Now reading Entry 092 / 102 Last revised Jan 31, 2026 25 sources 3 comparisons Methodology →
A specimen of the Immune drawer Drawer F · Immune

Thymogen

Research Only

A synthetic dipeptide (glutamyl-tryptophan) developed in Russia as a defined successor to thymalin. Approved in Russia for immunomodulation with extensive Russian clinical literature. Represents an attempt to create a standardized, synthetic thymic peptide. Not approved by Western regulatory agencies.

Glu-Trp · EW dipeptide · Timogen · Glutamyl-Tryptophan · L-Glu-L-Trp

Research evidence
Moderate

6 human studies

Preclinical
76%
Human research
24%

Based on 25 cited sources

Numeric assessment unreviewed

A historical numeric score is recorded but has not passed a current, compound-specific assessment review. No numeric score is displayed.

This is a limitation of the numeric assessment, not a measured absence of benefit. It does not re-review the separately recorded catalogue classification or establish efficacy or safety.

Scoring context and limitations
~
Evidence Level
moderate
Not FDA-approved in US.
Research Only
Identity
SCALE · 1:1 N-TERMINUS C-TERMINUS 2 AA · 333.34 Da
Also Known As
Glu-Trp • EW dipeptide • Timogen • Glutamyl-Tryptophan • L-Glu-L-Trp
Class
Dipeptide
Length
2 amino acids
Mol. weight
333.34 Da
Sequence
EW
Molecular Structure
E
W
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive
Negative

The proposed mechanisms of Thymogen are based on Russian clinical studies, animal research, and in vitro experiments. Western-standard mechanistic validation is lacking.

How It Works (Simplified)

Thymogen appears to act as an immunomodulatory signal through several pathways:

T-Cell Modulation

Activates T-cell differentiation and enhances T-cell recognition of peptide-MHC complexes, supporting adaptive immune function.

Cytokine Regulation

Modulates IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF, and IL-6 production, potentially balancing pro- and anti-inflammatory responses.

Innate Immunity

Activates neutrophil chemotaxis and phagocytosis, enhancing the first-line immune defense against pathogens.

Epigenetic Effects

May interact with DNA promoter regions in lymphocytes, transforming heterochromatin to euchromatin and activating gene transcription.

Key Research: Morozov VG & Khavinson VK (Russia, 1997) demonstrated T-cell differentiation and cytokine modulation in clinical settings. PMID:9637345

Important Limitations

  • Most clinical studies conducted in Russia with variable methodology
  • Specific receptor for Thymogen not definitively identified
  • Mechanism by which a rapidly-degraded dipeptide exerts lasting effects remains unclear
  • Translation to Western clinical standards is unconfirmed
  • Bioavailability and pharmacokinetics not fully characterized
i. T-Cell Differentiation Pathway · Adaptive Immunity
ThymogenT-cell receptor signalingMHC complex recognition enhancementT-lymphocyte differentiation & activation
ii. Cytokine Modulation Pathway · Inflammation Control
ThymogenMAPK pathway modulationReduced TNF/IL-6Anti-inflammatory effectIL-2/IFN-gamma regulationBalanced immune response
Mechanism T-cell differentiation and MHC complex recognition enhancement
Supported 5 direct studies
Benefit may restore immune function in immunodeficient states
Evidence Level
Low
3 Human
4 Animal
2 In Vitro
Mechanism Cytokine modulation including IL-2 and IFN-gamma regulation
Supported 4 direct studies
Benefit appears to modulate inflammatory and immune responses
Evidence Level
Low
2 Human
3 Animal
3 In Vitro
Mechanism DNA-peptide interaction and epigenetic gene regulation
Emerging 3 direct studies
Benefit suggested to slow aging processes and reduce tumor incidence
Evidence Level
Very Low
2 Animal
2 In Vitro
Mechanism Confidence
Established
Supported
Emerging
Evidence Level
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low
Phase 01 1
Week 1-2

Based on Russian clinical reports: Initial immunomodulatory effects may begin. T-cell differentiation markers may start to normalize. Cytokine profile changes observed in some studies. No Western-standard pharmacokinetic data available.

