Scientific Reference

TB-500

Evidence profile: Human trials studied full-length thymosin beta-4, not the TB-500 fragment

TB-500 is a synthetic 7-amino acid fragment (Ac-LKKTETQ) corresponding to the active actin-binding region (positions 17-23) of thymosin beta-4. Originally developed for veterinary use, this fragment retains tissue repair and anti-inflammatory properties while being more stable than the full peptide. TB-500 regulates actin dynamics, promotes cell migration, enhances angiogenesis, and reduces inflammation, contributing to accelerated tissue repair across multiple systems. Its systemic distribution enables whole-body regenerative support rather than localized effects alone.

Mechanism of Action

TB-500 binds actin monomers, regulating cytoskeletal dynamics essential for cell migration and tissue repair. It promotes angiogenesis, reduces inflammatory cytokine activity, and enhances stem cell recruitment to damaged tissues. The acetylated fragment improves stability and bioavailability compared to native thymosin beta-4, allowing effective systemic distribution.

Molecular Information

  • Type: Thymosin beta-4 fragment (actin-binding peptide)
  • Length: 7 amino acids

Published Research

  • Thymosin beta 4: A potential novel adjunct treatment for bacterial keratitis

    Sosne G et al. · International immunopharmacology · 2023 · Clinical

    PMID 37018981 — View on PubMed
  • RGN-259 neurotrophic keratopathy phase III

    0.1% RGN-259 (Thymosin ß4) Ophthalmic Solution Promotes Healing and Improves Comfort in Neurotrophic Keratopathy Patients in a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Masked Phase III Clinical Trial

    Sosne G et al. · International journal of molecular sciences · 2022 · Clinical

    PMID 36613994 — View on PubMed
  • The effect of thymosin treatment of venous ulcers

    Guarnera G et al. · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2010 · Clinical

    PMID 20536470 — View on PubMed
  • A randomized, placebo-controlled, single and multiple dose study of intravenous thymosin beta4 in healthy volunteers

    Ruff D et al. · Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences · 2010 · Clinical

    PMID 20536472 — View on PubMed
  • Simultaneous quantification of TB-500 and its metabolites in in-vitro experiments and rats by UHPLC-Q-Exactive orbitrap MS/MS and their screening by wound healing activities in-vitro

    Rahaman KA et al. · Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences · 2024 · Preclinical

    PMID 38382158 — View on PubMed
  • Synthesis and characterization of the N-terminal acetylated 17-23 fragment of thymosin beta 4 identified in TB-500, a product suspected to possess doping potential

    Esposito S et al. · Drug testing and analysis · 2012 · Preclinical

    PMID 22962027 — View on PubMed