THYMALFASIN - CLINICAL-PHARMACOLOGY AND ANTIVIRAL APPLICATIONS

Thymalfasin (thymosin-alpha 1) is an immunomodulatory agent that is ab le to augment some specific T lymphocyte functions, particularly that of promoting the T helper 1 cell responses involved in host antiviral defence. The most promising clinical applications for thymalfasin seem to be as a single agent for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B and in combination with interferon-a for the treatment of both chronic hep atitis B and C. These positive preliminary results offer a strong rati onale for larger, well-planned clinical trials and also for defining t he optimal schedule of administration.