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ID: TB-500 STATUS: ACTIVE

TB-500

Research Only

Also known as: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment, TB4-FRAG, TMSB4X

A synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 marketed for tissue repair. While the parent compound has Phase 3 clinical research (RGN-259), TB-500 specifically has no published human data.

Repair & Recovery Moderate Evidence 34 Sources

Research Statistics

Total Sources
34
Human Studies
8
Preclinical
20
Evidence Rating Low Evidence
Research Depth 2/5
Global Coverage 2/5
Mechanism Plausibility 3/5
Overall Score
2.5 /5

Synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 (Ac-SDKP). Similar evidence profile to BPC-157: primarily preclinical with some equine/veterinary use. Actin sequestration and angiogenesis mechanisms are proposed and supported by in vitro data. Limited human trial data.

Last reviewed February 2026 How we rate →
~
Evidence Level
moderate
Not approved for human use by any regulatory agency
Limited human clinical trial data
Consult a healthcare provider before use
Not FDA Approved WADA Prohibited

Research Dossier

01 / 7

Overview

What is TB-500 and what does the research say?

Identity
Also Known As
Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment • TB4-FRAG • TMSB4X
Type
Polypeptide (fragment of Tb4)
Length
43 amino acids
Weight
4,963 Da
Sequence
LKKTETQ
Molecular Structure
L
K
K
T
E
T
Q
Hydrophobic
Polar
Positive
Negative

Mechanism of Action

The proposed mechanisms are largely extrapolated from thymosin beta-4 research, not TB-500 specifically.

How It Works (Simplified)

TB-500 is a fragment of thymosin beta-4 that acts as a “repair signal” through several pathways:

1
Actin Sequestration

Binds G-actin to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics, making cells more flexible and able to move to injury sites.

2
Cell Migration

Promotes keratinocyte and fibroblast migration to wound sites, increasing re-epithelialization by 42-61% in animal models.

3
Cell Survival

Activates ILK-Akt pathway promoting cell survival, particularly cardioprotective in myocardial injury models.

4
Anti-Inflammation

Suppresses NF-kB and modulates microRNA-146a pathway, reducing excessive inflammatory responses and fibrosis.

Scientific Pathways

Actin-Binding Pathway (Cell Migration)

TB-500 (LKKTETQ motif) → G-actin binding → Prevents polymerization

                                       Cytoskeletal reorganization

                                       Enhanced cell migration

ILK-Akt Pathway (Cell Survival)

TB-500 → ILK activation → Akt phosphorylation → Bcl-2 → Cell survival

Key Research: Bock-Marquette et al. (Nature, 2004) demonstrated ILK-Akt activation in cardiac tissue. PMID:15565145

Important Limitations

  • All research is on parent compound (thymosin beta-4), not TB-500 specifically
  • TB-500 is a fragment that may not replicate full Tb4 effects
  • No human clinical trials have studied TB-500 directly
  • RGN-259 (full Tb4) Phase 3 trial for corneal healing failed primary endpoint in 2025
  • Translation from preclinical to human outcomes is unconfirmed

Evidence-Chained Benefits

Evidence-Chained Benefits

Research findings linked to mechanisms and clinical outcomes

Mechanism Actin sequestration promoting cytoskeletal reorganization and cell migration
Established 12 direct studies
Benefit shown to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Human
8 Animal
5 In Vitro
Mechanism ILK-Akt pathway activation promoting cell survival
Supported 6 direct studies
Benefit appears to provide cardioprotection after ischemic injury
Evidence Level
Moderate
1 Human
6 Animal
3 In Vitro
Mechanism Oligodendrogenesis promotion via neuronal progenitor stimulation
Supported 5 direct studies
Benefit may promote neuroregeneration after brain injury
Evidence Level
Low
5 Animal
2 In Vitro
Mechanism NF-kB suppression and microRNA-146a pathway modulation
Supported 4 direct studies
Benefit appears to reduce inflammation and tissue fibrosis
Evidence Level
Moderate
2 Human
4 Animal
3 In Vitro
Mechanism Confidence
Established
Supported
Emerging
Evidence Level
High
Moderate
Low
Very Low

What to Expect

Timeline based on observations from published studies. Individual responses may vary.

Based on parent compound (Thymosin Beta-4) research: Initial effects on cell migration and cytoskeletal remodeling may begin. Equine studies showed early anti-inflammatory response. No TB-500 specific human data exists.

Animal studies with Thymosin Beta-4 show wound healing improvements by 2-4 weeks. Corneal healing studies demonstrated accelerated epithelialization within this timeframe.

Preclinical cardiac models showed improved function by 4-8 weeks post-MI. Neurological studies indicated ongoing neuroregeneration and oligodendrogenesis in this period.

Long-term effects in animal models suggest sustained tissue repair. Phase 3 RGN-259 ophthalmology trials showed healing at 28 days for corneal conditions. Human timeline for TB-500 specifically is unknown.

Research-Based Observations

This timeline reflects observations from published clinical and preclinical studies. Individual responses may vary significantly. This is not a guarantee of effects or a dosing schedule. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance.

Quality Checklist

Visual indicators to help evaluate TB-500 product quality

Good Signs (6 indicators)
White to off-white lyophilized powder
Dissolves readily in bacteriostatic water without particulates
Clear solution after reconstitution
Certificate of analysis showing >97% purity
HPLC and mass spectrometry verification
Proper cold chain shipping and storage
Warning Signs (5 indicators)
Slight discoloration of powder (light cream color)
Longer dissolution time than expected
Powder appears clumped or partially melted
No third-party testing verification
Purity between 95-97%
Bad Signs (7 indicators)
Yellow or brown discoloration
Visible particles floating after reconstitution
Solution appears cloudy or hazy
Gel-like texture or incomplete dissolution
No certificate of analysis available
Unusual odor from the vial
Signs of prior tampering or broken seal
Positive quality indicator
Requires evaluation
Potential quality issue

For Research Evaluation Only

These quality indicators are general guidelines based on typical peptide characteristics. Professional laboratory testing (HPLC, mass spectrometry) provides definitive quality verification. This checklist is for initial visual evaluation only.

Peptide Interactions

Known and theoretical interactions when combining TB-500 with other peptides. Based on published research and mechanistic considerations.

Synergistic
Compatible
Caution
Avoid

Frequently combined for tissue repair research. TB-500's actin-sequestering and cell migration effects may complement BPC-157's cytoprotective and angiogenic pathways. No clinical combination studies exist.

Both promote wound healing through different mechanisms. TB-500 modulates actin dynamics while GHK-Cu activates copper-dependent signaling. Theoretically complementary.

Different thymosin family members with distinct functions. Thymosin Alpha-1 focuses on immune modulation while TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) targets tissue repair.

Non-overlapping mechanisms. GH secretagogues like ipamorelin may theoretically support tissue repair processes. No direct interaction data.

GHRH analog with different target system. May complement tissue repair through GH/IGF-1 pathway. No known contraindications.

Research Note: Interaction data is based on published literature, mechanistic understanding, and theoretical considerations. Most peptide combinations lack direct clinical study. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare providers.

References

Methodology Note

This dossier synthesizes available evidence from peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, and clinical trial registries. Evidence strength ratings follow a modified GRADE approach.

For complete methodology details, see our Methodology page.

Important Disclaimer

This dossier is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.

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