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Thymomodulin: biological properties and clinical applications

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Abstract

Thymomodulin (Ellem Industria Farmaceutica s.p.a., Milan, Italy) is a calf thymus acid lysate derivative, composed of several peptides with a molecular weight range of 1–10 kD. Thymomodulin did not exhibit any mutagenic effect. Furthermore, thymomodulin used in animal studies showed no toxicity even when used at high concentrations. Of major significance are the observations in murine and human systems that thymomodulin remains active when administered orally.In vitro andin vivo administered thymomodulin was able to induce the maturation of T-lymphocytes. Additionally, studiesin vitro showed that this thymic derivative can enhance the functions of mature T-lymphocytes with cascading effects on B-cell and macrophage functions.

Extensive human clinical trials with thymomodulin showed that this agent can improve the clinical symptoms observed with various disease processes, including infections, allergies and malignancies, and can improve immunological functions during ageing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept of Pathology, Roger Williams General Hospital and Brown University, 825 Chalkstone Blvd, 02908, Providence, Rhode Island, USA

    N. M. Kouttab

  2. Research Dept, Ellem Industria Farmaceutica s.p.a., Corso di Porta Ticinese 89, 20123, Milano, Italy

    M. Prada & P. Cazzola

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  1. N. M. Kouttab
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  2. M. Prada
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  3. P. Cazzola
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Kouttab, N.M., Prada, M. & Cazzola, P. Thymomodulin: biological properties and clinical applications. Med. Oncol. & Tumor Pharmacother. 6, 5–9 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02985217

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