PMID:9637345
Phase 02 2
Week 2-4

Russian clinical protocols typically show continued immune parameter improvements. IL-2 and IFN-gamma modulation reported. Neutrophil function enhancement observed in some studies.

PMID:9026934
Phase 03 3
Week 4-8

Extended treatment courses in Russian protocols suggest sustained immunomodulatory effects. Secondary immunodeficiency markers reportedly normalize in majority of patients in Russian studies.

PMID:9637345
Phase 04 4
Week 8+

Long-term data comes primarily from Russian observational studies. Duration of effect after discontinuation not well characterized. Optimal treatment length remains undefined by Western standards.

Research-based observations

This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Synergistic
Compatible
Caution
Avoid

Thymogen is derived from thymalin research. Both modulate thymic immune pathways. Concurrent use may have overlapping effects on T-cell differentiation. No direct studies on combination.

Both are thymic-derived immunomodulators with complementary mechanisms. Thymosin Alpha-1 has broader regulatory approval and more Western clinical data. No known contraindications to combination.

Different thymic peptides with overlapping immunomodulatory goals. Thymulin requires zinc as cofactor while Thymogen does not. Theoretical complementary effects on T-cell function.

Non-overlapping mechanisms. Thymogen modulates immune function while BPC-157 promotes tissue repair. May provide complementary benefits in recovery contexts.

LL-37

Compatible
Compatible

LL-37's antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties may complement Thymogen's T-cell modulation. Both affect immune function through different pathways.

Both are Russian-developed peptides from Khavinson research. Epithalon targets telomerase while Thymogen targets immune function. Theoretical synergy in anti-aging protocols.

Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.

25 Sources 6 Human 19 Preclinical

Use the source links in the research discussion above to inspect the referenced records.

This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength labels summarize the cited material for this entry and should be read alongside its population, model, and study limitations.

For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.

Important Disclaimer

This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.

Get Research Alerts

New dossiers and major study summaries delivered to your inbox. Evidence-graded, citation-backed research you can trust.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Compare Thymogen

Related Peptides

Immune

Alpha-Defensins

HNP-1 · HNP-2 · HNP-3 +5

A family of small cationic antimicrobial peptides (29-35 amino acids) that are key components of innate immunity in humans. Produced primarily by neutrophils (HNP-1 to 4) and Paneth cells (HD-5, HD-6), they exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory functions. Well-characterized biochemically with extensive research, though therapeutic development faces challenges.

See dossier
Immune

KPV

Lys-Pro-Val · Lysine-Proline-Valine · alpha-MSH(11-13) +1

Lys-Pro-Val is the C-terminal tripeptide motif of alpha-MSH. KPV reduced inflammatory readouts in cell and mouse colitis models, including a PepT1 uptake study. Human drug exposure, pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical benefit remain unestablished.

See dossier
Immune

Kristagen

EDG · Glu-Asp-Gly · Immune tripeptide

A synthetic tripeptide (Glu-Asp-Gly) developed by Russian scientist Vladimir Khavinson, claimed to regulate thymus function and support immune cell differentiation. No Western clinical validation exists; research is limited to Russian preclinical studies.

See dossier
Immune

Lactoferricin

LFcinB · Lactoferricin B · LfcinB +1

An antimicrobial peptide derived from lactoferrin, a protein found in milk and other secretions. Shows broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Research focuses on potential applications in infectious disease, food safety, and cancer. Primarily studied preclinically with very limited human clinical data. Not approved as a therapeutic by any regulatory agency.

See dossier
Immune

LL-37

LL37 · Human cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37

LL-37 is the active human cathelicidin peptide. Three topical wound trials studied native LL-37, with mixed outcomes; an oral trial used engineered bacteria expressing LL-37. These results do not establish systemic benefit.

See dossier
Immune

Murepavadin

POL7080 · RG7929

A first-in-class cyclic antimicrobial peptide targeting the LptD outer membrane protein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The first OMPTA (outer membrane protein targeting antibiotic) to reach clinical development. IV formulation discontinued due to nephrotoxicity; inhaled formulation continues Phase 3 development for cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis patients.

See dossier

Compared With

5 comparisons

Conditions Studied

3 entries

Related Content