In a Phase 3 trial, 0.1% RGN-259 (thymosin beta-4) ophthalmic solution promoted corneal healing and improved comfort in patients with neurotrophic keratopathy versus placebo.
Thymosin Beta-4

WADA BANNED - Prohibited in competitive sports as healing peptide
Overview
Last reviewed: 2026-08-18
Identity & Aliases
Also known as
Status: Research compound - Full-length healing peptide
Full composition (formula, molecular weight, sequence) in Quick Facts →
Research Areas
Available Evidence
Thymosin beta-4 has been studied in Phase 2 trials for corneal wound healing (NCT00598871) and dry eye, and a Phase 3 trial of 0.1% RGN-259 ophthalmic solution in neurotrophic keratopathy reported significantly improved corneal healing versus vehicle (2023, PMID 36613994). Trials in acute myocardial infarction are ongoing (e.g., NL005, NCT05984134).
Animal studies show Tb4 accelerates skin, corneal, and cardiac wound healing, promotes angiogenesis, reduces inflammation and scarring, and protects cardiomyocytes after ischemic injury.
Cell studies demonstrate Tb4's actin-sequestering (G-actin binding) mechanism, promotion of cell migration, and support of endothelial tubule formation (angiogenesis).
Systemic use for performance or general healing is not FDA-approved; TB-500 (synthetic thymosin beta-4) is prohibited by WADA for athletes, and robust human data for muscle/tendon indications are lacking.
Key Studies & Findings
Phase 2 study of thymosin beta-4 for treating corneal wounds (including diabetic and neurotrophic etiologies) evaluated safety and healing efficacy.
Preclinical studies show thymosin beta-4 reduces infarct size and improves contractile function in models of myocardial ischemic injury, supporting cardiac-repair research.
Benefits & Effects
Side Effects & Safety
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.
2-10mg weekly
Research Protocols
Acute Wound Healing
- Dose
- 1.6 mg
- Frequency
- Daily
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Cardiac Protection
- Dose
- 42 mg
- Frequency
- Single dose
- Route
- IV bolus within 6 hours of MI
Chronic Tissue Repair
- Dose
- 6 mg
- Frequency
- Twice weekly
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Neurological Recovery
- Dose
- 30 mg
- Frequency
- Three times over 72 hours
- Route
- IV infusion
General Regeneration
- Dose
- 2-5 mg
- Frequency
- Daily or every other day
- Route
- Subcutaneous injection
Research Protocol
- Dose
- 0.6-14 mg
- Frequency
- As per study design
- Route
- SC or IV as indicated
Research protocols are for educational purposes only. Always consult qualified medical professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is thymosin beta-4 (TB-500) allowed in sport?
No - thymosin beta-4 and its synthetic form TB-500 are on the WADA Prohibited List, and positive tests have occurred in professional sport.
What is the strongest clinical evidence for thymosin beta-4?
Ophthalmic use: a Phase 3 trial showed RGN-259 improved corneal healing in neurotrophic keratopathy. Systemic indications remain investigational.
Research Citations
Faa G, Messana I, Coni P, Piras M, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vento G, Tirone C, Manconi B, Olianas A, Contini C, Cabras T, Castagnola M (2024)
Bock-Marquette I, Maar K, Maar S, Lippai B, Faskerti G, Gallyas F Jr, Olson EN, Srivastava D (2023)
+ 48 more citations
Related Resources
Quick Facts
Formula
C212H350N56O78S
Molecular Weight
4982.00
Sequence
PPP
Mechanism
Promotes wound healing and tissue regeneration
Safety Information
Research compound only. TB-500 is the more commonly used synthetic fragment.
Citations
53Faa G, Messana I, Coni P, Piras M, Pichiri G, Piludu M, Iavarone F, Desiderio C, Vento G, Tirone C, Manconi B, Olianas A, Contini C, Cabras T, Castagnola M (2024)
Bock-Marquette I, Maar K, Maar S, Lippai B, Faskerti G, Gallyas F Jr, Olson EN, Srivastava D (2023)
+ 48 more citations