Thymogen
Well studiedEW Dipeptide | Thymus Immune Bioregulator
Thymogen (EW dipeptide) is a Khavinson bioregulator consisting of glutamic acid and tryptophan, originally isolated from calf thymus extracts (Thymalin) in the late 1980s.
Molecular & research data
- Sequence
- Glu-Trp (EW)
- Molecular weight
- 333 Da
- Half-life
- Not established
- Routes (research)
- Injectable, Nasal, Topical
- Storage
- Injectable: 2-8°C. Nasal/topical: per product directions. Powder: room temp
Overview
Thymogen (EW dipeptide) is a Khavinson bioregulator consisting of glutamic acid and tryptophan, originally isolated from calf thymus extracts (Thymalin) in the late 1980s. Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson, it has been registered in Russia since 1990 in multiple forms including injectable solution, nasal spray, and topical cream. Thymogen modulates both humoral and cellular immunity, activates T-cell differentiation, and has demonstrated geroprotective (anti-aging) and antitumor activities in research studies.
Mechanism of action
Thymogen works through multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms: (1) activates T-cell differentiation and T-cell recognition of peptide-MHC complexes, (2) induces changes in intracellular cyclic nucleotide composition, (3) activates neutrophilic chemotaxis and phagocytosis, (4) normalizes T-lymphocyte concentrations and ratios (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+), (5) stimulates production of immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgE, IgM), and (6) enhances lymphocyte differentiation receptor expression. Research suggests Thymogen may interact specifically with the AACG DNA sequence, affecting gene expression. The peptide is rapidly distributed to thymus, lymph nodes, liver, adrenals, and kidneys.
Key research findings
- Modulates humoral and cellular immunity
- Activates T-cell differentiation
- Normalizes T-lymphocyte populations (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+)
- Stimulates immunoglobulin production
- Enhances regeneration and cellular metabolism
- Demonstrated geroprotective (anti-aging) activity
- Antitumor activity in research models
- Registered pharmaceutical in Russia
- Multiple delivery forms available
Research applications
Immune Support
- Immune System Modulation — Modulates both humoral and cellular immune responses for balanced immunity.
- T-Cell Function — Activates T-cell differentiation and normalizes CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ populations.
- Immunoglobulin Production — Stimulates production of IgA, IgG, IgE, and IgM antibodies.
- Post-Operative Recovery — Studied for improving surgical outcomes through immune support.
Anti-Aging Research
- Geroprotection — Demonstrated geroprotector activity in aging research.
- Lifespan Extension — In combination with pineal peptides, showed significant mean lifespan increases in animal models.
- Antitumor Activity — Inhibits spontaneous carcinogenesis and shows robust antitumor effects in research.
Clinical Research Areas
- Cancer Support — Studied in Russia for regulating immune response in oncology patients.
- Heart Disease — Research interest in cardiovascular applications.
- Diabetes Support — Investigated for metabolic and immune aspects of diabetes.
Thymogen FAQ
What's the difference between Thymogen (EW dipeptide) and Thymalin (extract mixture)?+
Thymogen is a single, pure dipeptide (Glu-Trp) isolated from Thymalin extracts. Thymalin is the complete mixture containing multiple peptides (KE, EW, EDP). Thymogen offers standardized dosing and stability, while Thymalin provides broader synergistic effects - both are compatible and sometimes used together.
Can Thymogen be taken orally or must it be injected?+
Thymogen is available in multiple forms - oral capsules, injectable solution, nasal spray, and topical cream (all registered in Russia). The dipeptide's small size allows reasonable oral bioavailability via capsules, making it more convenient than injectable-only bioregulators.
How do Thymogen and Epitalon compare for anti-aging and lifespan extension?+
Both are Khavinson anti-aging peptides with different targets. Thymogen focuses on immune rejuvenation and tumor suppression, while Epitalon targets pineal/endocrine aging. Combined use showed robust lifespan increases and antitumor activity in research models - they're synergistic rather than redundant.
Is Thymogen banned in sports like other immune peptides?+
Thymogen is not explicitly listed as banned by WADA since it's not widely used in sports, but as a performance-enhancing immune modulator, it would likely be prohibited if tested. Check with your sport's governing body, but assume risk if subject to anti-doping testing.
References
- [1]Immunomodulatory synthetic dipeptide L-Glu-L-Trp slows down aging and inhibits spontaneous carcinogenesis in ratsBiogerontology
- [2]Natural and synthetic thymic peptides as therapeutics for immune dysfunctionJournal of Immunopharmacology
- [3]Peptide Bioregulators from Thymus and Pineal GlandBiogerontology
- [4]Thymogen: Mechanism of Action StudiesRussian Medical Research
Related peptides
Epitalon
PreclinicalTetrapeptide studied for telomere & pineal effects
Epitalon is a synthetic tetrapeptide derived from the pineal peptide epithalamin, studied primarily in Russian research for proposed effects on telomerase activity, circadian regulation, and ageing.
Thymalin
Well studiedThymic Peptide Bioregulator | Immune Modulator
Thymalin is a natural peptide bioregulator derived from calf thymus gland, developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s.
Vilon
Moderate researchKE Dipeptide | Thymus Immune Bioregulator
Vilon is a Khavinson bioregulator dipeptide (KE) consisting of lysine and glutamic acid, originally isolated from thymus gland extracts. Developed by Professor Vladimir Khavinson at the St.
Thymulin
Well studiedFTS | Zinc-Dependent Thymic Nonapeptide
Thymulin is a nonapeptide hormone exclusively secreted by thymic epithelial cells, discovered by Jean-François Bach in the 1970s.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-26. Information is provided for research and educational reference only — see our disclaimer.