IMMUNE MONOGRAPH
Thymosin α-1 Research Monograph
Thymalfasin — synthetic thymic hormone for immune-axis research
Thymosin α-1 (Tα1, Thymalfasin) is a synthetic 28-amino-acid acetylated peptide identical in sequence to the endogenous thymic hormone of the same name. It is among the most extensively published immune-modulator peptides in research literature, with foundational work running from the 1970s onward.
Origin and natural occurrence
Thymosin α-1 was originally isolated from bovine thymus tissue in the laboratory of Allan Goldstein in the early 1970s. The synthetic peptide is identical in sequence to the natural product and has been the subject of structural pharmacology and immune-axis research for over five decades.
Sequence and structure
The sequence is Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-OH, with N-terminal acetylation. Molecular weight is 3108.3 g/mol.
Primary research literature
Published Tα1 research clusters around T-cell maturation studies, immune-modulation research, antiviral preclinical models, and thymic-hormone pharmacology. The compound has been characterised across multiple immune-axis contexts and is referenced in clinical research literature in several jurisdictions.
Distinguishing from polypeptide-complex preparations
Thymosin α-1 is a single defined synthetic peptide, distinguishing it from polypeptide-complex preparations like Thymalin (a bovine-thymus-derived heterogeneous mixture). For research designs that require chemical-definition and reproducibility against a specific sequence, Tα1 is the more appropriate research tool. See the VESPER /compare/thymosin-alpha-1-vs-thymalin page for direct comparison.
Storage, reconstitution, and handling
Lyophilised Tα1 is stable for months at −20°C in its sealed vial. After reconstitution, store at 2–8°C and use within 7 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Quality and verification
VESPER Thymosin α-1 is supplied as a 5mg lyophilised vial at ≥99.5% HPLC purity, with sequence identity confirmed by mass spectrometry on every batch.
Sequence
Ac-Ser-Asp-Ala-Ala-Val-Asp-Thr-Ser-Ser-Glu-Ile-Thr-Thr-Lys-Asp-Leu-Lys-Glu-Lys-Lys-Glu-Val-Val-Glu-Glu-Ala-Glu-Asn-OH
Molecular weight
3108.3 g/mol
CAS
62304-98-7
Purity
≥99.5%
Storage
−20°C, protected from light
Vial format
5mg / vial
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Thymosin α-1 and Thymalin?
Thymosin α-1 is a single defined 28-amino-acid synthetic peptide. Thymalin is a heterogeneous polypeptide complex extracted from bovine thymus. Both are used in immune-axis research but answer different research questions.
What is the molecular weight of Thymosin α-1?
3108.3 g/mol for the 28-amino-acid acetylated peptide.
How long has Thymosin α-1 been studied?
Since the early 1970s, when the parent peptide was first isolated from bovine thymus tissue.
⚠ For research use only. Not for human consumption.