Last Updated January 31, 2024

 January 31, 2024

Researchers interested in investigating TB-500 may be worried about potential TB-500 side effects

Below, researchers unfamiliar with TB-500 will find detailed information about this chemical’s purported benefits, effects, and documented side effects, including its link to cancer.

Those researchers interested in exploring TB-500 further will find a complete guide to ordering the research chemical online, including details of our preferred vendor. 

Buy TB-500 from our top-rated vendor...

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What is TB-500?

TB-500 is the synthetic version of a naturally-occurring peptide called Thymosin Beta-4, which is 43 amino acids long. While Thymosin Beta-4 was first isolated from the thymus gland, it is now known to be distributed and located across all cells with the exception of red blood cells. In particular, Thymosin Beta-4 levels are highest in white blood cells, platelets, and other circulatory cells [1]. 

Researchers are actively investigating TB-500’s effect on the following functions [2]:

  • Tissue protection
  • Wound repair
  • Regeneration of cells in skin, eyes, the heart and central nervous system
  • Cell migration and survival

Our review of the available research shows that Thymosin Beta-4 has been used as a doping agent in horse racing.

When injected into horses, it can dramatically improve their race-day performance and recover from tissue injuries far faster. Which is why its use in horse racing is heavily frowned upon [3]:

“Trainer Paul Jones faces a longer time on the sidelines than the banned Essendon AFL players after he was charged with possession and administration of peptide Thymosin Beta 4.

… The first of those charges is of administration and carries a minimum mandatory penalty of two years disqualification.

…Synthetic peptides are reported to increase muscle size, strength and stamina, enhance tissue repair and reduce recovery time.”

To be clear, TB-500 has not been approved for human consumption and is available solely as a research chemical.

Take a look at any online vendor selling peptides and this will be stated explicitly in their disclaimer. 

So what are the purported benefits of TB-500?


 tb-500 side effects 


Benefits of Thymosin Beta-4

While TB-500 is a research chemical, a number of scientific studies involving animals and cell cultures and a few studies involving human test subjects have shown that TB-500 may offer the following benefits: 

TB-500 and Heart Repair

In a study conducted on mice, blood flow was blocked off to the left ventricle of their hearts.

After injecting Thymosin Beta-4 and following up for 28 days, researchers found that the left ventricle of the mice’s hearts had improved function [4].

Furthermore, there was a preventative effect on ventricular remodeling. This means the heart’s size, structure and function were uncompromised.

One little-known clinical trial published in 2015 examined patients with ischemic heart failure who received stem cell therapy.

In all of the patients who had an improvement in symptoms, their Thymosin Beta-4 plasma levels were elevated [5]. This could potentially open the door for using Thymosin Beta-4 to treat cardiovascular problems.

TB-500 and Tissue Regeneration

A Phase I clinical trial performed in 28 healthy volunteers who received a topical solution of Thymosin Beta-4 revealed the following results [6]:

“The study showed that Tb4 is well tolerated and exhibits no signs of toxicity at any given dose.

Based on these results and that of several nonclinical toxicology and dermal-sensitization studies, it was concluded that the clinical introduction of Tb4 is supported in patients with chronic cutaneous wounds.”

A study involving rats who had wounds in the palatal mucosa (a membrane that lines cavities found throughout the body) found that the wound healing was attributable to cell migration and angiogenesis (i.e. the formation of new blood vessels) [7].

TB-500 and Dry Eye Disorders

In a meta-analysis examining the potential therapeutic benefit of Thymosin Beta-4 to treat dry eye disorders, three Phase II clinical trials were reviewed.

In all of them, Thymosin Beta-4 showed great promise in healing eye wounds – reducing symptoms and wound size – without any adverse events.

The researchers also noted how separate clinical trials done in patients with pressure and stasis ulcers did not show any adverse events either [8].

TB-500 and Connective Tissue

Thymosin Beta-4 has shown great therapeutic potential for re-organizing damaged connective tissue in rats to help promote flexibility and freedom of physical movement.

One rat study where incisional wounds were performed on the rats found that Thymosin Beta-4 offered the following benefits [9]:

  • Wounds healed with minimal scarring
  • Wounds healed faster
  • Connective tissues re-organized back into their pre-injured formation

TB-500 and Inflammation

In mice who had an alcohol-induced liver injury, Thymosin Beta-4 demonstrated anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in healing the injury [10].

