TB-500

TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment) is a synthetic analogue of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide found in virtually all human and animal cells. TB-500 represents a specific active region of the parent molecule, optimized for research applications.

This peptide has attracted significant research interest for its potential in wound healing, tissue regeneration, and anti-inflammatory effects. Its mechanism centers on the regulation of actin, a cell-building protein essential for tissue repair, cell migration, and blood vessel formation.

Fun Facts & History

• Racehorse Scandal: TB-500 became famous (and controversial) in horse racing when it was found being used to heal injured racehorses faster—leading to regulatory crackdowns in the racing industry
• Natural Healing Factor: Thymosin Beta-4, the parent protein, is one of the first proteins released when tissue damage occurs—your body's natural "first responder" to injury
• Fetal Healing: TB-4 is abundant in fetal tissue, which is why babies can heal almost without scarring—it's essentially the molecule behind regenerative healing
• WADA Banned: Listed as prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency due to its tissue repair potential—athletes have tested positive for it in competition
• Eye-Opening Research: Some of the most promising human trials are for corneal/eye repair, leading to topical eye drop formulations that could help millions with dry eye and corneal injuries

Animal Research Findings

• Wound Healing: 42% faster healing at day 4, 61% at day 7 in rodent dermal wound models—significantly outperforming control groups
• Cardiac Repair: Mouse heart attack models show improved cardiac function and reduced scarring when treated with thymosin beta-4
• Equine Studies: Widely researched in horses for tendon and ligament repair—the original "performance" application that put TB-500 on the map
• Corneal Healing: Animal eye injury models show accelerated corneal epithelium repair and reduced inflammation
• Hair Follicles: Stimulates hair follicle stem cells in mouse models, promoting hair growth and follicle regeneration

Potential Future Applications (If Clinical Trials Succeed)

• Ophthalmology: Dry eye disease, corneal injuries, post-LASIK healing—topical eye drop trials are ongoing and showing promise
• Cardiac Regeneration: Post-heart attack tissue repair if trials succeed—could revolutionize cardiac recovery
• Dermal Wounds: Chronic wound healing, diabetic ulcers, surgical recovery—anywhere tissue regeneration is needed
• Sports Medicine: Soft tissue injury recovery—tendons, ligaments, and muscle repair (though currently prohibited in competition)

Year	Focus	Finding	Type
2000s	Wound Healing	42% improvement day 4, 61% improvement day 7	Preclinical
2010s	Corneal Repair	Topical application for corneal wounds and dry eye	Phase II Clinical
2024	Metabolite Research	Detection methods and metabolic pathway characterization	Analytical
Ongoing	Cardiac Tissue	Potential cardioprotective effects under investigation	Preclinical