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Specimen Atlas of Research Peptides81 plates · MIT
Side-by-side · Research reference

PancragenvsThymosin α-1

Side-by-side comparison across mechanism, dosage, evidence, side effects, administration, and stack synergies. Citations on every claim where available.

AAnimal-StrongHUMAN-REVIEWED23/39 cited
BPhase 3HUMAN-REVIEWED8/39 cited
Pancragen
Bioregulatory Tetrapeptide · Khavinson School
50 μgPrimate doseGoncharova 2014
10 daysTreatment cycleGoncharova 2015
3+ weeksEffect persistenceGoncharova 2014
IM · 10-day cycleGoncharova 2014
Thymosin α-1
Immune modulator · Approved (some countries)
1.6 mgPer doseIyer 2007
Phase 3Evidence levelIyer 2007Camerini 2001
~2 hrHalf-life
SQ · 2× weekly · 6+ months for chronic indications

01Mechanism of Action

Parameter
Pancragen
Thymosin α-1
Primary target
Pancreatic acinar and islet cell differentiation pathwaysKhavinson 2013
Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) + T-cell maturation pathwayCamerini 2001
Pathway
Transcription factor activation → Pdx1/Pax6/Pax4/Ptf1a/Foxa2/NKx2.2 upregulation → Cell differentiationKhavinson 2013
TLR9 activation → ↑ IFN-α + IL-2 + IFN-γ → enhanced T-cell function + dendritic cell maturationIyer 2007
Downstream effect
Enhanced pancreatic beta-cell function, normalized insulin/C-peptide dynamics, improved glucose clearanceGoncharova 2014
Restored T-cell function, improved viral clearance, anti-tumour adjuvant effectsIyer 2007
Feedback intact?
Yes — preserves physiological glucose-insulin response
Origin
Synthetic tetrapeptide derived from pancreatic tissue extracts (Khavinson bioregulator methodology)
Synthetic 28-AA peptide identical to natural Tα-1 isolated from thymus extractCamerini 2001
Antibody development

02Dosage Protocols

Parameter
Pancragen
Thymosin α-1
Primate dose (rhesus macaque)
50 μg / animal / dayGoncharova 2014
20–25-year-old females, 10-day IM protocol.
Effective concentration (in vitro)
0.05 ng/mLZakutskiĭ 2006
Organotypic tissue culture, both young and aged rat explants.
Route
IntramuscularGoncharova 2015
Frequency
Once daily for 10 daysGoncharova 2014
2× weekly (Mon/Thu typical)
Treatment cycle
10-day course, effects persist 3+ weeks post-withdrawalGoncharova 2014
Evidence basis
Non-human primate RCT, in vitro cell cultureGoncharova 2015Khavinson 2013
Phase 3 + approved (35+ countries as Zadaxin)Iyer 2007
Diabetes model
STZ-induced diabetes (rat)
Evaluated via metabolic markers characterizing apoptosis.
Standard dose (HBV/HCV)
1.6 mg SQ 2× weekly × 6–12 monthsIyer 2007
Lower / starter dose
0.8 mg per injection
Duration
6–12 months for chronic indications
Reconstitution
Sterile water for injection per vial label
Timing
No specific time
Half-life
~2 hours plasma; tissue effect days

04Side Effects & Safety

Parameter
Pancragen
Thymosin α-1
Reported adverse events
None documented in primate studies
Tolerability
Well-tolerated in aged rhesus monkeys (n=9)Goncharova 2015
Human safety data
No published human trials; clinical use limited to Russian gerontology protocols
Injection site reaction
Erythema, mild discomfort
GI symptoms
Rare nausea
Fatigue
Common during initial weeks
Fever / flu-like
Mild interferon-like response possible
Autoimmune
Theoretical risk; caution in active autoimmune disease
Cancer risk
No signal — used as adjuvant in oncology
Pregnancy / OB
Avoid
Absolute Contraindications
Pancragen
Thymosin α-1
  • ·Pregnancy / breastfeeding
  • ·Hypersensitivity to peptide
  • ·Concurrent immunosuppressant therapy (transplant patients)
Relative Contraindications
Pancragen
  • ·Active pancreatic malignancy (proliferation marker upregulation)
Thymosin α-1
  • ·Active autoimmune disease
  • ·Severe immunocompromised state without supervision

05Administration Protocol

Parameter
Pancragen
Thymosin α-1
1. Reconstitution
Lyophilised tetrapeptide reconstituted in sterile saline or water per manufacturer protocol. Concentration not specified in literature.
Add 1 mL sterile water per 1.6 mg vial → 1.6 mg/mL.
2. Route
Intramuscular injection. Primate studies used daily IM dosing for 10 consecutive days.Goncharova 2015
SQ — abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate sites.
3. Timing
No specific timing constraints documented. Administered once daily in primate protocols.
2× weekly, e.g. Monday + Thursday.
4. Cycle structure
10-day treatment course. Restorative effects on pancreatic function persist for at least 3 weeks post-discontinuation.Goncharova 2014
Lyophilised: refrigerate. Reconstituted: refrigerate, use within 24 h.
5. Needle
27–31G, 4–8 mm insulin syringe.