Thymosin Alpha-1 Peptide Dosage Chart and Calculator

[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide therapy.]

Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1) is a 28-amino acid peptide that naturally occurs in the thymus gland. Also known as Zadaxin or thymalfasin, this peptide has remarkable immune-boosting properties that make it valuable for researchers and healthcare professionals.

Understanding the proper dosing protocols is crucial for anyone working with this peptide. This guide breaks down the standard dosages, calculation methods, and administration guidelines for researchers.

What is Thymosin Alpha-1?

Thymosin Alpha-1 (also referred to as Thymosin α1 or Tα1) is a synthetic peptide derived from thymosin fraction 5, originally isolated from the thymus gland. This 28-amino acid peptide functions as an immunomodulator, enhancing T-cell function and promoting immune system maturation. It’s primarily used therapeutically to treat immune deficiencies, chronic viral infections (particularly hepatitis B and C), and as an adjuvant in cancer immunotherapy.

Standard Dosing Protocols by Condition

Here are the standard dosage protocols for Thymosin Alpha-1 based on the most current research.

General Immune Support and Maintenance

For basic immune system support, the standard approach includes:

• Standard dose: 1.6 mg to 3.2 mg per week
• Frequency: 1-2 subcutaneous injections weekly
• Duration: Typically 6-12 months for sustained benefits
• Daily alternative: Some research protocols use 0.5 mg daily

Chronic Infections and Immune Function Deficiencies

When dealing with ongoing infections or immune system problems:

• Standard dose: 1.6 mg to 3.2 mg per week
• Frequency: 2-3 injections weekly
• Duration varies by condition:
  • Viral infections: Minimum 2 weeks
  • Chronic hepatitis B/C: 6-12 months (about 52 doses)
  • HIV/complicated immune suppression: 3+ months

Cancer Treatment Support

As an adjunct to cancer therapy:

• Standard dose: 3.2 mg to 6.4 mg per week
• Frequency: 2-4 injections weekly
• Duration: Generally 6 months with varying schedules
• Note: Often given between chemotherapy sessions

Vaccine Enhancement

To boost vaccine effectiveness:

• Standard dose: 900 μg/m² (approximately 1.6 mg)
• Frequency: Twice weekly with 3-4 days between doses
• Duration:
  • Single-dose vaccine: 4 weeks (8 total doses)
  • Multi-dose vaccine: Continue between vaccinations and for 3 weeks after final shot

Quick Reference Dosage Chart

Condition	Single Dose	Weekly Total	Frequency	Duration
General Immune Support	1.6 mg	1.6-3.2 mg	1-2x weekly	6-12 months
Daily Alternative	0.5 mg	3.5 mg	Daily	6-12 months
Chronic Infections	1.6 mg	3.2-4.8 mg	2-3x weekly	2+ weeks
Hepatitis B/C	1.6 mg	3.2 mg	2x weekly	6-12 months
Cancer Adjunct	1.6-3.2 mg	3.2-6.4 mg	2-4x weekly	6 months
Vaccine Enhancement	1.6 mg	3.2 mg	2x weekly	4-8 weeks

Special Dosing Considerations

Weight-Based Dosing

For patients weighing less than 40 kg, use this calculation:

• Standard calculation: Patient weight (kg) × 40 μg

Body Surface Area (BSA) Dosing

Some protocols use body surface area:

• Standard BSA dose: 900 μg/m²
• Typical equivalent: Approximately 1.6 mg for average adult

Peptide Dosage Calculator

When working with lyophilized (freeze-dried) peptide, you’ll need to reconstitute it properly. Here’s how to calculate the right volume:

Step 1: Determine Concentration

First, figure out your concentration after mixing:

Example: 5 mg peptide + 2 ml bacteriostatic water = 2.5 mg/ml concentration

Step 2: Calculate Volume Needed

Use this formula:

Volume (ml) = Desired dose (mg) ÷ Concentration (mg/ml)

Example: For 1.6 mg dose with 2.5 mg/ml concentration: 1.6 mg ÷ 2.5 mg/ml = 0.64 ml

Step 3: Weight-Based Calculation Example

For a 60 kg patient using weight-based dosing:

1. Calculate total dose: 60 kg × 40 μg/kg = 2400 μg = 2.4 mg
2. Calculate volume: 2.4 mg ÷ 2.5 mg/ml = 0.96 ml

Administration Guidelines

Administration of Thymosin Alpha 1

• Preferred route: Subcutaneous injection only (never intravenous)
• Common injection sites: Abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
• Alternative: Nasal spray formulations for needle-averse patients

What Happens After Injection

The peptide works quickly in your body:

• Absorption: Rapid, with peak levels within 1-2 hours
• Half-life: About 2 hours
• Duration: Blood levels return to normal within 24 hours
• Distribution: Spreads throughout extracellular fluid

Most Common Side Effects

Based on the research, here are the common adverse effects of Thymosin Alpha-1:

Injection Site Reactions – Local irritation, redness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site that typically resolves within hours or days[1]

Systemic Symptoms – Common side effects include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Fever
• Muscle aches

Other Mild Effects – Some patients may experience:

• Headache
• Gastrointestinal discomfort

More Serious but Rare Effects

Serious Side Effects (rare) include:

• Swelling of lips (allergic reaction)
• Severe lung disease
• Kidney problems

Allergic Reactions – In rare cases, symptoms may include:

• Itching
• Rash
• Difficulty breathing

Special Considerations

When combined with interferon-alpha, thymosin alpha-1 showed rare side effects such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and neutropenia compared to interferon alone[1]

Important Notes

Overall, thymosin alpha-1 is considered to have an excellent safety profile with well-tolerated administration and few significant adverse effects reported in clinical trials. The side effects are generally rare and relatively mild compared to other immune modulators like interferon and IL-2, which can cause severe toxicities.

If you experience any unusual symptoms, especially signs of allergic reaction, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. The medication should be administered under proper medical supervision.

Storage and Handling

Before Reconstitution

• Store freeze-dried peptide below -18°C for long-term storage

After Reconstitution

• Store at 4°C (refrigerator) for up to 7 days
• Room temperature stability: Up to 3 weeks
• Pro tip: Add 0.1% HSA or BSA carrier protein for longer storage

Takeaways

Thymosin Alpha-1 offers a well-established dosing framework for various immune-related conditions. Most protocols use twice-weekly subcutaneous injections of 1.6 mg, though daily dosing of 0.5 mg is sometimes used in research settings.

The peptide has shown excellent safety profiles, even at doses higher than standard therapeutic ranges. When working with Thymosin Alpha-1, always consider:

1. The specific condition being addressed
2. Patient weight and body surface area
3. Treatment duration and goals
4. Proper reconstitution and storage methods

Remember, accurate dose calculation is essential when working with lyophilized peptides. Always double-check your math and follow proper sterile technique when preparing injections.

Whether you’re researching immune support, chronic infections, or cancer adjunct therapy, this dosage guide provides the foundation for safe and effective Thymosin Alpha-1 protocols.

References

1. Dominari, A., Hathaway Iii, D., Pandav, K., Matos, W., Biswas, S., Reddy, G., Thevuthasan, S., Khan, M. A., Mathew, A., Makkar, S. S., Zaidi, M., Fahem, M. M. M., Beas, R., Castaneda, V., Paul, T., Halpern, J., & Baralt, D. (2020). Thymosin alpha 1: A comprehensive review of the literature. World journal of virology, 9(5), 67–78. https://doi.org/10.5501/wjv.v9.i5.67.