TB-500 is a synthetic analogue of Thymosin Beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide found in virtually all human and animal cells. Below is a curated selection of peer-reviewed studies investigating its properties.
2024
Simultaneous Quantification of TB-500 and Its Metabolites
Journal of Chromatography B (ScienceDirect)
This analytical study developed UHPLC-Q-Exactive methods to detect and quantify TB-500 and its metabolites in biological samples. Researchers found that TB-500 undergoes serial C-terminal cleavage, producing metabolites including Ac-LKKTE, which appears to be responsible for the wound-healing activity previously attributed to the parent compound.
View Paper β2023
Investigation of In Vitro/Ex Vivo TB-500 Metabolism
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Research Project
This WADA-commissioned study characterised the full human metabolic profile of TB-500 using liver microsomes, S9 fractions, and plasma/serum samples. It identified TB-500’s active fragment as the N-terminal acetylated 17β23 segment (Ac-LKKTETQ), and developed certified reference standards for metabolite detection.
View Paper β2021
Utilizing Thymosin Beta-4 to Remind Adult Organs of Their Embryonic State
Cells (PMC / MDPI β Open Access)
This comprehensive review explores Thymosin Beta-4’s regenerative potential across multiple organ systems, particularly the heart. It examines how systemic TB4 administration can re-activate dormant embryonic epicardial progenitor cells in adult mammals, promoting neovascularisation and cardiomyocyte survival following ischemic injury.
View Paper β2021
Progress on the Function and Application of Thymosin Ξ²4
PMC / Frontiers in Endocrinology
This broad mechanistic review covers Thymosin Ξ²4’s multifunctional roles across physiological and pathological processes, including promotion of angiogenesis, cell proliferation, inhibition of apoptosis, and suppression of inflammation. It provides a comprehensive overview of TB4’s signalling pathways and potential therapeutic applications across tissue types.
View Paper β2009
Study of Thymosin Beta-4 in Patients With Venous Stasis Ulcers β Phase II Clinical Trial
ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH Registry)
This registered Phase II clinical trial investigated the safety and efficacy of Thymosin Beta-4 in human patients with chronic venous stasis ulcers. It represents one of the few human clinical studies involving the TB4/TB-500 family of peptides, demonstrating TB4 to be safe, well-tolerated, and beneficial for skin regeneration.
View Paper β1999
Thymosin Beta4 Accelerates Wound Healing
Journal of Investigative Dermatology (NIH / PubMed)
This foundational NIH study examined whether Thymosin Beta-4 could enhance wound healing in a rat full-thickness wound model. Topical and intraperitoneal administration increased re-epithelialisation by up to 61% at 7 days post-wounding, with increased collagen deposition, angiogenesis, and keratinocyte migration observed.
View Paper β