Machine-assisted translation — the German original version is authoritative.
Tissue & Regeneration
TB-500 / Thymosin β4
TB-500 · Thymosin Beta-4 · Tβ4
Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) is a naturally occurring, actin-binding peptide that plays a role in cell migration and tissue repair. "TB-500" is a synthetic fragment marketed on the gray market and advertised as such. It is not approved as a medicine for humans.
Regulatory status
Not approved for humans
Not approved as a medicine — prohibited in sport.
Drug class
Actin-regulating peptide (research substance)
Half-life (informative)
Reported to be rather short; robust human data limited.
Studied in the literature
In studies investigated systemically/locally, among others; no established approved human use as "TB-500".
Mechanism of action
Tβ4 binds G-actin and influences the dynamics of the cytoskeleton. In models, effects on cell migration, angiogenesis, inflammation modulation and wound healing are described. "TB-500" is a shorter synthetic fragment whose properties do not necessarily correspond to those of the full-length Tβ4.
The distinction between the natural Tβ4 (the object of study) and the gray-market product "TB-500" is important.
Research history
Tβ4 has been investigated in preclinical and early clinical research (e.g. for wound healing, cornea/eye, cardiac tissue). Some early clinical studies exist for defined indications, but no broad approval. "TB-500" as a product originates from the research/gray market.
Regulatory status by region
Not an approved medicine for general human use.
Thymosin β4 / TB-500 is on the WADA prohibited list.
Research areas
- Wound healing and tissue repair (preclinical/early clinical)
- Corneal/ocular healing (study context)
- Cardiac and vascular regeneration (preclinical)
Documented effects (from the literature)
- In models, primarily effects on migration, angiogenesis and healing.
- Documented human effects of the gray-market product "TB-500" are limited.
Safety concerns & caution
- Human safety for "TB-500" not systematically established.
- Angiogenesis-promoting effects raise theoretical, unresolved questions.
- No approved contraindications/standards of use.
Risks of gray-market purchase
- Purity/identity of "TB-500" vials unassured.
- Fragment vs. full-length Tβ4: advertised effects are not necessarily transferable.
- Impurities and non-sterile manufacture possible.
Frequently asked questions
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin β4?
Not quite. Thymosin β4 is the natural full-length peptide; "TB-500" is a synthetic fragment marketed in association with it. Properties may differ.
Are there approved applications?
There were studies for defined indications, but no broad approval of "TB-500" as a medicine.
Sources
Primary and reference sources for your own reading.
Related substances
Unfamiliar terms? Look them up in the glossary or read the fundamentals.
This profile is for information and education only. It is not medical advice and deliberately contains no dosing or usage details. Decisions about use belong in a doctor’s hands.