Thymulin vs Octreotide
A detailed comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right peptide for your research goals.
Thymulin
Thymulin (Facteur Thymique Sérique) is a zinc-dependent nonapeptide hormone produced by thymic epithelial cells. It plays important roles in T-cell differentiation and immune system maturation.
Full details →Octreotide
Octreotide (Sandostatin) is a synthetic somatostatin analog FDA-approved for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and VIPomas. It inhibits growth hormone and various GI hormones.
Full details →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Thymulin | Octreotide |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Requires zinc for biological activity. Promotes T-cell differentiation, modulates cytokine production, and influences neuroendocrine function. Levels decline significantly with age. | Binds to somatostatin receptors (primarily SSTR2 and SSTR5) to inhibit GH, glucagon, insulin, and gastric secretions. Reduces blood flow to GI tract and inhibits tumor hormone secretion. |
| Typical Dosage | Research protocols vary. Often studied alongside zinc supplementation. Typical research doses in the microgram range. | Varies by indication. Acromegaly: 50-100mcg three times daily initially, up to 500mcg TID. LAR (long-acting): 20-30mg IM every 4 weeks. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection in research settings. Requires adequate zinc status for activity. | Subcutaneous injection for immediate-release (between meals). Intramuscular for LAR depot form. Requires monitoring of gallbladder, glucose, and thyroid. |
| Side Effects | Limited data on exogenous administration. Theoretical effects on immune function require monitoring. | GI effects (diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain), gallstones (up to 25% of long-term users), injection site reactions, and blood glucose changes. |
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