Thymosin Beta-4
Thymosin Beta-4 (TB4)
Also known as: Tβ4
A naturally occurring actin-binding peptide studied for wound healing, cardiac repair, and eye conditions; the parent molecule of TB-500.
Overview
Thymosin Beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide present in most cells that regulates actin and supports cell migration, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. It is the full parent peptide from which TB-500 is derived. It has reached clinical testing for conditions including dry eye and corneal injury, with preclinical support for wound and cardiac repair. It is not an approved drug. The research-market product called TB-500 is the full 43-residue peptide under a trade-style name, not a fragment; see the TB-500 profile for the gray-market context.
Mechanism of action
Binds actin to regulate the cytoskeleton, promoting cell migration, angiogenesis, and reduced inflammation at injury sites.
Key studies & citations
- Review2005
Thymosin beta4: actin-sequestering protein moonlights to repair injured tissues
Reviews Tbeta4 as the major G-actin sequestering peptide and its roles in dermal and corneal wound healing and post-ischemic repair.
Trends in Molecular Medicine - Animal2004
Thymosin beta4 activates integrin-linked kinase and promotes cardiac cell migration, survival and cardiac repair
After coronary ligation in mice, Tbeta4 activated ILK/Akt, improved early cardiomyocyte survival and cardiac function.
Nature - Human2015
Thymosin beta 4 significantly improves signs and symptoms of severe dry eye in a phase 2 randomized trial
Small placebo-controlled Phase 2 (9 patients): RGN-259 eye drops cut ocular discomfort 35% and corneal staining 59% versus vehicle at day 56.
Cornea - Human2012
The regenerative peptide thymosin beta 4 accelerates the rate of dermal healing in preclinical animal models and in patients
Summarizes animal wound models and two Phase 2 trials in venous stasis and pressure ulcers where Tbeta4 sped healing by almost a month in patients who healed.
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
Frequently asked questions
Is Thymosin Beta-4 the same as TB-500?
TB-500 is a synthetic fragment derived from Thymosin Beta-4. This entry is the full natural peptide, which has been taken further in formal clinical trials.