— Research monograph
Thymosin Alpha-1
A 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide approved abroad as Zadaxin.
- Class
- 28-amino-acid N-acetylated peptide (acetyl-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn)
- Half-life (research)
- ~2 hr (subcutaneous administration, preclinical models).
- Origin
- Isolated from bovine thymus extract (Thymosin Fraction 5) by Allan Goldstein at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the early 1970s; sequence first published in 1977. Approved for clinical use as Zadaxin in over 35 countries for chronic hepatitis B and as a vaccine adjuvant.
- Solubility
- Highly water-soluble; stable in bacteriostatic water.
What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino-acid N-acetylated peptide derived from prothymosin alpha (ProTα). Among the family of thymic peptides, Tα1 is the most extensively characterized in the published immunology and infectious-disease research literature.
The peptide is identical in sequence across mammalian species, suggesting strong evolutionary conservation. In approved clinical use abroad it is administered subcutaneously; in research contexts it is most commonly investigated for effects on T-cell maturation, dendritic-cell function, and innate-immune signaling.
How does Thymosin Alpha-1 work?
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and MyD88-dependent signaling pathway activation has been reported as the dominant proximal mechanism. Downstream effects include dendritic-cell maturation, enhanced Th1 cytokine production, and modulation of regulatory T-cell populations in preclinical models.
Research applications
- Immunomodulation research
- Antiviral pathway investigation
- T-cell maturation studies
- Vaccine adjuvant research
- TLR9 signaling pharmacology
Handling & reconstitution
Thymosin Alpha-1 ships as a sealed, lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder and is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for laboratory handling. Highly water-soluble; stable in bacteriostatic water. Concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume.
See the Thymosin Alpha-1 reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and an interactive research calculator (vial size → diluent → draw volume).
Frequently asked questions
What is Thymosin Alpha-1?
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino-acid N-acetylated peptide derived from prothymosin alpha (ProTα). Among the family of thymic peptides, Tα1 is the most extensively characterized in the published immunology and infectious-disease research literature. Merit supplies it as a lyophilized research compound for research use only — not for human or veterinary use.
How does Thymosin Alpha-1 work?
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and MyD88-dependent signaling pathway activation has been reported as the dominant proximal mechanism. Downstream effects include dendritic-cell maturation, enhanced Th1 cytokine production, and modulation of regulatory T-cell populations in preclinical models. Mechanistic descriptions summarize published preclinical findings and are not clinical claims.
What is the half-life of Thymosin Alpha-1?
~2 hr (subcutaneous administration, preclinical models). Values reflect preclinical or research-context reports, not clinical pharmacokinetics.
How is Thymosin Alpha-1 reconstituted for research?
A lyophilized vial is reconstituted with bacteriostatic water; concentration equals vial mass divided by diluent volume. See the Thymosin Alpha-1 reconstitution protocol for a step-by-step guide and a research calculator.
Is Merit Thymosin Alpha-1 for human use?
No. It is sold strictly for research use only — not for human or veterinary use, and not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Every lot ships with a certificate of analysis documenting ≥99% HPLC purity.
References
- From lab to bedside: emerging clinical applications of thymosin α1. Goldstein AL, Goldstein AL. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy, 2009 · PMID 19392576
- Thymosin alpha 1: from bench to bedside. Garaci E, Pica F, Serafino A, et al.. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2007 · PMID 17600290
For research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. Not FDA-approved. Reference information summarized from published literature — not medical or dosing advice.
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