TB-500

Four things to know · April 15, 2026

All compounds

TB-500

Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment

TB-500 is a synthetic version of the active region of thymosin beta-4, a repair protein your body produces naturally.

4 studies cited

Noticed in days · Full benefit in weeks

Week 1-2

Typically reduced inflammation and improved tissue sensation

Week 2-4

Healing rate and tissue quality typically accelerate

Week 4-8

Full tissue repair and regenerative benefits are commonly reached

Week 6-12

Continued improvement in tissue strength and function typically observed

TB-500 is a synthetic version of the active region of thymosin beta-4, a repair protein your body produces naturally. It was originally studied in racehorses (where it became famous for tendon recovery), and has since moved into human research for whole-body tissue repair. The fragment is more stable than the full protein, which makes it practical for consistent dosing. Prohibited by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency, which governs drug testing in competitive sports).

HOW IT WORKS

How it works

TB-500 spreads through the body and works systemically, unlike BPC-157, which concentrates near the injection site. It tells repair cells where to go by regulating cell migration, builds new blood vessels to bring nutrients to damaged areas, calms inflammation, and activates stem cells to speed up the rebuilding process. That systemic reach is why people often explore it alongside BPC-157: one works everywhere, the other works locally.

BEST FOR

Key benefits

What it’s been studied for:

  • Works systemically, reaching muscles, tendons, ligaments, and organs throughout the body
  • Directs repair cells to where they are needed most
  • Builds new blood vessels to support healing
  • Activates stem cell differentiation for faster recovery
  • Reduces inflammation broadly, not just at one site
REGULATORY STATUS

Regulatory status

Category 2. The FDA's pharmacy compounding advisory committee is scheduled to review TB-500 on July 23, 2026, for potential addition to the 503A bulks list. The use under review: wound healing. Prohibited by WADA under S2.3 since 2011, with a 4-year ban for athletes testing positive.

Journal · July 2026 PCAC

What the peptide panel is really voting on →

DOSING

Protocols

ProtocolDoseFrequency
General tissue repair2-3mg2x weekly
Serious injury recovery4-5mg3x weekly
Athletic enhancement2-3mg2x weekly
Chronic conditions3-4mg2-3x weekly
Maintenance2mg1-2x weekly
Post-surgical recovery3-5mg3x weekly

Protocols are from published research literature. This is not medical advice. Dosing should be determined by a licensed clinician.

What people report

Week 1-2

Typically reduced inflammation and improved tissue sensation

Week 2-4

Healing rate and tissue quality typically accelerate

Week 4-8

Full tissue repair and regenerative benefits are commonly reached

Week 6-12

Continued improvement in tissue strength and function typically observed

What to know

  • Prohibited by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). Not cleared for competitive sports
  • Avoid during active cancer treatment. TB-500's growth-promoting effects could support tumor progression
  • Mild injection site reactions are common and resolve on their own
  • If you take immunosuppressive medications, talk to your clinician first
  • Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding

KEY RESEARCH · 4 PAPERS CITED

Zhu J et al.

Cytotherapy

2016

Read paper →

Spurney CF et al.

PLoS ONE

2010

Read paper →

Sosne G et al.

Clinical Ophthalmology

2015

Read paper →

Treadwell T et al.

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences

2012

Read paper →

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