Compound profile
TB-500
Also known as Thymosin beta-4 fragment
Last reviewed October 2026
Educational only. A summary of published research, not medical advice or a recommendation. No doses are listed.
Quick take
A synthetic peptide based on the active region of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein involved in cell movement and wound repair.
- Class
- Tissue-repair peptides
- Status
- Not approved
- Evidence
- Mostly animal & lab studies
- Half-life
- Not well documented
Mechanism fingerprint
What it acts on, and how. Each chip links to that pathway on the map.
Thymosin beta-4 binds actin, a structural protein inside cells, and has been studied in animals for wound, heart and eye repair.
What makes it different
Based on thymosin beta-4, which binds actin inside cells; studied in animals for wound, heart and eye repair.
Compare side by side
Mechanism & pathways
-
Binds
Actin
through thymosin beta-4
A structural protein inside cells that lets them change shape and move, which matters for wound repair.
Evidence overview
Mostly animal & lab studies
Research on TB-500 itself is mostly in animals. Human trials have used full-length thymosin beta-4, not TB-500.
A breakdown into human, animal and cell studies hasn't been added for this compound yet.
Why it's used
Used in the hope of faster recovery from injuries, based on animal and lab studies of thymosin beta-4.
Side effects & risks
Reported side effects
- Not well characterized in humans
Risks and warnings
- Long-term safety unknown
- Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
FAQ
Short answers taken from this profile.
What is TB-500?
A synthetic peptide based on the active region of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein involved in cell movement and wound repair.
How does TB-500 work?
Thymosin beta-4 binds actin, a structural protein inside cells, and has been studied in animals for wound, heart and eye repair.
What receptors or pathways does TB-500 act on?
actin (binds; through thymosin beta-4).
How is TB-500 different from similar compounds?
Based on thymosin beta-4, which binds actin inside cells; studied in animals for wound, heart and eye repair.
Is TB-500 approved?
Not approved for human use.
What has TB-500 been studied for?
Used in the hope of faster recovery from injuries, based on animal and lab studies of thymosin beta-4.
How strong is the evidence?
Mostly animal & lab studies. Research on TB-500 itself is mostly in animals. Human trials have used full-length thymosin beta-4, not TB-500.
What are the main risks?
Long-term safety unknown. Prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Products sold as “research use only” are not quality-controlled medicines; purity, sterility and labeled amount are not verified.
Sources
- Goldstein AL et al. Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012.