TB-500

From Retapedia, the free peptide encyclopedia
"TB-500" redirects here. For other uses, see TB-500 (disambiguation).
Medical disclaimer. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before considering any compound discussed below. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

TB-500 (also known as TB-500 or Thymosin Beta-4 or Tβ4) is a performance-enhancing peptide studied for its effects on healing, recovery, tissue repair. Synthetic thymosin beta-4 peptide for tissue repair, wound healing, and muscle recovery. Strong animal evidence, limited human data. Not FDA-approved.

TB-500 is a synthetic 43-amino acid peptide modeled after thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring protein found throughout the human body that plays critical roles in tissue regeneration, wound healing, and inflammation modulation. Its primary mechanism involves binding to actin, a protein essential for cell structure and movement, thereby promoting cell migration, angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and tissue remodeling. TB-500 has demonstrated significant potential in preclinical studies for accelerating soft tissue repair, enhancing wound closure, improving cardiovascular function post-injury, supporting muscle and tendon recovery, and promoting neuroregeneration.

Natty status
TB-500 is classified as not natty. It is prohibited by WADA and most natural bodybuilding federations. Use places the athlete in the enhanced category. See § Natty status.
Contents [hide]
  1. 1 Overview
  2. 2 Mechanism of action
  3. 3 Reported effects
  4. 4 Dosage and administration
  5. 5 Natty status
  6. 6 Research
  7. 7 Related compounds
  8. 8 References
  9. 9 External links

Overview

The peptide works by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines while promoting anti-inflammatory mediators, creating an optimal regenerative environment.

Research has shown benefits in cardiac protection following myocardial infarction, enhanced muscle fiber repair after strain or trauma, accelerated dermal and epithelial wound healing with reduced scarring, improved joint flexibility and tendon resilience, and potential neuroprotective effects in models of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury.

However, like BPC-157, TB-500 lacks substantial human clinical trial data and is not FDA-approved for therapeutic use.

It is classified as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and remains designated for research use only.

Quality control concerns exist as it is an unregulated compound in most jurisdictions.

While animal studies suggest it is generally well-tolerated, comprehensive human safety data is limited.

Mechanism of action

Speeds wound healing, muscle and tendon recovery. Reduces inflammation, improves joint mobility, minimizes scar tissue formation.

Reported effects

Effects reported in the literature and from preclinical models include:

  • TB-500 (thymosin beta-4 fragment) shows favorable tissue repair and musculoskeletal healing outcomes in animal models, supporting investigation for soft-tissue recovery in sports medicine. [1][2] Preclinical
  • As a tissue repair peptide targeting hallmarks of aging, TB-500 demonstrates promising preclinical and limited clinical evidence but lacks long-term human safety data and systematic clinical validation. [1] Preclinical
  • TB-500 is marketed in an unregulated gray market for accelerated injury recovery and performance enhancement, where rigorous human safety data are scarce and the placebo effect may mediate reported benefits. [2] Anecdotal

Evidence grades: FDA approved Phase III Phase II Phase I Preclinical Anecdotal

Dosage and administration

⚠
Dosage information is included for encyclopedic purposes only. Retapedia does not provide medical advice. See Retapedia : Medical disclaimer.

Subcutaneous

  • Loading Phase: 2-2.5mg twice weekly for 4-6 weeks
  • Maintenance: 2mg once weekly or 5mg every 2 weeks
  • Acute Injury: 2.5mg twice weekly for 2-4 weeks, then reduce

Can be combined with BPC

  • 157 for enhanced tissue repair

Typical cycle

  • 4-8 weeks loading, followed by maintenance or off-period

General

  • Inject subcutaneously in abdomen, thigh, or near injury site
  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water, store refrigerated 2-8°C
  • Use within 30 days after reconstitution

Natty status

See also: Peptide § Natty status

TB-500 is classified as not natty. It appears on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by major natural bodybuilding federations.[3] Use of this compound places the athlete in the enhanced category rather than the natural category in competitive contexts.

Research

1 active clinical trial on record — highest phase: Phase 2
View on ClinicalTrials.gov · fetched Jul 17, 2026

The peptide has been the subject of 4 studies and reference works collected on this site. The full bibliography is in § External links below.

Other peptides in this catalogue with overlapping mechanisms or status:

BPC-157 Not natty
Speeds healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and gut. Reduces inflammation and muscle soreness. Minimizes scar tissue formation.
ghk-cu Not natty
Copper-binding tripeptide that supports skin regeneration, collagen synthesis, wound healing, and hair growth, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Used topically in cosmetics; deeper effects remain investigational.
IGF-1 LR3 Not natty
Powerfully increases muscle growth, protein synthesis, and fat burning. Accelerates tissue repair and recovery. Risk of hypoglycemia.
Thymosin α-1 Natty
Sharpens adaptive immunity by driving T-cell maturation and dendritic cell activity. Approved abroad as Zadaxin for chronic hepatitis B and as a vaccine adjuvant. Subcutaneous injection.

References

  1. a b Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging. Recent review
  2. a b Safety and Efficacy of Approved and Unapproved Peptide Therapies for Musculoskeletal Injuries and Athletic Performance. Recent review
  3. a b World Anti-Doping Agency. (2026). Prohibited List 2026.

External links

Categories: Peptides | Performance-enhancing substances | Healing | Recovery | Tissue repair | Anti-inflammatory

This page was last updated on July 17, 2026, at 16:25 (UTC).

Research last reviewed on July 17, 2026.

Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply.