In plain English
TB-500 is a lab-made piece of thymosin beta-4, a protein your cells use to move around and repair damage. It is popular for recovering from muscle, tendon and ligament injuries, and is often used together with BPC-157.
What it's used for
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
- Wound and skin healing
- Flexibility and recovery from hard training
- Joint stiffness
Benefits
In animal studies, thymosin beta-4 and its fragments have shown:
- Faster wound closure and tissue repair after injury
- Increased movement of repair cells into damaged areas
- New blood-vessel growth and reduced inflammation
- Support for heart tissue repair after injury
Full-length thymosin beta-4 has also been tested in small human studies for skin wounds and eye surface problems. Users report less joint stiffness, better flexibility and faster recovery from strains.
How it works
In simple terms: TB-500 helps repair cells travel to where they are needed.
Thymosin beta-4 binds actin, the protein that forms the internal “skeleton” cells use to change shape and move. By managing the supply of actin, it supports cell migration, which is central to healing. It is also linked to new blood-vessel growth and lower inflammation. TB-500 contains the short active region of thymosin beta-4 (LKKTETQ) believed to carry much of this activity.
Development history
- 1981: Thymosin beta-4 identified by Allan Goldstein’s research group while studying the thymus.
- 2000s–2010s: Full-length thymosin beta-4 tested in small human studies for wound healing and eye conditions.
- 2000s onward: The synthetic TB-500 fragment becomes popular in equine sports medicine and then for human recovery.
- Today: Prohibited in competitive sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Typical protocols
These ranges are what users commonly report.
| Phase | Dose | Frequency | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loading | 2–2.5 mg | Twice weekly | 4–6 weeks |
| Maintenance | About 2 mg | Once weekly to every 2 weeks | As needed |
Unlike BPC-157, TB-500 is dosed in milligrams and is usually injected at a standard site rather than near the injury, since it is believed to act throughout the body.
Cycling
Usually run as a 4–6 week loading phase followed by a lower maintenance phase or a break.
Administration options
- Subcutaneous injection: most common.
- Intramuscular injection: sometimes used.
Reconstitution and dosing calculator
TB-500 usually comes in 5 mg or 10 mg vials. Because doses are in milligrams, mixing with 2 mL of bacteriostatic water keeps a typical dose within a 1 mL syringe.
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This tool does arithmetic only. It does not choose a dose or confirm that any substance is right for you. Double-check every result against your syringe and your clinician’s instructions.
Side effects and safety
- Users report that TB-500 is generally well tolerated. Occasional effects include temporary tiredness or a "head rush," headache and injection-site irritation.
- Long-term effects in people have not been well studied.
- Because thymosin beta-4 encourages cell movement and blood-vessel growth, people with active cancer or a history of cancer are usually advised to avoid it.
- Quality varies between suppliers, and some products sold as TB-500 contain full-length thymosin beta-4; a batch-specific third-party test (COA) confirms what is in the vial.
- Prohibited in competitive sport (WADA).
- Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Common stacks
- BPC-157: the "Wolverine stack," the most popular recovery pairing.
- GHK-Cu and BPC-157: combined in the "GLOW" blend.
Storage
Powder: refrigerate or freeze, dry and away from light.
After mixing: refrigerate at 2–8 °C, protect from light, and use within about 4 weeks.
Compare with
- BPC-157: also a recovery peptide, thought to work more locally; dosed daily in micrograms.
- Full-length thymosin beta-4: the natural 43-amino-acid protein; TB-500 is a fragment of it.
Frequently asked questions
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
Not exactly. TB-500 is a short synthetic fragment of thymosin beta-4. Some products labeled TB-500 contain the full protein, which is why a lab test is worth checking.
Why is it dosed less often than BPC-157?
It is used in larger doses spread across the week, based on its longer-lasting, whole-body action.
How long until people notice results?
Users commonly report improvements during the 4–6 week loading phase. Experiences vary.
Can it be combined with BPC-157?
Yes. The two are frequently used together as the “Wolverine stack.”
References
- Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Kleinman HK. Thymosin β4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues. Trends Mol Med. 2005;11:421-429.