Teriparatide vs Thymosin Alpha-1
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Teriparatide
Teriparatide (Forteo) is recombinant human parathyroid hormone (1-34), FDA-approved for osteoporosis treatment. It's unique among osteoporosis drugs in that it stimulates new bone formation.
Full details →Thymosin Alpha-1
Thymosin Alpha-1 is a peptide naturally produced by the thymus gland that plays a crucial role in immune system modulation. It is approved in over 35 countries for various conditions including hepatitis B and C.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Teriparatide | Thymosin Alpha-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Intermittent PTH exposure paradoxically stimulates osteoblasts more than osteoclasts, resulting in net bone formation. Continuous exposure would cause bone loss, but pulsatile dosing builds bone. | Enhances T-cell function and maturation, stimulates dendritic cell activity, and modulates cytokine production. Promotes the differentiation of stem cells into mature T lymphocytes. |
| Typical Dosage | 20mcg subcutaneously once daily. Maximum treatment duration of 2 years due to theoretical osteosarcoma risk from rat studies. | Clinical dosing typically ranges from 1.6mg to 6.4mg administered subcutaneously 2-3 times weekly. Research protocols may vary. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection in thigh or abdomen once daily. Delivered via multi-dose pen. Should sit or lie down after injection due to orthostatic hypotension risk. | Subcutaneous injection. Often used in cycles or as part of comprehensive immune support protocols. |
| Side Effects | Orthostatic hypotension, leg cramps, nausea, dizziness, headache, and injection site reactions. Transient hypercalcemia possible. | Generally well-tolerated. Rare side effects include injection site reactions, mild flu-like symptoms, and temporary fatigue. |
| Best For |
What They Have in Common
Both Teriparatide and Thymosin Alpha-1 are commonly used for: