The Ultimate TB-500 Healing Peptide Guide

Overview

Chemical Names

Thymosin beta-4, TB-500, Timbetasin

PubChem ID: 16132341

Chemical Structure

N-acetyl-L-seryl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-lysyl-L-prolyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-methionyl-L-alanyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-isoleucyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-lysyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-alpha-aspartyl-L-lysyl-L-seryl-L-lysyl-L-leucyl-L-lysyl-L-lysyl-L-threonyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-threonyl-L-glutaminyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-lysyl-L-asparagyl-L-prolyl-L-leucyl-L-prolyl-L-seryl-L-lysyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-threonyl-L-isoleucyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-glutaminyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-lysyl-L-glutaminyl-L-alanyl-glycyl-L-alpha-glutamyl-L-serine

Research Applications

• Injury healing 

• Inflammation management

• Pain management

• Tissue and Organ Repair

• Anti-aging 

What is TB-500?

TB-500, also known as Thymosin-Beta-4 (Tβ4), is a naturally occurring peptide that plays a role in a wide array of healing processes You can think of it as the human body’s regenerative Swiss army knife.  It acts as a binding protein and regulatory switch for a variety of genes involved in tissue repair and immune responses. 

Current research shows potential in repairing and protecting numerous organs, including the heart, skin, muscles, stomach, intestines, bones, brain, eyes, pancreas, liver, and kidneys. It’s been studied for its potential in injury healing, regrowing hair, promoting bone and muscle recovery, and potentially assisting with transplant acceptance. Sources: [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Despite being a bioidentical peptide, TB-500 (and its fragments) is banned by WADA and HISA (the horse racing equivalent of WADA) and is not FDA-approved, so it’s safe to assume TB-500 is some good shit. 

TB-500 History

The class of peptides known as “thymosins” was discovered by Allan L. Goldstein and his team at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research sometime in the '60s, while studying immunology.  In the 70s, TB-500 was discovered as having anti-inflammatory properties, and in the decades to come, more evidence on its role in tissue repair and angiogenesis would surface. 

By 2010 there was already talk of it being used by elite athletes and underground biohackers, and in 2013, it was made available on research chemical websites. That’s when the reports of seemingly impossible healing outcomes started flooding the bodybuilding and biohacking forums. 

Within the last 5 years alternative medicine clinics began prescribing TB-50, and reports from patients are now confirming the wide range of therapeutic benefits TB-500 offers.

Mechanisms of Action

What sets TB-500 apart is its ability to promote tissue healing and regulate inflammation through multiple pathways. 

Actin-Binding: Actin is a protein found in all cells that gives cells their structure and allows them to move. TB-500 acts as an actin-binding protein. It sequesters monomeric actin (G-actin), preventing it from forming filaments (F-actin) until needed. This regulation of actin dynamics is essential for controlling cell shape, motility, and migration, which is particularly important in processes like wound healing, tissue regeneration, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). [Source]

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2): Enhances the secretion of VEGF and FGF-2, which are essential growth factors in the process of angiogenesis and contribute to tissue repair mechanisms, in skin and corneal wound models. [Source] 

ILK (Integrin-linked kinase): Activates integrin-linked kinase and promotes cardiac cell migration, survival, and cardiac repair after myocardial infarction. [Source]

MMP-2 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-2): Increases the expression and activity of MMP-2, degrading the extracellular matrix during wound healing and tissue remodeling. The upregulation of MMP-2 helps promote cellular migration and tissue regeneration.[Source] 

Reduction of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines: Reduces NF-KB signaling, a key pathway involved in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. [Source] 

Increase in Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Expression (IL-10): Enhances expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in macrophages. IL-10 is known for its ability to reduce inflammatory responses.

Stem Cell Activation: Mobilizes epicardial progenitor cells in the heart, leading to cardiac tissue regeneration and repair after a heart attack.  [Source] 

Increases MMP Activity, Aiding in Tissue Repair, and Limiting Fibrosis (Scar tissue formation): Degrades excess ECM components and prevents fibrosis during tissue repair. [Source]

Anti-Apoptosis: Enhances cell survival by upregulating Bcl-2 and inhibiting caspase-3 activation, preventing cell death during ischemic injury. [Source]

Notable Benefits in Research

Ligaments & Connective Tissue

Thymosin 4 administration improves ligament repair after MCL injury in rats, promoting better healing and biomechanical properties. [Source]

Heart

Promotes cardiac repair after myocardial infarction (heart attack) by mobilizing cardiac progenitor cells, reducing apoptosis, and promoting angiogenesis in damaged heart tissue. [Source]

Liver

Reduces liver fibrosis, and enhances regeneration of hepatic stellate cells in models of liver injury. [Source]

Skin

Promotes dermal wound healing by increasing gene expression of extracellular matrix molecules and angiogenic factors. [Source]

Eyes

Accelerates corneal healing and reduces inflammation in models of corneal epithelial injury. [Source]

Notable Human Trials

While most research is pre-clinical, a few human trials have been conducted:

A 2010 clinical trial on venous ulcers found that synthetic thymosin-beta 4 increased wound healing rates, with 25% of patients achieving full healing within 3 months.

