Thymogen
Synthetic dipeptide (Glu-Trp) with thymopoietic activity — approved in Russia for immunodeficiency states, post-radiation immune recovery, and chronic infections.
🔬 Mechanism of Action
Thymogen (α-glutamyl-tryptophan, Glu-Trp) is a synthetic dipeptide developed in Russia as a thymopoietic agent. It was designed based on the observation that the Glu-Trp dipeptide sequence appears in several natural thymic peptide hormones and has intrinsic immunomodulatory activity.
Thymogen stimulates production of thymic serum factor (thymulin) by thymic epithelial cells, enhances T-cell differentiation markers (CD3, CD4, CD8), normalizes the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio, and improves NK cell activity. It is approved in Russia as an intranasal spray and injection for: secondary immunodeficiency states, post-radiation immune recovery, chronic bacterial and viral infections, and as an adjunct in cancer immunotherapy.
The intranasal spray form (Thymogen spray, 25 mcg/dose) is available over-the-counter in Russian pharmacies.
Source: PMID: 15677927
📜Background & History
Thymogen (Glu-Trp, EW dipeptide) was developed at the Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology in St. Petersburg as part of Professor Khavinson's peptide bioregulator program. It is distinguished from most bioregulators by its approval status — Thymogen is registered as a pharmaceutical product in the Russian Federation (registration number P N000313/01) and available as both an intranasal spray (25 mcg/dose, OTC) and injection (100 mcg/mL, prescription). It is one of the most widely used thymic immunomodulators in Russian clinical practice.
🎯 Research Use Cases
- ✓Secondary immunodeficiency (post-infection, post-surgery)
- ✓Chronic bacterial and viral infection adjunct
- ✓Post-radiation immune recovery
- ✓Seasonal immune support (cold/flu prevention)
💉 Dosing Protocol
| Typical Dose | 100-1000 mcg/day (intranasal or SC) |
| Frequency | 1× daily for 3-10 days |
| Half-Life | ~20-30 minutes |
| Common Vial Sizes | 1 mg, 5 mg |
🧪 Reconstitution Example
⚠️Safety & Considerations
Approved in Russian Federation with extensive clinical use history. Available as intranasal spray and injection. Well tolerated — no significant side effects at therapeutic doses. Avoid in autoimmune conditions unless directed by immunologist. Standard course: 3-10 days intranasal or 3-10 days injection.
⚡Interactions & Contraindications
Well tolerated. Intranasal spray form is OTC in Russia — excellent safety profile. Avoid in autoimmune conditions. Standard course: 3-10 days. Can be combined with conventional antibiotics/antivirals for infection management.
🔗Synergies & Common Stacks
Thymogen (mild thymic dipeptide, OTC) can serve as maintenance therapy between Thymosin Alpha-1 cycles (more potent, prescription-level) — graduated immune support.
Thymogen stimulates thymulin production from thymic epithelial cells — the two peptides are mechanistically linked, with Thymogen acting upstream to enhance endogenous thymulin secretion.