Zadaxin (thymosin alpha1) for the treatment of viral hepatitis.

Zadaxin (thymosin alpha1; Talpha1) is a synthetic 28 amino acid peptide with multiple biological activities primarily directed towards immune response enhancement. Since the immune system plays a critical role in the control and elimination of viral hepatitis infection, immune active agents such as Talpha1 are of potential therapeutic value. In clinical trials, Talpha1 has been shown to be effective in chronic hepatitis B, both asmonotherapy and in combination with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). In chronic hepatitis C it was effective in combination with IFN-alpha. Since Talpha1 has few side-effects and is effective in combination with IFN-alpha, future clinical trials should evaluate the potential of Talpha1 to enhance the activity of antivirals such as IFN-alpha, ribavirin and lamivudine as viral hepatitis therapy.