Research overview
TB-500 is a man-made peptide that matches an active piece of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a small natural protein (about 43 amino-acid building blocks long) found in body fluids and inside cells. Its job in the body involves handling actin, a protein that helps cells keep their shape and move. In research, the full protein and its pieces have been studied as compounds that may support repair and the growth of new blood vessels [3][4].
How it works
Thymosin beta-4's best-understood role is binding actin — it grabs single actin building blocks and helps control the cell's internal framework and how cells move [3][4]. Studies have also looked at how it affects the growth of new blood vessels through the behavior of endothelial cells (the cells that line blood vessels). One study looked at how it regulates the Notch/NF-κB pathway (a set of cell signals involved in growth and inflammation) in mice with severe reduced blood flow in a limb [2].
What researchers have studied it for
Several animal studies have looked at thymosin beta-4 in wound-healing tests. A rat study on deep skin wounds reported faster healing and more new blood vessels [1]. A lab-made version was tested on deep skin wounds in mice [5], and slow-release gel-like scaffolds were studied in diabetic rats with poor blood flow in the hind leg [6]. Reviews summarize reported effects on new blood-vessel growth, inflammation, cell survival, and scarring in repair studies [3][4].
Eye and cornea research
Specially designed thymosin-based peptides have been studied for healing of the cornea (the clear front of the eye) in lab tests, reflecting interest in the peptide's effects on cell movement and inflammation [7].
Scarring and organ research
Researchers have also looked at thymosin beta-4 as a possible regulator of hepatic stellate cells (liver cells involved in scarring) in studies of liver injury and fibrosis (scar-tissue buildup) [8].
What the research hasn't shown yet
Most of the evidence comes from test-tube and animal studies. Some early human research on related thymosin products exists, but solid proof of how well TB-500 works and how safe it is in people has not been established. This product is supplied strictly for laboratory research use only.
Molecular data
| Molecular formula | C212H350N56O78S |
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| Molecular weight | 4963 g/mol |
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| Amino-acid sequence | SDKPDMAEIEKFDKSKLKKTETQEKNPLPSKETIEQEKQAGES |
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| PubChem | CID 45382195 ↗ |
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Reconstitution, storage & handling
For laboratory use, lyophilized TB-500 / Thymosin Beta-4 powder is typically reconstituted with sterile or bacteriostatic water. Store the lyophilized powder at -20°C for long-term stability; keep reconstituted solutions at 2-8°C and use within a short working window. Aliquot to minimize freeze-thaw cycles and protect the material from light and elevated temperatures.
Research FAQ
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a man-made peptide based on an active part of thymosin beta-4, a natural protein that binds actin (a protein that helps cells keep their shape and move) and has been studied for roles in cell movement, blood-vessel growth, and tissue repair.
How does the research say it works?
Thymosin beta-4 is best known for binding actin, which helps control a cell's internal framework and its movement. Studies have also looked at its effect on new blood-vessel growth, including the Notch/NF-κB pathway (cell signals involved in growth and inflammation).
What repair studies have been done?
Rodent deep-skin wounds, diabetic and low-blood-flow wound tests using slow-release scaffolds, and cornea (front of the eye) healing tests have all been studied in the published research.
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
TB-500 matches an active piece of thymosin beta-4. The two are related but not identical; much of the cited research uses the full thymosin beta-4 protein.
Can this be used in people or animals?
No. This material is for laboratory research use only and is not intended for use in people or animals, or for diagnosis or treatment.
References (research only)
Malinda KM, et al. Thymosin beta4 accelerates wound healing. J Invest Dermatol, 1999.Lv S, et al. Thymosin-beta 4 induces angiogenesis in critical limb ischemia mice via regulating Notch/NF-kappaB pathway. Int J Mol Med, 2020.Gao YX, et al. Research advances on thymosin beta4 in promoting wound healing. Zhonghua Shao Shang Yu Chuang Mian Xiu Fu Za Zhi, 2022.Kleinman HK, Sosne G. Thymosin beta4 Promotes Dermal Healing. Vitam Horm, 2016.Li X, et al. Recombinant thymosin beta 4 can promote full-thickness cutaneous wound healing. Protein Expr Purif, 2007.Ti D, et al. Controlled release of thymosin beta 4 using a collagen-chitosan sponge scaffold augments cutaneous wound healing and increases angiogenesis in diabetic rats with hindlimb ischemia. Tissue Eng Part A, 2015.Nguyen J, et al. Engineered Tandem Thymosin Peptide Promotes Corneal Wound Healing. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci, 2025.Kim J, Jung Y. Thymosin Beta 4 Is a Potential Regulator of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Vitam Horm, 2016.
Latest published research
Citations below are retrieved automatically from PubMed (NIH / U.S. National Library of Medicine) for the search term “TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4)”, newest first. They are listed as literature references for research purposes only. K4 Elite does not summarise, interpret or endorse their findings, and their presence here is not a claim about this product.
View all results on PubMed ↗
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