Comparison

Thymalin vs. Thymosin Beta-4

Two peptides side-by-side — identity, evidence base, legal status and known adverse events.

Identity

Mechanism of action

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.

Thymosin Beta-4

Thymosin Beta-4 forms a 1:1 complex with monomeric (G-)actin and is regarded as the principal actin-sequestering factor in many cell types, thereby influencing cytoskeletal dynamics and directional cell migration. Preclinical models additionally describe effects on endothelial cell migration and neovascularisation, as well as activation of survival signalling pathways (including ILK/Akt). The mechanistic evidence derives predominantly from cell-culture and animal models.

Evidence base

Highest evidence

Human trial

Studies

of which in humans

Effects recorded

Open conflicts

Documented adverse events

Legal status

Country	Thymalin	Thymosin Beta-4
Germany	Unapproved	Unapproved
RU	Prescription	—
United States	Unapproved	Unapproved

Full entries

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Thymalin and Thymosin Beta-4?: Thymalin is classified as "Healing", while Thymosin Beta-4 is classified as "Healing". Thymalin: Complex of low-molecular polypeptides extracted from calf thymus. Approved in Russia since the 1970s as an immunomodulator. The exact composition is not standardised like a synthetic single peptide; Western controlled studies are largely absent. Thymosin Beta-4: Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is an endogenous 43-amino-acid peptide regarded as the principal intracellular actin-sequestering factor, involved in cell migration, neovascularisation and tissue regeneration. It has been studied in dry eye, corneal and wound healing, and cardiac repair (RegeneRx programmes, RGN-259). Thymosin Beta-4 is NOT an approved drug; robust human efficacy data are limited. The grey-market TB-500 is a synthetic fragment/analogue and is distinct from it. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.
Which peptide is better supported by science, Thymalin or Thymosin Beta-4?: The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Thymalin and "Human trial" for Thymosin Beta-4. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.
What is the legal status of Thymalin and Thymosin Beta-4 in Germany and the United States?: Germany: Thymalin — Unapproved, Thymosin Beta-4 — Unapproved. United States: Thymalin — Unapproved, Thymosin Beta-4 — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.

Country

Thymalin

Thymosin Beta-4

Germany

Unapproved

Prescription

—

United States

Unapproved

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Thymalin and Thymosin Beta-4?

Thymalin is classified as "Healing", while Thymosin Beta-4 is classified as "Healing". Thymalin: Complex of low-molecular polypeptides extracted from calf thymus. Approved in Russia since the 1970s as an immunomodulator. The exact composition is not standardised like a synthetic single peptide; Western controlled studies are largely absent. Thymosin Beta-4: Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4) is an endogenous 43-amino-acid peptide regarded as the principal intracellular actin-sequestering factor, involved in cell migration, neovascularisation and tissue regeneration. It has been studied in dry eye, corneal and wound healing, and cardiac repair (RegeneRx programmes, RGN-259). Thymosin Beta-4 is NOT an approved drug; robust human efficacy data are limited. The grey-market TB-500 is a synthetic fragment/analogue and is distinct from it. This page contrasts both neutrally and source-based — with no usage or dosing recommendation.

Which peptide is better supported by science, Thymalin or Thymosin Beta-4?

The highest available evidence level is "Human trial" for Thymalin and "Human trial" for Thymosin Beta-4. A higher evidence level means more robust data, but says nothing about suitability for an individual. The full body of evidence is on each peptide's own page.

What is the legal status of Thymalin and Thymosin Beta-4 in Germany and the United States?

Germany: Thymalin — Unapproved, Thymosin Beta-4 — Unapproved. United States: Thymalin — Unapproved, Thymosin Beta-4 — Unapproved. These are factual summaries with source and review date on the individual pages.