TB-500 is a research peptide studied for its role in recovery & healing research. This page covers its mechanism of action, published research, preclinical protocols, and analytical specifications for researchers.
-20°C (lyophilized); 4°C after reconstitution, use within 28 days
Reconstitution
Add 2ml bacteriostatic water per 10mg vial. Inject slowly along vial wall, swirl gently to dissolve.
Mechanism of Action
TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino acid protein found in virtually all human and animal cells. TB-500 corresponds specifically to the actin-binding domain of Tβ4 (amino acids 17–23), which is considered the region responsible for most of its biological activity.
Actin Sequestration and Cell Motility: Thymosin Beta-4’s primary known function is G-actin sequestration — binding to monomeric actin to regulate its availability for polymerization into filamentous actin (F-actin). This regulation of actin dynamics governs cell shape, motility, and division, which are fundamental to wound healing and tissue regeneration processes.
Angiogenesis Promotion: TB-500/Tβ4 has been shown in preclinical research to promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) through upregulation of VEGF and matrix metalloproteinase activity. Improved vascularization is a key factor in tissue repair research models.
Anti-inflammatory Activity: Research has documented Tβ4’s ability to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines including NF-κB pathway components, suggesting a modulatory role in inflammatory tissue environments.
Stem Cell Recruitment: Studies in cardiac tissue models have proposed that Tβ4 can activate and recruit epicardial progenitor cells, a finding that has driven interest in its potential applications in cardiac repair research.
Research Applications
Skeletal Muscle Repair: Published studies in rodent muscle injury models have documented TB-500/Tβ4’s effects on satellite cell activation, myoblast migration, and accelerated muscle fiber regeneration.
Cardiac Tissue Research: A prominent body of research from the Smart laboratory has examined Tβ4’s role in cardiac progenitor cell activation, positioning it as a research candidate for myocardial repair models.
Tendon and Connective Tissue: Tendon healing models have shown improved collagen deposition and fibroblast organization with Tβ4/TB-500 administration compared to controls.
Wound Healing and Dermal Repair: Dermal wound models have consistently documented accelerated re-epithelialization and reduced scarring markers with Tβ4, establishing one of the stronger preclinical evidence bases in this research area.
Ocular Surface Research: TB-500/Tβ4 has been studied in corneal injury models, with findings suggesting promotion of corneal epithelial migration and reduced inflammation — a research application supported by the FDA-approved orphan drug designation for Tβ4 in neurotrophic keratopathy.
Key Published Research
The following publications represent primary research relevant to TB-500. Full citations are available via PubMed. QSC does not endorse or make claims based on this research.
Landmark study demonstrating Tβ4’s ability to activate dormant epicardial progenitor cells and promote cardiac vessel formation in adult mice.
Sopko et al. (2011)
“Thymosin Beta-4 is an Endogenous Protective Agent in Experimental Autoimmune Myocarditis” — JACC
Documents Tβ4’s cardioprotective effects in an inflammatory cardiac injury model, including reduced fibrosis and improved cardiac function markers.
Philp et al. (2004)
“Thymosin Beta-4 and a Synthetic Peptide Containing its Actin-Binding Domain Promote Dermal Wound Repair” — Journal of Investigative Dermatology
Characterizes TB-500 (the actin-binding fragment) specifically and demonstrates its equivalent wound-healing activity to full-length Tβ4 in dermal models.
Goldstein & Kleinman (2015)
“Advances in Thymosin Beta-4 Drug Development” — Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
Reviews the translational research landscape for Tβ4-based therapeutics and the evidence base supporting ongoing clinical investigation.
Research Protocol Reference
The following parameters reflect methodology used in published preclinical animal research only. They are provided for informational context regarding study design and do not constitute dosing guidance for human use.
Model / Context
Dose Range
Route
Protocol Notes
Rodent Muscle Injury
5–20 mg/kg
Subcutaneous or intraperitoneal
Typically administered post-injury, with study durations of 7–28 days depending on model
Rodent Cardiac Model
150–1500 μg/kg
Intraperitoneal
Varies substantially by model; some protocols use pre-treatment, others post-injury administration
Rodent Wound Model
25–100 μg/wound
Topical or subcutaneous local
Applied at wound site in dermal healing studies; frequency varies by study design
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide corresponding to the actin-binding domain (amino acids 17–23) of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring protein involved in actin regulation, cell motility, and tissue repair. It is studied in preclinical research for its apparent effects on muscle, tendon, cardiac, and dermal repair.
Is TB-500 the same as Thymosin Beta-4?
TB-500 is a fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), not the full protein. It corresponds to the 43-amino acid Tβ4’s actin-binding domain, which is considered the primary bioactive region. Research has shown comparable activity between TB-500 and full-length Tβ4 in several preclinical models.
What is the difference between TB-500 and BPC-157?
TB-500 and BPC-157 are entirely different peptides with distinct sequences, origins, and mechanisms. TB-500 is derived from Thymosin Beta-4 (a thymic protein), while BPC-157 is derived from gastric juice protein. They act through different pathways and have been studied in both overlapping and distinct research applications.
How should TB-500 be stored?
Lyophilized TB-500 should be stored at -20°C, protected from moisture and light. After reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, store at 4°C and use within 28 days. Avoid freeze-thaw cycles.
What purity is QSC TB-500?
QSC TB-500 is verified at ≥99% purity by HPLC and mass spectrometry. A Certificate of Analysis is published on the product page and verifiable via the Janoshik independent testing portal.
Research Use Only: All products sold on qsc-usa.com are intended strictly for laboratory research purposes only. They are not approved for human consumption, veterinary use, or any other application. Researchers are responsible for understanding and complying with local regulations governing research chemicals in their jurisdiction.
