A synthetic non-toxic tellurium derivative, structurally similar to cisplatin, with immuno-modulating, antiviral, and hair growth-promoting activities. Ammonium trichlorotellurate may inhibit the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) and may induce hematopoietic cells to express interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-2 receptors, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferons (INFs). This agent is also a potent inducer of IL-1 and IL-6. Accordingly, ammonium trichlorotellurate may protect against chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression. In addition, this agent exhibits hair growth-promoting activity by inducing anagen production and inhibiting catagen production, resulting in the promotion of follicular keratinocyte proliferation and interference with follicular keratinocyte terminal differentiation, respectively. Accordingly, ammonium trichlorotellurate may protect against chemotherapy-induced alopecia.