TB-500: research protocol, dosing & reconstitution
Also known as: Thymosin Beta-4 fragment
Quick answer
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a synthetic version of the active region of Thymosin Beta-4, a protein involved in cell movement and repair throughout the body. Researchers study it for tissue repair, flexibility, and blood-vessel growth, often alongside BPC-157.
What TB-500 is
TB-500 is a lab-made peptide reproducing the actin-binding segment of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring protein present in nearly all human and animal cells. Tβ4 plays a central role in how cells migrate to injury sites.
Research vialsVialThe small sealed glass container peptides are supplied in, topped with a rubber septum that a syringe needle can pass through.See glossary → are commonly 2 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg of lyophilizedLyophilizedFreeze-dried. Peptides are shipped as a lyophilized powder ('puck') because the dry form is far more stable than a solution. It must be reconstituted before use in research.See glossary → powder.
Mechanism of action
Thymosin Beta-4 binds actin, the structural protein cells use to move. By regulating actin, Tβ4 promotes cell migration toward injury, new blood-vessel formation, and reduced inflammation. A 1999 study reported that Thymosin Beta-4 accelerated wound healing in animal models [1].
TB-500's systemic action distinguishes it from more locally acting repair peptides — one reason recovery research frequently pairs the two approaches [2].
What researchers study TB-500 for
- Soft-tissue and muscle repair in animal models
- Wound healing and angiogenesis
- Inflammation modulation
- Cardiac tissue protection (preclinical)
What dose of TB-500 do researchers use?
Research literature commonly references doses of 2–2.5 mg, 1–2x per week (loading), then weekly maintenance. This is not a recommendation — the table below summarizes protocols as they appear in published literature and trial designs.
| Context | Dose | Frequency | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading phase (literature reference) | 2–2.5 mg | 1–2× per week | 4–6 weeks |
| Maintenance phase | 2–2.5 mg | Once weekly or bi-weekly | As referenced in protocols |
← Swipe to see the full table
Half-life and dosing timing
Half-life: Longer-acting than BPC-157. Route referenced in research: Subcutaneous / intramuscular (research). TB-500 is longer-acting than BPC-157, so research protocols reference infrequent dosing — typically once or twice weekly rather than daily.
Titration: start low, go slow
Protocols typically begin with a single weekly administration in the loading range and only add a second weekly dose after tolerance is established.
Skip the TB-500 math
Enter vial size, water volume, and target dose — the free calculator returns concentration, injection volume, and exact U-100 syringe units.
How is TB-500 reconstituted?
| Vial size | BAC water | Concentration | Worked example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 mg | 1 mL | 5 mg/mL | 2.5 mg = 0.5 mL = 50 units on a U-100 syringe |
| 10 mg | 2 mL | 5 mg/mL | 2 mg = 0.4 mL = 40 units on a U-100 syringe |
Add 1 mL of bacteriostatic waterBAC water (bacteriostatic water)Sterile water containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, which suppresses bacterial growth. It is the standard diluent used to reconstitute lyophilized peptides for multi-dose research vials.See glossary → to a 5 mg vial: concentration is 5 mg/mL. A 2.5 mg dose is half the vial — 0.5 mL, or 50 units on a U-100 syringeU-100 syringeAn insulin syringe calibrated so that 100 units equal 1 mL. The standard syringe referenced in peptide research; each unit equals 0.01 mL.See glossary →.
New to the process? Read the full step-by-step reconstitution guide.
How long does reconstituted TB-500 last?
Lyophilized: refrigerated, stable roughly 18–24 months (2+ years frozen). ReconstitutedReconstitutionThe process of mixing a freeze-dried (lyophilized) peptide powder with bacteriostatic water to create a solution of known concentration.See glossary →: refrigerate; commonly referenced as stable for about 60 days. Protect from light.
What is TB-500 stacked with in research?
Paired with BPC-157 in the 'Wolverine stackPeptide stackTwo or more peptides used together in a research protocol because their mechanisms are complementary — for example, BPC-157 with TB-500.See glossary →' for recovery research — TB-500 for systemic cell migration, BPC-157 for local repair signaling.
Side effects observed in research
Commonly reported: transient fatigue or a brief 'head-rush' after administration, and injection-site irritation. Human clinical data is minimal.
- Fatigue/head-rush after dosing
- Injection-site irritation
Frequently asked questions
What dose of TB-500 do researchers use?
Research protocols commonly reference 2–2.5 mg once or twice weekly during a loading phase of 4–6 weeks, then weekly or bi-weekly maintenance. This is a description of literature, not a recommendation.
How is TB-500 different from BPC-157?
TB-500 acts systemically through actin regulation and cell migration; BPC-157 is studied mostly for local repair and gut healing. Their half-lives also differ — TB-500 is dosed weekly, BPC-157 daily.
Is TB-500 the same as Thymosin Beta-4?
Not exactly. TB-500 is a synthetic fragment reproducing the active actin-binding region of Thymosin Beta-4, not the full protein.
How long does reconstituted TB-500 last?
Refrigerated at 2–8°C after reconstitution with bacteriostatic water, roughly 60 days is commonly referenced.
Related research peptides
BPC-157
A synthetic peptide fragment studied for tissue repair, tendon/ligament and gut healing in animal research.
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Growth Hormone SecretagogueIpamorelin
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