Immune and inflammation
Peptides studied for effects on the immune system and inflammation, from thymosin alpha-1 to the antimicrobial peptide LL-37.
Which of these has the most human evidence? See Best Peptides for Immune Support, Ranked by Evidence.
aka Thymalfasin · Zadaxin · Ta1
Licensed in a number of countries, classically for chronic hepatitis B. Sold online for general immune support.
Strong human evidenceResearch use only
aka Cathelicidin LL-37 · hCAP18 (37-146) · CAMP gene product
An antimicrobial peptide naturally present in human neutrophils, skin and mucosal surfaces. Sold as a research chemical for innate-immune and antimicrobial research; FDA has not approved it for any human use.
Limited human dataResearch use only
aka Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide · Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
Sold to consumers as a research peptide marketed for immune modulation and inflammation. It is not an FDA-approved drug for any indication, and this site could not verify a completed human trial establishing benefit for that consumer use.
Limited human dataResearch use only
aka Cibinetide · ARA290
An investigational peptide developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals for neuropathic pain and inflammation-related conditions. Never reached FDA approval for any indication; now sold to consumers as a research chemical.
Moderate human evidenceResearch use only
Side by side
Doses for unapproved compounds are common practice, not trial-established.
| Compound | Main use | Evidence | Usual dose | US status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thymosin alpha-1 | Licensed in a number of countries, classically for chronic hepatitis B. Sold online for general immune support. | Strong human evidence | 1.6 mg, twice weekly, subcutaneous injection, spaced 3-4 days apart | Research use only |
| LL-37 | An antimicrobial peptide naturally present in human neutrophils, skin and mucosal surfaces. Sold as a research chemical for innate-immune and antimicrobial research; FDA has not approved it for any human use. | Limited human data | 100-2000 mcg, 3-5 times weekly to once daily, subcutaneous, starting low and titrating up | Research use only |
| VIP | Sold to consumers as a research peptide marketed for immune modulation and inflammation. It is not an FDA-approved drug for any indication, and this site could not verify a completed human trial establishing benefit for that consumer use. | Limited human data | 50 mcg, 4-8 sprays a day, split across the day, alternating nostrils | Research use only |
| ARA-290 (Cibinetide) | An investigational peptide developed by Araim Pharmaceuticals for neuropathic pain and inflammation-related conditions. Never reached FDA approval for any indication; now sold to consumers as a research chemical. | Moderate human evidence | 1-8 mg, twice weekly to once daily, subcutaneous - a compounding pharmacy protocol titrates 2 mg toward 4 mg twice weekly, while the published phase 2b trial dosed 1, 4 or 8 mg once daily | Research use only |