This result has led scientists to hypothesize that Thymosin Beta-4 may be useful in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which the liver is heavily inflamed [11].

While the findings of these studies are noteworthy, TB-500 research is still in its infancy. There are numerous areas where a paucity of data exists and further study is warranted. 

So, what is known about TB-500 side effects? 

Let’s dive in. 

Buy TB-500 from our top-rated vendor...


TB-500 Side Effects | What Researchers Must Know

Researchers interested in exploring TB-500 side effects should note that to date, Thymosin Beta 4 use has not been extensively studied in humans.

As such, the available information about TB-500 side effects is sparse at best. Here are the side effects observed during the Phase I trial cited above [6]:

  • Head rush immediately following injection (but subsides within a few minutes)
  • Extreme fatigue/lethargy
  • Possible headache/nausea

These side effects are entirely separate from skin irritation, which is a common side effect of regularly injecting peptides in general. Of course, all of the above assumes that researchers are correctly preparing and administering TB-500 according to the relevant literature [12].

While there is no published data to indicate what a safe or moderate dosing schedule of TB-500 would be, past research has involved doses of 2-4 mg of TB-500 administered twice a week [6]. This short duration of past studies limits researchers’ understanding of side effects considerably and indicates that long-term research may be warranted.  

But while clinical studies to date have not reported any toxic or serious side effects, and TB-500 appears to be well-tolerated in humans, this does not definitively rule out the possibility of TB-500 side effects.


TB-500 and Cancer

It is presently unknown if there is a definitive link between TB-500 and cancer.

The main premise is that higher levels of Thymosin Beta-4 are associated with the progression of cancer cells [13].

However, this does not prove that Thymosin Beta-4 is directly causing cancer. In fact, one research paper found that Thymosin Beta-4 helps to suppress tumors in mice with multiple myeloma [14].

Furthermore, that same paper revealed a poor prognosis in patients where Thymosin Beta-4 expression was reduced.

Another paper examining relevant cell cultures in non-small cell lung cancer discovered that Thymosin Beta-4 helped suppress the growth and invasion of cancer cells [15].

So what reasonable conclusion can be drawn from this?

It appears that Thymosin Beta-4 levels are higher in cancer patients than in healthy individuals because it is actively promoting the formation of new white blood cells. This means that Thymosin Beta-4 levels are being elevated in response to cancer so the body’s immune system is better equipped to fight cancer.

However, all of this does not mean Thymosin Beta-4 is a proven anti-cancer agent.

While it shows therapeutic promise, there are few studies done on this topic and the results to this day are in conflict with one another.


tb-500 side effects


Where to Buy TB-500 Online? | 2024 Edition

Peptide researchers looking to order TB-500 online may not know where to start.

To assist readers, our team has investigated virtually every peptide company in existence and placed small test orders to verify their products and practices.

Based on our review, we recommend two top vendors for the purchase of research-grade TB-500.

Limitless Life

For researchers looking for a trustworthy and reputable source for high-quality research peptides, look no further than Limitless Life.

Their commitment to quality is unmatched, and they offer excellent support and service to boot.

Here’s why we at Peptides.org recommend them highly:

  • Stringent Quality Testing: What makes Limitless Life stand out most is their commitment to quality. They partner with independent labs, so that each batch of their peptides is independently assessed for quality, purity, and potency.
  • Good Reputation: Limitless Life has earned a good reputation across the wider research peptide community. They have excellent reviews across third-party review sites and a very low credit card charge-back rate.
  • Excellent Support and Service: Limitless Life provides access to their support and service team seven days per week, so issues and questions are resolved promptly.
  • Business Recognition: With both a Dun and Bradstreet business rating and Better Business Bureau accreditation (the only peptide company with this distinction), Limitless Life is committed to good business practices.

