BPC-157 vs TB-500: two research peptides compared
BPC-157 and TB-500 are two of the most discussed research peptides, and they are often mentioned together. They are unrelated molecules with different origins, sizes and research histories. This guide compares them side by side.
Side by side
| BPC-157 | TB-500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sequence | GEPPPGKPADDAGLV | Ac-LKKTETQ |
| Length | 15 residues | 7 residues, N-acetylated |
| Molecular weight | ≈ 1419.6 g/mol | ≈ 889.0 g/mol |
| CAS | 137525-51-0 | 885340-08-9 |
| Origin | Partial sequence of a gastric-juice protein (Sikirić, 1993) | Residues 17–23 of thymosin beta-4 |
| Main research models | Rodent tendon, ligament and GI models | Actin biology; Tβ4 wound and cardiac models |
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-residue peptide reported by Sikirić and colleagues at the University of Zagreb in 1993. Most of its literature is in rats: Achilles tendon transection with tendocyte culture (Staresinic et al., J Orthop Res, 2003), ligament models (Cerovecki et al., 2010), colitis and anastomosis models, and hind-limb ischemia with endothelial cells (Hsieh et al., J Mol Med, 2017). A 2025 review (Józwiak et al., Pharmaceuticals) notes that no human efficacy studies have been completed.
TB-500
TB-500 most often refers to the N-acetylated fragment Ac-LKKTETQ, residues 17–23 of thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4). That stretch holds the LKKTET actin-binding motif. Much of the related literature is on full-length Tβ4, a 43-residue protein first isolated from calf thymus: actin sequestration (Safer et al., J Biol Chem, 1991), rat and mouse wound models, and mouse cardiac models (Bock-Marquette et al., Nature, 2004).
Some sources use “TB-500” for full-length Tβ4. The two differ by more than 4,000 g/mol, so the mass spectrometry panel on a certificate of analysis shows clearly which one is in a vial.
Why they are discussed together
Both have been studied in tissue-injury models in rodents, which is why they are often compared and sometimes combined in research blends. They act through unrelated mechanisms and share no sequence.
Verifying either peptide
Check the HPLC purity and confirm the mass matches about 1419.6 g/mol for BPC-157 or about 889 g/mol for the TB-500 fragment. See how mass spectrometry confirms identity.
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View BPC-157 and its per-lot certificate of analysis
For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use. This guide summarizes published scientific literature for context. It is not medical advice and does not describe any product as suitable for human use.