Not Approved (US) Longevity & Mitochondrial

Thymalin

also known as: Timalin, Thymus peptide complex, Calf-thymus polypeptide preparation

A calf-thymus polypeptide extract (like cortexin but for thymus-immune axis), positioned by Khavinson as an aging bioregulator. Russian approval, no FDA/EMA approval. Evidence base includes several Russian-language longevity-cohort observations and immune-function studies; methodological rigor is mixed.

A polypeptide complex extracted from calf thymus, registered in Russia as a medicine and marketed by Samson-Med (Saint Petersburg) and other Russian manufacturers. Positioned within the Khavinson bioregulator framework as a thymic-axis aging intervention, with several Russian-language cohort studies claiming improved immune markers and reduced all-cause mortality in elderly subjects receiving periodic Thymalin courses. Not approved in the US, EU, or other Western jurisdictions; evidence base is almost entirely Russian-language and has not been independently replicated in Western trial populations.

Mechanism of action

Proposed to provide thymic-tissue-specific short peptides that support thymic-axis function in aging, including T-lymphocyte maturation, CD4/CD8 balance, and IL-2 production. The characterized synthetic dipeptide isolated from thymic bioregulator preparations is Glu-Trp (thymogen); several other short peptides have been reported. Mechanism at the molecular level is partially characterized but the clinical validation rests primarily on Russian-language cohort and immune-biomarker studies.

Primary uses

Immune-deficiency states (Russian approval)
Post-surgical recovery (Russian approval)
Thymic-axis aging support (Khavinson positioning)

Typical dosing

5–20 mg once daily for 5–10 days in courses (intramuscular)

Standard Russian dosing: 5–20 mg IM once daily for 5–10 days, repeated every 3–6 months. Thymalin lyophilizate reconstituted in 1–2 mL sterile saline.

Regulatory status

Approved in Russia as a prescription medicine for immune-deficiency states, post-surgical recovery, and thymic-axis aging support. Manufactured principally by Samson-Med. Not approved by the FDA, EMA, MHRA, Health Canada, PMDA, or TGA. Positioned in the Khavinson bioregulator framework as an upstream-level intervention in aging.

References

[other] Thymalin (Timalin) Russian Summary of Product Characteristics. Samson-Med, Saint Petersburg.
[pubmed] Khavinson VK, et al. "Long-term peptide bioregulator therapy and life expectancy in elderly subjects: results of a long observational follow-up." Adv Gerontol, 2011;24:242-250 (Russian; long-term follow-up of Thymalin + Epithalamin cohort).

Related peptides

Thymogen

Glu-Trp, the synthetic dipeptide characterized as an active fragment of calf-thymus bioregulator preparations, registered in Russia as an immune-supportive medicine. Khavinson-framework research compound; no FDA/EMA approval.

Thymulin

A zinc-dependent thymic peptide — biologically active only when zinc-saturated, making serum thymulin activity a functional readout of zinc status.

Thymopentin

A synthetic pentapeptide fragment of thymopoietin — historically marketed as Timunox for immunodeficiency, now primarily used in research and limited European clinical practice.

Disclaimer

This entry is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Dosing information reflects published regulatory or research data and is not a recommendation. Many compounds described here are not approved for human use in the United States. Consult a licensed medical professional before considering any peptide therapy.