Thimerosal, containing ethylmercury, is the active agent in Beech Tree Labs’ anti-viral formulation, BTL-tml. This therapy has demonstrated efficacy in alleviating symptoms of viral disease caused by Covid-19, influenza, herpesvirus, and Ebola. Contrary to unsubstantiated claims of harm caused by thimerosal, this agent has an extensive safety profile, especially when considering the nanogram dosage in the BTL-tml formulation.

Thimerosal is an organic compound used since the 1930s as a preservative in eye drops, cosmetics, and vaccines to prevent possible life-threatening effects of contamination.¹ Its use in vaccines has been cited as a possible link with autism. However, numerous scientific studies have found no causal association between thimerosal and autism, including effects during prenatal and early childhood exposure.²⁻⁵ Citing that the level of thimerosal in vaccines is not harmful, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia notes the difference between ethyl- and methylmercury and that the latter, which may be confused with ethylmercury, is found in the food chain such as with fish and can be toxic to humans at high levels of exposure.⁶ 

Historically, there have been studies where the effects of methylmercury are thought to be the same as ethylmercury, and therefore the two are equated. But it is now known that these forms of mercury have different metabolism and toxicity profiles. Unlike methylmercury, for example, ethylmercury does not accumulate in the body as it is eliminated through normal bowel movement.⁶ Other studies show that ethylmercury does not accumulate in the blood, is rapidly metabolized, and levels after exposure return to normal within a few weeks.⁷^, ⁸ 

Consistent with other scientific information, BTL-tml has demonstrated efficacy and safety in two FDA-authorized clinical trials targeting herpesvirus infection. Combined results of these trials revealed clinically and statistically significant differences between BTL-tml treated patients and those receiving placebo. Attesting to safety, subjects in the placebo groups were three times more likely to report adverse events than subjects in the treatment groups.⁹ 

As part of the BTL-tml safety profile, it is administered sublingually and therefore not introduced into deep tissue as with vaccinations. Mechanism of action studies indicate that BTL-tml inhibits viral replication, downregulates several pro-inflammatory cytokine genes, and upregulates anti-inflammatory genes.¹⁰ 

The following graph and chart offer comparisons for exposure of methyl- and ethylmercury. Also presented are comparisons of animal studies focusing on thimerosal. Both provide evidence of BTL-tml’s safety.