Peptide Profile
TB-500
A powerful fragment of thymosin beta-4 that acts like your body's repair signal—speeding up healing of muscles, tendons, and tissues by promoting cell migration and new blood vessel growth right where you need it most.
Dose Range
2-5mg
Frequency
Twice weekly
Route
Subcutaneous injection
Cycle Length
4-6 weeks
Onset
Moderate (1-2 weeks)
Evidence
Moderate
Compound Profile
Scientific & Efficacy Data
C38H68N10O14
Molecular Formula
889.01 g/mol
Molecular Weight
2-3 days (systemic)
Half-Life
High via subcutaneous injection (~100%)
Bioavailability
885340-08-9
CAS #
66356057
PubChem ID ↗
Developed By · 1981
Allan L. Goldstein, PhD
George Washington University School of Medicine
Primary Benefits
Accelerates tissue repair through cell migration and angiogenesis—one of the most effective peptides for injury recovery
Regenerates muscle, tendon, and ligament tissue by promoting new blood vessel formation and reducing inflammation
Prevents fibroblast-to-myofibroblast conversion, reducing scar tissue formation and preserving tissue flexibility
Amino Acid Sequence
Ac-LKKTETQ (N-Acetyl-Leu-Lys-Lys-Thr-Glu-Thr-Gln)Dosing
How much
do I take?
Starting Dose
2-2.5 mg
Start here to assess your tolerance and response. Many people see good results at this dose. Split your weekly dose into two injections spaced 3-4 days apart (like Monday and Thursday).
Standard Dose
4-5 mg
The most commonly used protocol for moderate injuries. Your total weekly dose is 4-5 mg, split into two injections. This is the sweet spot where most users see significant healing benefits.
Advanced Dose
5-10 mg
Higher doses for severe or stubborn injuries. Some protocols use a loading phase of higher doses for 1-2 weeks, then drop to maintenance. Work with a provider for doses above 5 mg weekly.
Timing
Best time to take
Morning or evening—timing doesn't significantly affect TB-500's effectiveness. What matters most is consistency. Pick a schedule that works for your lifestyle and stick with it.
With food?
TB-500 can be injected regardless of food timing. It doesn't seem to affect absorption either way, so fit it into whatever routine works for you.
If stacking
TB-500 pairs exceptionally well with BPC-157—they're often called the 'healing stack' because they work through different but complementary mechanisms. Inject at different sites if using both. Space injections at least 15-30 minutes apart to track individual effects.
Adjusting Your Dose
Increase if
- +You've completed 2+ weeks at starting dose with minimal healing progress
- +Your injury is more severe than initially assessed
- +You're recovering from surgery under professional guidance
- +Your research protocol calls for loading phases
Decrease if
- -You experience persistent headaches or fatigue beyond the first week
- -Injection site reactions don't resolve within 48 hours
- -You feel unusually tired or lethargic after each injection
- -Any unexpected or uncomfortable side effects arise
Signs of right dose
- ✓Noticeable improvement in injury flexibility or reduced stiffness
- ✓Decreased pain at the injury site over 2-4 weeks
- ✓Improved range of motion in affected areas
- ✓Better exercise tolerance without aggravating the injury
Dosing Calculator
Calculate Your Exact Dose
Amount to Draw
10
units
Suitability
Is this
right for me?
Best For
Athletes Recovering from Muscle Injuries
If you've pulled a hamstring, strained your back, or torn a muscle, TB-500 helps accelerate the healing process by promoting cell migration to the injury site and supporting new blood vessel growth. It's especially useful for injuries that just won't seem to fully heal.
Tendon and Ligament Problems
Tendons and ligaments are notoriously slow healers because they have poor blood supply. TB-500 promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and helps repair these stubborn connective tissue injuries—think Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff issues.
Post-Surgical Recovery
After surgery, your body needs to repair a lot of tissue quickly. TB-500 supports wound healing, reduces inflammation, and may help minimize scar tissue formation. Some protocols use it alongside traditional recovery to potentially speed up the healing timeline.
Chronic Inflammation and Slow Healers
Some people just heal slowly—whether due to age, diabetes, or other factors. TB-500 helps regulate the inflammatory response and promotes the cellular processes needed for tissue repair. It essentially tells your body to focus healing resources where they're needed most.
Consider Alternatives If
Who Should Avoid
Do not use if
- ×You are pregnant or might become pregnant—we don't know how TB-500 affects fetal development
- ×You are breastfeeding—the peptide could potentially pass into breast milk
- ×You have active cancer or a history of cancer—angiogenesis promotion is concerning in cancer contexts
- ×You've ever had a serious allergic reaction to any peptide
- ×You're under 18—TB-500 is for adult use only in research settings
- ×You have an active infection at the injury site—heal the infection first
Use with caution if
- !You take blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin—may increase bleeding at injection sites
- !You have cardiovascular conditions—discuss with your doctor first
- !You're diabetic—some peptides can affect healing and blood sugar
- !You have autoimmune conditions—immune modulation effects may be unpredictable
- !You're taking NSAIDs regularly—these may interfere with the healing cascade
- !You have a history of blood clots—angiogenesis effects need consideration
Administration
How do I
use it?