Additionally, researchers can receive 10% off of their next Limitless Life order by clicking the button below and then adding this code:

peptidesorg10

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Research Chemical

Research Chemical is known for their vast product selection and reasonable pricing. Here are some other things they do extremely well:

  • High Quality Peptides: Research Chemical offers 99% purity across all of their peptide products, which means researchers don’t have to worry about impurities or contamination.
  • Helpful Website: Research Chemical has a user-friendly website, which is replete with helpful peptide-related information, including research summaries.
  • Easy Payments: Research Chemical offers a number of convenient payments, including all major credit cards and crypto options.

Buy research peptides from Research Chemical today...


Bacteriostatic Water and TB-500

To correctly handle TB-500, a researcher needs to have certain materials to work with. For example, the reconstitution and storage procedures require bacteriostatic water and several more items.

Sourcing all of these items from different retailers can be a hassle for some researchers.

Luckily, Peptides.org has explored the web to find a single great supplier to meet research material needs.


Side Effects of TB-500 | Verdict

When it comes to TB-500 side effects, researchers should know that there have been very few human studies involving this research chemical. Of those conducted to date, TB-500 appears to be well tolerated and has not been linked to any serious adverse events.

However, the limited data available suggests that further research, especially long-term research, is necessary to gain a fuller understanding of TB-500 side effects. 

For qualified researchers looking to source TB-500 from a great supplier, we recommend our top-rated vendor.


References

  1. Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, et al. Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2012;12(1):37-51. doi: 10.1517/14712598.2012.634793
  2. Crockford D, Turjman N, Allan C, et al. Thymosin beta4: structure, function, and biological properties supporting current and future clinical applications. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010;1194:179-89. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05492.x.
  3. Jones facing Thymosin Beta 4 charges. Retrieved February 25, 2020. racing.com
  4. Stark C, Helenius M, Taimen P, et al. Thymosin beta 4 treatment improves left ventricular function after myocardial infarction and is related to Up-regulation of chitinase 3-like-1 in mice. Transl Med Commun. 2016;1(8). doi:10.1186/s41231-016-0008-y
  5. Choudry FA, Yeo C, Mozid A, et al. Increases in plasma Tβ4 after intracardiac cell therapy in chronic ischemic heart failure is associated with symptomatic improvement. Regen Med. 2015;10(4):403-410. doi:10.2217/rme.15.9.
  6. Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Kleinman HK. Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues. Trends Mol Med. 2005;11(9):421-9.
  7. Zhu T, Park HC, Son KM, et al. Effects of thymosin β4 on wound healing of rat palatal mucosa. Int J Mol Med. 2014;34(3):816-21. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2014.1832
  8. Sosne G, Kleinman HK. Primary Mechanisms of Thymosin β4 Repair Activity in Dry Eye Disorders and Other Tissue Injuries. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2015;56(9):5110-7. doi:10.1167/iovs.15-16890.
  9. Ehrlich HP, Hazard SW 3rd. Thymosin beta4 enhances repair by organizing connective tissue and preventing the appearance of myofibroblasts. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010;1194:118-24. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05483.x
  10. Shah R, Reyes-Gordillo K, Cheng Y, et al. Thymosin β4 Prevents Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in Ethanol- and LPS-Induced Liver Injury in Mice. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:9630175. doi:10.1155/2018/9630175
  11. Jiang Y, Han T, Zhang ZG, et al. Potential role of thymosin beta 4 in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Chronic Dis Transl Med. 2017;3(3):165–168. doi:10.1016/j.cdtm.2017.06.003
  12. Peptide Mixing and Dosing Calculator. Retrieved February 25, 2020. 112.196.20.91/realpeptide
  13. Wang WS, Chen PM, Hsiao HL, et al. Overexpression of the thymosin beta-4 gene is associated with malignant progression of SW480 colon cancer cells. Oncogene. 2003;22(21):3297-306.
  14. Caers J, Hose D, Kuipers I, et al. Thymosin β4 has tumor suppressive effects and its decreased expression results in poor prognosis and decreased survival in multiple myeloma. Haematologica. 2010;95(1):163–167. doi:10.3324/haematol.2009.006411
  15. Huang D, Wang S, Wang A, et al. Thymosin beta 4 silencing suppresses proliferation and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer cells by repressing Notch1 activation. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2016;48(9):788-94. doi:10.1093/abbs/gmw070

Scientifically Fact Checked by:

David Warmflash, M.D.

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