A two-residue peptide isolated from thymalin — the minimal fragment credited with much of its immune activity.
Also known as: glutamyl-tryptophan · L-Glu-L-Trp · thymagen
Part of the Neuropeptides & signaling cluster
Overview
Thymogen is a synthetic dipeptide, L-glutamyl-L-tryptophan (Glu-Trp), from the Khavinson family of short-peptide bioregulators. Identified as an active fragment of the thymic extract thymalin, it has been studied for effects on immune cell differentiation in Russian research. It is not authorized by Health Canada, and this page is educational only.
Source & context
Biological / chemical source: Synthetic dipeptide originally identified as an active fragment of the thymic preparation thymalin
Primary research or clinical context: Investigational bioregulator studied in Russian immunology and aging research; not authorized by Health Canada
A minimal bioregulator
Thymogen was obtained by isolating the active dipeptide Glu-Trp from the natural thymic preparation thymalin, then producing it synthetically. It is one of the smallest Khavinson peptides and is studied for reported effects on T-cell maturation and immune signalling. Its size makes it a striking example of the hypothesis that very short peptides can carry regulatory information.
Evidence and regulatory status
Reported studies, largely from Russian institutes, describe immunomodulatory and geroprotective effects in rodent models, with limited independent Western replication. Thymogen is investigational, sold for research use only in most markets, and is not authorized by Health Canada. This page is educational and makes no claim that it is safe, effective or therapeutic.
FAQ about Thymogen
What is Thymogen?+
Thymogen is a synthetic dipeptide, L-glutamyl-L-tryptophan (Glu-Trp), from the Khavinson family of short-peptide bioregulators. Identified as an active fragment of the thymic extract thymalin, it has been studied for effects on immune cell differentiation in Russian research. It is not authorized by Health Canada, and this page is educational only.
Is Thymogen an approved medicine?+
Thymogen is discussed here as a research / educational topic. Investigational bioregulator studied in Russian immunology and aging research; not authorized by Health Canada. This is not medical advice.
What is the typical length of Thymogen?+
Thymogen is commonly described as approximately 2 amino acids (Synthetic dipeptide immunomodulator (Khavinson class)).