Thymopentin
Aliases: TP-5 · Timopentin
Last verified: 2026-09-23
The short version
A pentapeptide (RKDVY) — the active region of thymopoietin. Approved in China and some countries for immunodeficiencies, autoimmune diseases and as an adjuvant.
Identity & type
- Molecular type
- peptide
- Origin
- A pentapeptide (RKDVY) — the active region of thymopoietin.
Mechanism of action
Binds T-cell receptors (thymopoietin pathway), induces thymocyte differentiation and balances T-cell subsets.
Dosing & routes
Official / clinical context
Approved drug — indications, dosing and warnings are defined by the official label. 1–10 mg SC/IM, 2–3× weekly or daily in short courses.
Regulator-approved labeling and published study designs — never a recommendation.
Community-reported practice
1–10 mg SC/IM, 2–3× weekly or daily in short courses. Similar to TA-1 but shorter; Russian/Chinese clinical experience: fewer respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients.
Unverified self-reports. Not medical advice. Not endorsement.
Expected effects (community)
Similar to TA-1 but shorter; Russian/Chinese clinical experience: fewer respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients.
Protocol — official vs community
Official / label
Approved in China and select countries as an immunomodulator (TP-5, pentapeptide RKDVY). Typical label dosing: 1–10 mg SC/IM, 2–3× weekly or daily in short courses, for chronic infections, rheumatoid arthritis and as an oncology adjunct.
Duration: Short courses (weeks); no chronic-forever protocol is defined.
Not FDA/EMA approved; the supporting clinical literature is mostly Chinese and of variable rigor by Western standards.
Community (anecdotal)
Where it appears on gray-market peptide vendors, dosing mirrors the labeled courses: 1–10 mg SC/IM 2–3× weekly.
- Cycle:
- 4–8 week courses.
- Break:
- Weeks to months between courses.
Community interest is thin and derivative; thymosin alpha 1 and TB-500 absorb nearly all of the gray-market thymic-peptide attention.
Human evidence
Trials for infections, rheumatoid arthritis, oncology adjuvant; mostly Chinese literature.
Preclinical evidence
The preclinical phase was completed and submitted to regulators as part of registration; pharmacology and toxicology details are part of the official label.
Known risks
- Mild: local reactions, rare allergies.characterized
Teal: characterized in clinical/labeling contexts. Amber: theoretical or reported outside controlled settings.
Unknowns & evidence gaps
- Real-world data outside controlled trials