Comparison
Exenatide vs. Thymalin
Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.
Identity
Category
Metabolic
Healing
CAS no.
141758-74-9
63958-90-7
Molecular weight
4186.6 g/mol
1000 g/mol
Half-life
2.4 h
0.5 h
Sequence
HGEGTFTSDLSKQMEEEAVRLFIEWLKNGGPSSGAPPPSno data
Mechanism of action
Exenatide
Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide with about 53% sequence homology to human GLP-1. A glycine substitution at position 2 prevents dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV cleavage and extends the half-life from native GLP-1 (minutes) to about 2.4 hours. GLP-1 receptor activation glucose-dependently stimulates insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon and delays gastric emptying.
Thymalin
Thymalin is a complex of multiple polypeptides extracted from bovine or calf thymus. Postulated mechanisms include modulation of T-lymphocyte maturation, influence on interleukin profiles and stimulation of cellular immune response. Being a multi-component preparation, individual mechanisms are difficult to disentangle. Khavinson and colleagues from St Petersburg have described the mechanism over decades in Russian publications.
Evidence base
Highest evidence
Human RCT
Human trial
Studies
5
4
of which in humans
4
2
Effects recorded
3
3
Open conflicts
1
1
Documented adverse events
2
1