Management of viral infections with thymopentin.

Recurrent herpes simplex-, herpes zoster- and human papilloma virus infections are sometimes difficult to control by traditional antiviral therapy. Although detectable immune disturbances are not regularly associated with the clinical presentation, a compromised cellular immunity has been found to play an important role in the pathogenesis of those diseases. Thymopentin (Arg-Lys-Asp-Val-Tyr) is a synthetic pentapeptide corresponding to the active structure of the natural 49 amino acids containing thymic hormone thymopoietin, which has shown impressive immunoregulatory activity in many animal model systems and human in-vitro tests. Cumulative clinical experience with this drug has suggested that it would be of particular value in certain recurrent viral diseases. This report summarizes some of the individual studies performed so far, and discusses the mechanisms of action within the context of relevant published articles in this field. Contrary to antiviral drugs, thymopentin's effect appears to be long-lasting also after discontinuation of treatment. The drug seems to be extremely safe and no serious adverse reactions have been reported to date.