Zadaxin (thymosin α1) for the treatment of viral hepatitis

Abstract

Zadaxin (thymosin α1; Tα1) is a synthetic 28 amino acid peptide with multiple biological activities primarily directed towards immune response enhancement. Since the immune system plays a critical role in the control and elimination of viral hepatitis infection, immune active agents such as Tα1 are of potential therapeutic value. In clinical trials, Tα1 has been shown to be effective in chronic hepatitis B, both asmonotherapy and in combination with interferon-α (IFN-α). In chronic hepatitis C it was effective in combination with IFN-α. Since Tα1 has few side-effects and is effective in combination with IFN-α, future clinical trials should evaluate the potential of Tα1 to enhance the activity of antivirals such as IFN-α, ribavirin and lamivudine as viral hepatitis therapy.

• antivirals
• cytokines
• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• immunemodulators
• thymic hormones
• thymic peptides
• thymosin
• zadaxin