Educational, research-use-only content. This article summarizes published scientific literature for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. The compounds discussed are supplied strictly for in-vitro laboratory research and are not approved for human or veterinary use.
What is TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4?
Thymosin Beta-4 (the peptide commonly referenced in research as TB-500) is a small, naturally occurring peptide and the major actin-sequestering molecule in mammalian cells. After tissue injury it is released by platelets, macrophages, and other cells, where it is studied for its role in cell migration and repair processes (Goldstein et al., 2011).
Cell-migration and repair research
Reviews of the laboratory literature describe Thymosin Beta-4 binding to actin and promoting cell migration, while reducing inflammatory signaling and the number of scar-forming myofibroblasts in experimental wounds (Goldstein et al., 2011). A separate review of animal-model work summarizes topical and systemic studies in dermal, corneal, and cardiac repair models (Philp & Kleinman, 2010).
The limits of the current evidence
- The repair findings are largely from cell and animal models; outcomes in humans are not established here.
- Thymosin Beta-4 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and growth/repair peptides of this class are prohibited in sport by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
References
According to PubMed:
- Goldstein AL, et al. Thymosin Beta-4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2011. doi:10.1517/14712598.2012.634793
- Philp D, Kleinman HK. Animal studies with thymosin beta-4. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05479.x
