A Patent Review on the Use of Thymosin Peptides Against Viruses

Thymosins are a group of immunomodulatory peptides secreted by the thymus. They play an important role in immune function by inducing T-cell expression and inhibiting viral replication. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by coronavirus, there has been renewed interest in their activity, resulting in a revival of patents claiming the use of thymosin to combat coronavirus. This article reviews patents on the therapeutic application of thymosin peptides against viruses. Conventionally, thymosin is administered via injection or infusion; however, recent research has explored alternative routes, including oral formulations. Thymosin administration is used to complement antiviral drug treatments. Similarly, recent antiviral regimens against SARS-CoV-2 may be supplemented with thymosin based on its proven immunopotentiating activity.