Immune & Inflammation Peptides
The evidence quality across this class is wildly uneven. One compound is a genuine, decades-old approved medicine (Thymosin Alpha-1/Zadaxin). Two have real but narrow human trial data (LL-37 topical, VIP/aviptadil in ARDS — where the largest RCT was stopped for futility). Two are essentially preclinical (KPV, LEAP2). One is a regional product with weak methodology (Thymalin). And one is NOT a peptide at all (Pentraxin-3 is a 45 kDa protein biomarker).
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Compounds Covered (7)
Thymosin Alpha-1 (Tα1 / Zadaxin)
Synthetic 28-amino-acid peptide identical to natural thymic hormone. Approved in 35+ countries (notably China, Italy) for chronic hepatitis B. NEVER FDA-approved.
LL-37 (Cathelicidin / hCAP18 fragment)
37-amino-acid cationic host-defense peptide — the ONLY human cathelicidin. Human clinical data is TOPICAL ONLY (wound gels). Systemic use has NO human trial data.
VIP (Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide / Aviptadil)
28-amino-acid neuropeptide with extremely short plasma half-life (~1.5-2.5 minutes). Beautiful mechanistic story but weak clinical evidence. The largest ARDS RCT (TESICO) was stopped for futility.
KPV (Lys-Pro-Val tripeptide)
Tripeptide (C-terminal fragment of α-MSH). Anti-inflammatory via NF-κB inhibition, NOT via melanocortin receptors. Two decades of mouse colitis data and NO human efficacy trials.
Thymalin (Thymic Polypeptide Extract — Immune)
Polypeptide complex extracted from bovine thymus. Cross-referenced from Class 4 (Anti-Aging). Approved in Russia/Eastern Europe for immune deficiency. Methodologically weak evidence base.
Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) — NOT A PEPTIDE
⚠️ NOT A PEPTIDE — a ~45 kDa multimeric glycoprotein. A BIOMARKER, not a therapy. Its appearance in "peptide" catalogues is a category error at best and a scam at worst.
LEAP2 (Liver-Expressed Antimicrobial Peptide 2)
Small peptide hormone and endogenous ghrelin-receptor antagonist/inverse agonist. Promising metabolic research target with early proof-of-concept human data but no approved product.
Comparison Notes
Thymosin Alpha-1 is the most established (35+ country approvals) but its largest sepsis trial (TESTS, n=1,106) found NO mortality benefit. VIP has a beautiful mechanism and negative controlled trials. KPV has elegant preclinical data and zero human trials. Pentraxin-3 should NOT be in anyone's peptide protocol.
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