Reconstitution
What you need
- •Bacteriostatic water (BAC water)—the preservative keeps it safe for multiple uses
- •Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)—thin needles mean less discomfort
- •Alcohol swabs for cleaning vial tops and injection sites
- •Your TB-500 powder vial
Injection
Route
Subcutaneous injection (just under the skin)—the easiest and most common method. Some users prefer injecting near the injury site, though systemic administration works well too.
Best sites
- •Belly fat area (about 2 inches away from your belly button)
- •Front or outer thigh (middle section)
- •Near the injury site (within a few inches, not directly into it)
- •Back of the upper arm (have someone help if needed)
Technique
- 1.Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
- 2.Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab and let it air dry completely
- 3.Pinch about an inch of skin to create a fold
- 4.Insert the needle at a 45-90 degree angle (45 if you're lean, 90 if you have more tissue)
- 5.Push the plunger slowly and steadily
- 6.Wait 5 seconds before removing the needle
- 7.Apply light pressure if needed—don't rub
Storage
Signs of degradation
Sample Daily Schedule
Safety
Is it
safe?
Safety Profile
TB-500 has shown a good safety profile across preclinical studies and limited human research. It's a fragment of thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring protein in your body involved in healing. Most side effects are mild and transient, primarily injection site reactions. However, large-scale clinical trials are still needed to fully establish its safety profile in humans.
TB-500 has been used extensively in equine medicine and has been the subject of multiple human clinical trials for conditions like dry eye, wound healing, and cardiac repair. Phase 1-2 trials have shown it to be well-tolerated, but Phase 3 data is limited. Always work with a healthcare provider when using research compounds.
Common Side Effects
Experienced by some users
Injection site redness
A little pink or red area where you injected is totally normal. It's just your skin reacting to the needle and solution.
Management: Rotate injection sites between belly, thigh, and arm. A cool compress can help. Usually fades within 24-48 hours.
Mild fatigue or lethargy
Some users feel a bit tired after injections, especially in the first week. Your body is mobilizing healing resources.
Management: Inject in the evening if fatigue bothers you. Stay well-rested and this typically improves after the first week.
Mild headache
Occasional headaches have been reported, usually mild and in the first few days of use.
Management: Stay well-hydrated and rest if needed. These typically resolve within the first week as your body adjusts.
Slight flushing
Some users notice mild warmth or flushing at the injection site or generally, usually brief.
Management: This typically passes within 30 minutes. Not a cause for concern unless it's severe or persistent.
Less Common
- •Head rush or lightheadedness
- •Temporary nausea
These typically resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Stop and Seek Help If
- ×Any signs of allergic reaction—stop immediately and seek medical help
- ×Persistent headaches or fatigue that don't improve after the first week
- ×Significant injection site reactions that spread or don't heal
- ×Any side effect that feels serious or really concerns you
- ×Your injury has healed satisfactorily
- ×Your research protocol/cycle is complete
TB-500 is a research compound, not an FDA-approved medication. Never start, stop, or change your dosing without guidance from a qualified healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only—not medical advice.
Interactions
With other peptides
- ✓Excellent pairing—the classic 'healing stack.' BPC-157 works through different pathways and together they provide comprehensive tissue repair support. Inject at different sites.
- ✓Safe to combine for comprehensive tissue repair. GHK-Cu focuses on skin and collagen while TB-500 works on deeper tissue healing.
- ✓Can be combined for enhanced muscle recovery. Both promote tissue repair through different mechanisms.
- ✓Safe to stack for overall recovery. Growth hormone releasing peptides complement TB-500's healing effects.
With medications
- !Blood thinners (warfarin, heparin) - May increase bleeding at injection sites. TB-500 promotes angiogenesis which could theoretically affect clotting. Monitor closely.
- ✓NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) - NSAIDs reduce inflammation which is part of the healing process TB-500 supports. May reduce effectiveness—use sparingly.
- ✓Corticosteroids - Steroids can impair healing. If you're on long-term steroids, discuss with your doctor.
- ✓Diabetes medications - TB-500 supports wound healing in diabetics but monitor blood sugar as healing processes can affect glucose.
With supplements
- ✓Collagen peptides - Complementary—collagen provides building blocks while TB-500 promotes the repair process.
- ✓Omega-3 fatty acids - Safe and potentially beneficial. Omega-3s support anti-inflammatory pathways that complement healing.
- ✓Vitamin C - Supports collagen synthesis and healing. Good addition to a recovery protocol.
- ✓Turmeric/Curcumin - Anti-inflammatory but work differently than NSAIDs. Generally considered safe to combine.
