What is BPC-157 / TB-500?
BPC-157 and TB-500 are two of the most studied peptides in tissue-repair research. Here is what each one is, what preclinical research has found, and why they are studied together.
At a glance
- BPC-157
- 15-amino-acid synthetic peptide (pentadecapeptide)
- BPC-157 sequence
- Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val
- BPC-157 MW
- ≈ 1419.5 g/mol
- TB-500
- Synthetic peptide modelled on thymosin beta-4
- Thymosin beta-4
- 43-amino-acid actin-binding protein 4
- Appearance
- White lyophilized powder
- Our fill size
- 10mg blend
What BPC-157 is
BPC-157, short for Body Protection Compound-157, is a 15-amino-acid peptide whose sequence comes from a protective protein found in human gastric juice. Most of its research history comes from a group at the University of Zagreb, which first studied it for protecting and healing the stomach lining and later extended the work to other tissues.2
Tendon and soft-tissue models
In a 2011 study, BPC-157 increased the outgrowth of tendon explants, improved the survival of tendon fibroblasts under oxidative stress, and increased their migration, three processes needed for tendon repair.1 A 2018 review of the wider literature describes improved tendon, ligament, muscle and bone healing in animal models, which the authors link to BPC-157's effects on angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels into healing tissue.2
What TB-500 is
TB-500 is a synthetic peptide modelled on thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4), a small protein made by most cells. Tβ4 binds actin, the protein that forms the cell's internal skeleton, which lets it regulate how cells move. After injury it is released by platelets, macrophages and other cells, and research links it to cell migration, new blood vessel growth, reduced inflammation and reduced scarring.4
Wound-healing models
In a rat full-thickness skin wound model, thymosin beta-4 applied to the skin or given by injection increased re-epithelialisation by 42% over controls at day 4 and by up to 61% at day 7, with more collagen deposition and new blood vessel growth in the treated wounds.3
Why they are studied together
The two peptides are thought to act on different parts of the repair process. BPC-157 research centres on local tissue signalling and blood-vessel growth, while thymosin beta-4 research centres on cell migration through actin regulation.2,4 Combining them in one vial lets researchers study those complementary mechanisms in the same model. For a broader repair blend, KLOW adds GHK-Cu and KPV.
Almost all BPC-157 data come from cell and animal studies, much of it from one research group. Neither peptide is an approved medicine.
Handling BPC-157 / TB-500 in the lab
Lyophilized BPC-157 / TB-500 is stable stored frozen at −4 °F and protected from light. Let a vial reach room temperature before opening, reconstitute with bacteriostatic water added slowly down the side of the vial, swirl rather than shake, and keep the solution refrigerated at 36–46 °F.
Before using any lot, check its certificate of analysis. Our current BPC-157 / TB-500 lot, VD-BT10-2610, tested at 99.10% purity by HPLC with identity confirmed by LC-MS at VeriPure Labs. View the certificate ↗ or see every lot on our lab reports page.
Frequently asked questions
What does BPC stand for?
Body Protection Compound. The 157 distinguishes this 15-amino-acid fragment, whose sequence comes from a protective protein found in gastric juice.
Is TB-500 the same as thymosin beta-4?
Not exactly. Thymosin beta-4 is a natural 43-amino-acid protein. TB-500 is a synthetic research peptide modelled on it.
Are BPC-157 or TB-500 approved medicines?
No. Both are research compounds, and most of the evidence on them comes from cell and animal studies.
Is BPC-157 / TB-500 for human use?
No. Vivid DNA supplies this blend strictly for laboratory research. It is not a drug, food or supplement, and is not for human or veterinary use.
References
- Chang CH, Tsai WC, Lin MS, Hsu YH, Pang JH. The promoting effect of pentadecapeptide BPC 157 on tendon healing involves tendon outgrowth, cell survival, and cell migration. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2011;110(3):774–780. PubMed 21030672 ↗
- Seiwerth S, Rucman R, Turkovic B, et al. BPC 157 and standard angiogenic growth factors. Gastrointestinal tract healing, lessons from tendon, ligament, muscle and bone healing. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2018;24(18):1972–1989. doi:10.2174/1381612824666180712110447 ↗
- Malinda KM, Sidhu GS, Mani H, et al. Thymosin beta4 accelerates wound healing. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 1999;113(3):364–368. PubMed 10469335 ↗
- Goldstein AL, Hannappel E, Sosne G, Kleinman HK. Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications. Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2012;12(1):37–51. PubMed 22074294 ↗
More research overviews
Research use only. Vivid DNA products are sold strictly for laboratory research. They are not drugs, foods, cosmetics or supplements, are not for human or veterinary use, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Clinical results described here refer to investigational or approved medicines studied under medical supervision, not to research-grade material. This article summarises published research and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.