This article is for laboratory and research information only. All products referenced are supplied strictly for research use and are not for human or veterinary use.
BPC-157 and TB-500 are two of the most frequently compared research peptides. Both turn up in tissue-repair research, but they are very different molecules with different origins and mechanisms. This guide sets out the differences.
At a glance
| BPC-157 | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Synthetic 15-amino-acid peptide | Synthetic peptide related to Thymosin Beta-4 |
| Origin | Fragment of a protein found in gastric juice | Based on the active region of Thymosin Beta-4, an actin-binding protein |
| Main research focus | Angiogenesis, gut tissue models, tendon and ligament models | Cell migration, actin regulation, wound-healing models |
| Proposed mechanism studied | Growth factor and nitric oxide signalling | Actin sequestration and cell motility |
| Formats we supply | Vials and pen | Vial and pen |
What is BPC-157?
BPC-157 is a 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide whose sequence is derived from a protein found in gastric juice. In preclinical research it is studied mainly for its effects on blood vessel formation (angiogenesis) and in gut, tendon and ligament tissue models. Read our full BPC-157 research guide.
What is TB-500?
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein found in most cells. Tβ4 binds actin, a structural protein involved in cell shape and movement. Research on TB-500 therefore focuses on cell migration, which is the movement of cells to where they are needed in a tissue model.
Why are they often studied together?
Because they are thought to act through different pathways, BPC-157 and TB-500 are sometimes examined together in research designs to see whether their effects are complementary. This is why combination products exist, such as our BPC-157 & TB-500 20mg Pen.
It's worth being clear that combination research is far less developed than research on either peptide alone, and most of the evidence for both comes from animal and cell models rather than human trials.
Legal status in the UK
Neither BPC-157 nor TB-500 is a licensed medicine in the UK. Both are sold as research chemicals for laboratory use only, and both appear on the WADA prohibited list for tested sport.
Which should a lab choose?
That depends entirely on the research question. Studies focused on vascular or gastrointestinal models more often use BPC-157. Studies focused on cell motility or actin dynamics more often use TB-500. Whichever you choose, check for a batch-specific CoA. Our guide on reading a peptide CoA explains what to look for.
FAQ
Is TB-500 the same as Thymosin Beta-4?
Not exactly. TB-500 is a synthetic peptide based on the active region of Thymosin Beta-4, rather than the full 43-amino-acid protein.
Which is more stable in storage?
Both are stable as lyophilised powder stored frozen. Once reconstituted, both should be refrigerated and used within their stability window. See our storage guide.