Another clinical trial investigating thymosin-beta 4 eye drops for severe dry eye showed a 35% reduction in eye discomfort and improved tear production after 56 days of treatment.

Safety assessments and exploratory studies on cardiac function have also been initiated in healthy adults.

UM’s Personal Experience

I’ve given TB-500 alongside BPC-157, a few trials now.  I see T-500 as a valuable tool in scenarios where inflammation is causing excess pain, reduced range of motion, delayed healing, and excess scar tissue formation.

I used it for a mild rotator cuff tear and tendinitis and noticed immediate pain relief, and expedited healing. 

Where it really shined was in my recent diagnosis of calcified tendinitis(resoprtive phase) of the supraspinatus and burisitis. That whole area was inflammed I ended up having virtually zero range of motion in my left arm. The pain was a solid 9/10. Seriously, wouldn’t wish that on my worst enemy.

The first week I was waiting for my TB-500 to arrive, I was in bed with max pain, and struggled to even shower or get dressed despite taking multiple prescription grade painkillers and corticosteriods.  

When the TB-500 arrived, I immediately injected 2.5mg at the site of the injury and with in 24 hours my pain went down to a managegeable level and I instantly gained about 50% range of motion. I continued to shock the Orthopoedic surgeon and physical therapist with my progress that was “3x faster than expected”. 10 weeks later, I’m back in the gym, which is quite incredible given I was told I’d be out for 6-9 months initially.  

TB-500 Dosing

As TB-500 is not approved for human use, no official dosing guidelines exist. However, based on existing research protocols, the most common dosing range is between 2-5 mg, administered twice weekly for 4-8 weeks depending on the objective. 

Some clinicians prefer a higher starting dose for the first 1-2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose, half of the initial dose for weeks 2-6. Beginning with the lower end of the dosage range is advisable, with careful monitoring and adjustment as needed.

Ideal Peptide Combos for Synergistic Healing

• BPC-157 - Upregulates VEGF, increases collagen synthesis, modulates NO pathways and inflammatory cytokines

• GHK-CU - Promotes the production of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, modulates inflammatory cytokines, attenuates oxidative stress

• Tesamorelin - stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), which increases IGF-1

• CJC-1925 - stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone (GH), which increases IGF-1

UM’s Personal Healing Protocol:

• 2.5mg TB-500 every 3 days

• 500mcg injectable BPC-157 daily or 1000mcg oral BPC-157 4x per day

• 2mg injectable GHK-CU Per Day

• 3iu HGH per day or 2mg Tesamorelin and 100mcg CJC-1295 before bed

Side effects / Risks

Animal studies on TB-500 have demonstrated a promising safety profile. No severe adverse effects were reported in animal subjects. While human use is extensive in sports, performance medicine, anti-aging clinics, and biohacking circles and the anecdotal evidence suggests TB-500 is generally well tolerated, no formal studies have been conducted to establish longterm safety.

Reported Side Effects

• Redness, mild pain, or mild swelling at the injection site

• Fatigue

• Dizziness and lightheadedness

Theoretical Concerns:

Given that TB-500 acts as an immunomodulator, there is somewhat of a concern that long-term or excessive use could suppress or alter immune function. This is only theoretical though as no cases have been reported as of the time writing this.

Best Source for TB-500

The majority of the peptide and research chemical companies out there are shady. Unfortunately, importing pre-manufactured products from Chinese vendors with little to no quality control, undesirable fillers and byproducts, lack of transparency/testing, and poor customer service is the industry standard. That’s why Limitless Biotech is my go-to source for peptides and research compounds:

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Disclaimer: The content of this guide is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is based on personal experiences and research and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific treatment plan, product, or course of action. BowTied Biohacker is not a licensed medical professional, and his insights are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Before making any changes to your medication regimen, starting new supplements, or experimenting with any drugs, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Compounds in this post may be available for purchase for research purposes only. We do not condone the human use of research chemicals.This article may contains affiliate and coupon codes. We receive a commission on the links with referral codes and purchases made with coupon codes. Proceeds support the creation of new content.

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