TB-500

Product Details

1. Chemical Identity and Properties
2. Primary Uses and Effects
3. Notable Scientific Studies
4. Emerging and Future Research Directions
5. Sources
6. Disclaimer

1. Chemical Identity and Properties

1. CAS Number: 885340-08-9
2. Molecular Formula: C₃₈H₆₈N₁₀O₁₄
3. Molar Mass: ~889.0 g/mol
4. Synonyms: Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment 17–23, Ac-LKKTETQ, TB4 Fragment
5. Sequence: Ac-Lys-Lys-Val-Thr-Glu-Thr-Gln
6. PubChem CID: 62707662

2. Primary Uses and Effects

Tissue Repair and Regeneration

TB-500 is studied for its ability to enhance the body’s natural repair processes. It works by promoting cell migration, particularly of keratinocytes, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts — the cells responsible for skin regeneration, new blood vessel formation, and structural support. These effects are largely attributed to TB-500’s actin-binding sequence, which allows it to influence cytoskeletal organization, a key driver in wound healing².

Inflammation Modulation

Research suggests that TB-500 may reduce excessive inflammation at injury sites by downregulating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers³. This helps create a more favorable environment for healing, limiting the formation of fibrotic tissue (scarring) while supporting regeneration.

Angiogenesis and Blood Flow

TB-500 also promotes angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels⁴. This process improves oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged tissues — particularly important in injuries where circulation is compromised. Improved vascularization can enhance tissue recovery in muscles, ligaments, and the heart.

Actin Regulation

One of TB-500’s most significant mechanisms is its effect on G-actin, a protein involved in cell shape and movement. By binding to G-actin and facilitating polymerization into F-actin, TB-500 plays a direct role in cytoskeletal remodeling, which is essential for cell migration, wound closure, and structural repair⁵.

3. Notable Scientific Studies

Accelerated Wound Healing in Diabetic and Aged Models

A study published in Wound Repair and Regeneration showed that both full-length thymosin beta-4 and a 7-amino acid fragment (TB-500) significantly improved wound closure in diabetic and aged mice⁶. The treated wounds showed increased collagen deposition, faster epithelialization, and more organized tissue regeneration — even in animals with impaired healing ability.

Ligament and Tendon Recovery in Rats

Research published in Regulatory Peptides found that TB-500 promoted healing in rat medial collateral ligaments. Treated tissues had better collagen alignment, increased tensile strength, and more uniform healing compared to controls⁷. These findings support TB-500’s potential role in orthopedic and sports injury recovery.

Cardiac Repair After Myocardial Infarction

In a landmark study on cardiac regeneration, thymosin beta-4 was shown to activate cardiac progenitor cells and stimulate new blood vessel growth following heart attack. Treated mice had less scar tissue and improved heart function. Because TB-500 contains the same actin-binding motif, it is being explored as a cardioprotective agent with potential to promote heart tissue repair⁸.

Chronic Wound Healing in Humans

Clinical trials examining thymosin beta-4 in patients with venous leg ulcers and pressure ulcers reported faster healing in patients who responded to treatment⁹. Although these studies focused on the full-length molecule, TB-500 — as its active fragment — is under investigation for similar effects in research settings.

4. Emerging and Future Research Directions

Sports and Orthopedic Applications

TB-500 continues to be explored for muscle, ligament, and tendon recovery in performance settings. Researchers are evaluating whether TB-500 can reduce recovery times and improve structural healing in strains, sprains, and overuse injuries, especially where surgery or rest alone may be insufficient.

Cardiac Regeneration

Based on positive animal data, TB-500 is being investigated for use in post-infarction cardiac therapy. Future research may explore its application alongside stem cell therapies or regenerative scaffolds to help restore damaged heart tissue and reduce long-term cardiac scarring.

Ophthalmology and Corneal Healing

TB-500 is under research for corneal healing in eye injuries, such as abrasions, burns, or dry eye syndrome. Its ability to stimulate epithelial migration and reduce inflammation without inducing neovascularization is being evaluated for topical use in ophthalmic therapies¹⁰.

Anti-Fibrotic and Organ Regeneration Research

Preclinical studies suggest that TB-500 may reduce fibrosis in liver and lung tissue and support nerve regeneration in models of spinal cord injury and peripheral nerve damage¹¹. These areas are of growing interest for its potential to restore function in chronic degenerative conditions.

5. Sources

1. Sosne G, et al. Biological activities of thymosin beta4 defined by active sites in short peptide sequences. FASEB J. 2010;24(7):2144-2151.
2. Goldstein AL, et al. Thymosin beta4 and actin-binding in wound healing. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007;1112:61–67.
3. Philp D, et al. Thymosin beta4 and synthetic fragments accelerate dermal repair in diabetic mice and aged models. Wound Repair Regen. 2003;11(1):19–24.
4. Malinda KM, et al. Thymosin beta4 promotes endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis. J Cell Sci. 1999;112(24):4041–4051.
5. Huff T, et al. Thymosin beta4 is a major G-actin-sequestering peptide in human cells. Nature. 2001;414(6860):488–492.
6. Philp D, et al. Actin-sequestering peptide TB-500 restores wound healing in diabetic mice. Wound Repair Regen. 2003;11(1):19–24.
7. Xu B, et al. Thymosin beta4 enhances ligament healing in a rat MCL model. Regul Pept. 2013;184:1–5.
8. Bock-Marquette I, et al. Thymosin beta4 activates epicardial progenitor cells and promotes cardiac repair. Nature. 2004;432(7016):466–472.
9. Treadwell T, et al. Thymosin beta4 accelerates dermal healing in chronic wound patients. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012;1270:37–44.
10. Sosne G, et al. Thymosin beta4 promotes corneal wound healing. Exp Eye Res. 2002;74(2):293–299.
11. Xiong Y, et al. Thymosin beta4 promotes recovery after spinal cord injury in rats. J Neurosci Res. 2012;90(4):831–840.

6. Disclaimer

TB-500 is for research use only. It is not approved by the FDA or any regulatory agency for human or veterinary use, consumption, or therapeutic applications of any kind. By purchasing this product, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.