 days to 7-10 days. The immunoregulatory slow phase begins at days 7-10 and can persist for up to 4 months after completing a course. [6] This extended duration of action means that even after stopping treatment, immune benefits continue to be maintained for a significant period.
Can Imunofan be used during chemotherapy?
Yes, one of Imunofan's primary clinical applications in Russia is as an adjunctive therapy during cancer chemotherapy and radiation treatment. It has been shown to enhance the body's capacity to neutralize free radicals and oxidants generated by these treatments, substantially reducing toxic and radiation reactions while enabling continuity of the treatment course. [1] Its ability to inhibit multiple drug resistance proteins may also help maintain chemotherapy drug effectiveness. [3] This use should always be under oncologist supervision.
Is Imunofan safe for children?
Imunofan is approved for use in children over 2 years of age in Russia. [6][7] Rectal suppositories are the most commonly used pediatric formulation due to ease of administration. The safety profile in children is reported as favorable in Russian clinical practice, with side effects similar to adults. However, as with any medication in children, it should only be used under medical supervision and is not recommended for infants under 2 years.
Further reading
History & related research
History · since 1991
Russia's Six-Amino-Acid Shield Against Immune Collapse
A synthetic hexapeptide derived from thymopoietin that restores immune function through three distinct phases. Developed in Russia and approved for cancer support, viral infections, and wound healing.
Read the full history of ImunofanReady for the protocol?
Every dosing tier, administration route, timing note, and dose-adjustment rule for Imunofan, on one page.