TB-500
A synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4 studied in animals for wound healing, cardiac repair, and tissue regeneration.
In plain English
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide closely related to thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring protein involved in cell migration and tissue repair. In animal models — including rodents and horses — TB-500 and full-length Tβ4 have been associated with faster wound closure, improved cardiac repair after injury, and modulation of inflammation. Despite heavy use in equine sports and recovery circles, TB-500 has no published large human trials and is not FDA-approved. It is explicitly banned by WADA. People commonly research TB-500 for soft-tissue and tendon injury recovery and general repair, but the human evidence is almost entirely absent.
What it is
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on a region of thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid actin-binding protein abundant in tissues including platelets and wound fluid.
Mechanism (summary)
Thymosin beta-4 binds G-actin, modulating cytoskeletal dynamics, cell migration, angiogenesis, and inflammation. TB-500 is thought to share some of these activities, particularly relating to wound healing and cardiac repair signaling.
Why people research it
- Wound healing in animal injury models
- Cardiac repair after experimental infarction
- Tendon and ligament repair in horses
- Corneal wound healing
Human evidence
Full-length thymosin beta-4 (RGN-259, TB4) has been studied in small human trials for dry eye and corneal ulcer, but TB-500 specifically lacks published, peer-reviewed RCTs for the soft-tissue or recovery uses for which it is commonly marketed.
Animal / lab evidence
Animal data, mainly in rodents and horses, suggest improved wound closure, modulation of inflammation, and protective effects after cardiac injury.
Key studies
Each summary explains the design, what was found, and what it doesn't prove.
In animals with experimentally damaged hearts, thymosin beta-4 helped protect heart cells and improve recovery.
In a dish, Tβ4 made the cells that line blood vessels move around — a behavior linked to growing new vessels during healing.
An eye-drop version of the parent protein helped dry-eye symptoms in a small trial — but this isn't the same as the injected TB-500 used in recovery circles.
History
TB-500 was popularized in the late 2000s in equine veterinary use and recovery communities. Full-length Tβ4 has been the subject of clinical trials in eye and skin conditions but TB-500 specifically has not.
PeptidePedia is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not sell peptides, prescribe peptides, provide medical advice, or recommend treatment. Peptides may not be approved for human use except in specific legal prescription or clinical contexts. Always consult a licensed medical professional before making health decisions.
Related peptides
A 15-amino-acid fragment derived from a stomach-protecting protein, widely studied in rodents for gut, tendon, and ligament repair.
A naturally occurring copper-binding tripeptide widely used in cosmetics and studied for skin remodeling and wound healing.
A 28-amino-acid immunomodulatory peptide approved in many countries (as Zadaxin) for hepatitis B and as an adjunct in cancer and infection.