Effectiveness
Does it
work?
Evidence Level
Moderate human trials
What to Expect
Week 1
What you might notice
- •Mild injection site redness (totally normal)
- •Possibly some initial fatigue or mild headache
- •Slight reduction in inflammation at injury site
- •Your body is just getting introduced to the peptide
What's normal
- •Minor injection site reactions that fade within a day
- •Feeling a bit tired on injection days
- •No dramatic changes yet—healing takes time
What's next
- →Keep following your protocol consistently
- →Track any changes in your injury or range of motion
- →Side effects typically improve after the first week
Weeks 2-3
What you might notice
- •Reduced stiffness around the injury
- •Improved flexibility or range of motion
- •Decreased pain with movement
- •Less swelling if inflammation was present
What's normal
- •Gradual improvement rather than sudden changes
- •Good days and less-good days are normal
- •Injury still present but progressing
What's next
- →Continue your protocol through the full cycle
- →Begin gentle movement or rehab exercises if appropriate
- →Don't push the injury too hard yet
Weeks 4-6
What you might notice
- •Significant improvement in injury healing
- •Better function of the affected area
- •Reduced or resolved pain
- •Ability to return to normal activities gradually
What's normal
- •Major improvement for most users by week 4-6
- •Some stubborn injuries may need extended protocols
- •Complete healing of muscle injuries, continued progress on tendons
What's next
- →Complete your cycle and assess results
- →Transition to maintenance dose if needed
- →Resume full activity cautiously with proper rehabilitation
Signs It's Working
Injury Recovery Indicators
- ✓Reduced pain at the injury site
- ✓Improved range of motion in affected joints
- ✓Decreased stiffness, especially in the morning
- ✓Less swelling and inflammation
- ✓Better function during daily activities
Healing Progress
- ✓Wounds closing more quickly than expected
- ✓Reduced bruising duration
- ✓Faster return to physical activities
- ✓Less need for pain medication
- ✓Improved tissue flexibility
Physical Performance
- ✓Ability to exercise without aggravating injury
- ✓Improved strength in previously injured area
- ✓Better recovery between workouts
- ✓Reduced compensation patterns from injury
Not Seeing Results?
Common reasons
- •Not giving it enough time—TB-500 works over weeks, not days. Tendons especially take 4-8 weeks to show major improvement
- •Dose too low for the injury severity—stubborn injuries may need higher loading doses initially
- •Poor quality peptide from unreliable source—always get third-party testing certificates (COAs)
- •Improper storage degraded the peptide—check if your solution looks clear before using
- •Still aggravating the injury with activity—healing peptides work best when you give the injury rest
- •NSAIDs blocking the healing process—these anti-inflammatory drugs can interfere with tissue repair signals
Key Research
"Thymosin beta4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications"
Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, 2012
Finding: This comprehensive review showed that thymosin beta-4 plays a vital role in tissue repair and regeneration. It protects cells from damage, reduces inflammation, promotes cell migration for healing, and helps form new blood vessels. The peptide also reduces scar formation by preventing fibroblasts from becoming scar-producing cells.
View Study"Advances in the basic and clinical applications of thymosin beta4"
Goldstein AL, Kleinman HK, 2015
Finding: This update summarized decades of research showing TB4's effectiveness in directing stem cell maturation and tissue repair. Multiple clinical trials demonstrated benefits for eye injuries, skin wounds, and cardiac repair. The peptide shows potential for new applications including kidney and liver disease, spinal cord injury, and bone healing.
View Study"Neuroprotective and neurorestorative effects of thymosin beta4 treatment following experimental traumatic brain injury"
Xiong Y, Mahmood A, Meng Y, et al., 2012
Finding: In brain injury models, thymosin beta-4 showed remarkable neuroprotective effects. It reduced cell death, decreased inflammation, promoted blood vessel formation, wound healing, and stem cell differentiation. The research provides scientific foundation for potential use in treating traumatic brain injury.
View Study"Thymosin beta4 and the anti-fibrotic switch"
Kleinman HK, Kulik V, Goldstein AL, 2023
Finding: This study revealed TB4's powerful anti-scarring effects. It works by reducing inflammatory cell infiltration, lowering TGF-beta levels, and preventing fibroblasts from converting to myofibroblasts (scar-producing cells). The N-terminal fragment Ac-SDKP not only prevents fibrosis but can actually reverse existing scar tissue.
View Study"Thymosin beta4 promotes endothelial progenitor cell angiogenesis via a vascular endothelial growth factor-dependent mechanism"
Zhao Y, Song J, Bi X, et al., 2018
Finding: Researchers discovered that TB4 significantly improves blood vessel formation by enhancing the function of endothelial progenitor cells. It works through the VEGF pathway, which is crucial for delivering nutrients and oxygen to healing tissues. When transplanted into damaged heart tissue, TB4-treated cells showed much better blood vessel formation.
View StudyFrequently Asked Questions