Thymosin beta-4 ophthalmic solution significantly improved signs and symptoms of dry eye in a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial using the controlled adverse environment model.
TB-500
Synthetic thymosin beta-4 for tissue repair and inflammation reduction

WADA BANNED - Prohibited in competitive sports as healing and regeneration peptide
Overview
Last reviewed: 2026-08-18
Identity & Aliases
Also known as
Status: Investigational - Not approved for human use
Full composition (formula, molecular weight, sequence) in Quick Facts →
Research Areas
Available Evidence
No clinical trials of TB-500 as sold were found. The full-length protein thymosin beta-4 has clinical data: a phase 2 RCT of ophthalmic Tbeta4 (RGN-259) improved signs and symptoms of dry eye, and a phase 2 trial of injectable Tbeta4 (RGN-352) in acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction was initiated (and briefly placed on clinical hold). Neither is FDA-approved.
Rodent studies report TB-500/thymosin beta-4 accelerates Achilles tendon healing (including a 2026 histopathological and biomechanical study with BPC-157), improves dermal wound closure, and supports cardiac repair after infarction.
Cell studies show the actin-binding motif (LKKTETQ) of thymosin beta-4 promotes cell migration, a mechanism proposed to underlie its pro-healing effects.
Claims that the TB-500 fragment specifically (versus full-length Tbeta4) heals injuries, prevents muscle damage, or provides anti-inflammatory benefit in humans are not supported by published trials.
Key Studies & Findings
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study (NCT01311518) evaluated injectable thymosin beta-4 (RGN-352) in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
BPC-157 and TB-500 improved Achilles tendon healing in rats, assessed histopathologically and biomechanically.
Benefits & Effects
Corneal Wound Healing: Promotes epithelial migration, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic
Accelerated re-epithelialization
Reduced PMN infiltration and inflammatory cytokines
Cardiac protection post-MI
Anti-fibrotic effects
Side Effects & Safety
Well tolerated in trials
Mild-Moderate side effect
Onset: During treatment
Management: Symptomatic; no dose-limiting toxicity
Limitations & Open Questions
Pharmacology
Reported Research Dosing
Reported values from research literature and community protocols. Educational reference only — not a dosing recommendation or medical advice.
2-8 mg 2-3x/week
Research Protocols
General tissue repair
- Dose
- 2-3mg
- Frequency
- 2x weekly
- Route
- SubQ or IM
Serious injury recovery
- Dose
- 4-5mg
- Frequency
- 3x weekly
- Route
- SubQ near injury site
Athletic enhancement
- Dose
- 2-3mg
- Frequency
- 2x weekly
- Route
- SubQ
Chronic conditions
- Dose
- 3-4mg
- Frequency
- 2-3x weekly
- Route
- SubQ or IM
Maintenance
- Dose
- 2mg
- Frequency
- 1-2x weekly
- Route
- SubQ
Post-surgical recovery
- Dose
- 3-5mg
- Frequency
- 3x weekly
- Route
- SubQ
Research protocols are for educational purposes only. Always consult qualified medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
TB-500 as sold is typically a synthetic fragment of the 43-amino-acid thymosin beta-4 protein, whereas clinical trials have used the full-length protein. They are related but not identical products.
Has TB-500 been studied in humans?
No clinical trials of the TB-500 fragment were found. Clinical data exist for full-length thymosin beta-4 (e.g., dry-eye and cardiac trials), neither of which is FDA-approved.
Is TB-500 approved for healing?
No. It is not approved by any regulator for wound healing or musculoskeletal use; it is marketed as a research compound.
Research Citations
Rahaman KA, Muresan AR, Min H, Son J, Han HS, Kang MJ, Kwon OS (2024)
Ho EN, Kwok WH, Lau MY, Wong AS, Wan TS, Lam KK, Schiff PJ, Stewart BD (2012)
+ 34 more citations
Related Resources
Quick Facts
Formula
C38H68N10O14
Molecular Weight
4963.00
Sequence
LKKTETQ
Mechanism
Thymosin Beta-4 fragment that enhances cell migration
Safety Information
Limited human safety data. Research compound only - not approved for therapeutic use.
Citations
39Rahaman KA, Muresan AR, Min H, Son J, Han HS, Kang MJ, Kwon OS (2024)
Ho EN, Kwok WH, Lau MY, Wong AS, Wan TS, Lam KK, Schiff PJ, Stewart BD (2012)
+ 34 more citations