TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)
Peptide for Regenerative and Anti-Aging Research
What is TB-500
TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of thymosin beta-4 (TB-4), a naturally occurring 43-amino acid peptide found in nearly all mammalian cells. It is recognized for its effects on actin modulation, cell migration, and wound healing. In animal and in vitro studies, TB-500 has been shown to stimulate blood vessel growth, accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance extracellular matrix formation. Current research also explores its potential to reduce oxidative stress following spinal cord injury, improve cardiac recovery after myocardial infarction, and contribute to anti-aging and regenerative therapies.
Mechanism of Action: The Active Domain of Thymosin Beta-4
TB-500 represents the biologically active domain of Thymosin Beta-4, acting primarily as an actin-binding peptide. Actin is an essential structural protein that forms microfilaments, maintaining cell shape, protecting membrane integrity, enabling cell movement, and participating in cellular division. As a key component of muscle fibers, actin is indispensable for muscle contraction. Actin-binding peptides such as TB-4 and TB-500 stabilize actin monomers, preventing degradation and maintaining their availability for microfilament formation. This action explains the peptide’s strong tissue-repairing and regenerative properties observed across multiple organ systems.
TB-500 and Neurological Function
Studies in animal models demonstrate that TB-500 promotes repair and remodeling of nervous tissue in both the central and peripheral nervous systems after injury. Although the precise mechanism is still being studied, TB-500 appears to activate supportive glial cells, particularly oligodendrocytes, which maintain neuron health. Enhanced glial activation improves neurogenesis, blood vessel formation, and leads to measurable recovery in motor and cognitive functions. Moreover, TB-500 reduces oxidative stress following spinal cord injury and improves the survival of transplanted neural stem/progenitor cells, suggesting potential use in spinal regeneration research.
TB-500 and Blood Vessel Growth
Both TB-500 and TB-4 are strong stimulators of VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), a key regulator of capillary and blood vessel formation. By upregulating VEGF, TB-500 supports angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Loss of TB-4 has been shown to impair vascular formation and stability, whereas exogenous TB-500 administration improves capillary density and recruits pericytes to repair damaged vessels. These actions make TB-500 an important compound in research on wound healing, cardiac repair, and hair follicle regeneration.
TB-500 and Hair Growth
The role of TB-500 in hair growth was discovered accidentally. When TB-4-deficient mice were shaved for experiments, their hair regrowth was significantly delayed compared to normal mice. Conversely, genetically modified mice producing excess TB-4 showed faster hair regrowth and increased follicle density. Microscopic analysis revealed more active follicles and grouped hair shafts, indicating that TB-500 promotes angiogenesis and follicular regeneration, making it a peptide of interest for dermatological and anti-aging studies.
TB-500 and Antibiotic Synergy
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing medical challenge. Recent studies on eye infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa show that combining TB-500 (or TB-4) with ciprofloxacin enhances the antibiotic’s efficacy. This combination therapy reduces bacterial colony counts (CFUs), lowers neutrophil infiltration, and decreases reactive oxygen species in infected tissue. These findings suggest that TB-500 may act as an antibiotic adjuvant, improving healing and limiting inflammation while promoting tissue recovery — a potential breakthrough in treating drug-resistant infections.
TB-500 and Cardiovascular Health
For over two decades, Thymosin Beta-4 and its analogues have demonstrated multiple benefits in cardiovascular and renal systems. TB-500 encourages collateral blood vessel growth, aiding both prevention and recovery following ischemic injury. It also enhances endothelial cell migration and myocyte survival after heart attack, while reducing fibrosis and inflammatory damage. New studies using collagen-based hydrogels enriched with TB-4 show improved angiogenesis and epicardial cell migration, helping restore cardiac tissue and limit post-ischemic scarring.
TB-500 and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Recent research reveals that TB-500 and related peptides can enhance autophagy — the brain’s primary defense against toxic protein accumulation. By promoting autophagy, TB-500 may help counteract neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and prion disorders. This discovery positions TB-500 as a potential neuroprotective candidate and provides valuable insights into cellular mechanisms involved in brain repair and maintenance.
Applications and Research Potential
Due to its fundamental role in cell structure and function, TB-500 influences a wide range of tissues. Its applications extend across neurology, cardiology, regenerative medicine, and anti-aging research. With minimal toxicity, excellent subcutaneous bioavailability, and a strong safety profile, TB-500 continues to be one of the most actively studied peptides in modern biomedical research. As with all Pepticore Aminos compounds, TB-500 is supplied exclusively for research and laboratory use (Research Use Only) and is not for human or veterinary administration.
