TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Synthetic peptide fragment (actin-binding)
Also known as: Thymosin Beta-4, TB4
A synthetic version of a naturally occurring peptide involved in cell migration and tissue repair, promoted for injury recovery. Human data are early-stage.
Preclinical repair data are promising; early human trials exist for specific indications (e.g., dry eye, cardiac), but sports-recovery claims are unproven.
Primarily animal, in vitro, or anecdotal evidence.
Intended use
Used off-label/research for wound healing, soft-tissue injury, and cardiovascular repair.
Mechanism of action
Regulates actin polymerization, promoting cell migration, angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation at injury sites.
Reported benefits
Wound healing
Promotes cell migration and angiogenesis in preclinical models.
Cardiac repair
Early cardiac-repair investigation after myocardial injury in animals.
Anti-inflammatory
Reduces inflammatory signaling in injury models.
Risks & side effects
Theoretical tumor risk
moderate riskPro-angiogenic and pro-migratory effects raise theoretical cancer concerns.
Unknown human dosing
moderate riskNo established safe human dose for recovery use.
Unregulated supply
high riskSold as a research chemical with variable purity.
Research & citations
Studies are ordered by design strength. Dots indicate the rigor of each study type — meta-analyses and double-blind RCTs rank highest, case reports and in vitro work lowest.
- Thymosin beta-4 for neurotrophic keratopathy
Improved corneal healing in a specific ophthalmic indication.
Clinical Ophthalmology · 2018 · n = ~72
Double-blind RCT - Thymosin beta-4 in tissue repair and regeneration
Enhanced repair and angiogenesis across multiple tissue models.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2012 · n = Rodent / cardiac models
Animal / Preclinical
Legal status by region
Regulatory status varies widely and changes often. Verify against current local law before acting.
| Region | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Research only | Not approved for human therapeutic use. |
| Global (sport) | Banned | Prohibited by WADA (S2 category). |
| Australia | Banned | Restricted / prohibited for general supply. |
Sourcing & prescribing
Where a compound can legally be obtained, and who is able to prescribe it.
- Gray area
Research-chemical vendors
'Research use only' labeling.
- Gray area
Recovery / regenerative clinics
Occasionally offered off-label.
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