TB-500 Dosage Guide

Loading, maintenance, and cycling protocols for Thymosin Beta-4 fragment — reconstitution, injection technique, stacking with BPC-157, dosage by goal, and safety.

Last reviewed February 24, 2026
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What Is TB-500?

TB-500 is a synthetic peptide fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 (Tβ4), a naturally occurring 43-amino-acid protein found in nearly all human and animal cells. TB-500 corresponds to the active region of Tβ4 — specifically the actin-binding domain (amino acids 17–23) responsible for the protein's tissue repair and anti-inflammatory properties. By upregulating actin, TB-500 promotes cell migration, blood vessel formation (angiogenesis), and wound healing at an accelerated rate.

TB-500's primary appeal is its ability to support recovery from soft tissue injuries — tendons, ligaments, muscles, and skin. Unlike peptides that must be injected locally, TB-500 is a systemic peptide with a low molecular weight that distributes throughout the body after subcutaneous injection. This means a single injection in the abdomen can support healing in the shoulder, knee, or anywhere else. This guide covers loading and maintenance dosing, reconstitution, injection protocols, stacking with BPC-157, cycling, and safety considerations.

Use our Peptide Dosage to calculate your exact dose volume after reconstitution.

Dosing information in this guide is derived from published research and community protocols.

Key Characteristics:

  • Thymosin Beta-4 fragmentsynthetic peptide corresponding to the active region (amino acids 17–23) of the full 43-amino-acid Tβ4 protein
  • Actin upregulationpromotes cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation by increasing the pool of available actin monomers for cytoskeletal remodeling
  • Systemic distributionlow molecular weight allows body-wide distribution from a single injection site — no need to inject near the injury
  • Anti-inflammatorydownregulates pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulates the inflammatory response at injury sites
  • Angiogenesispromotes the formation of new blood vessels, improving nutrient and oxygen delivery to damaged tissues
  • Research peptidesold for research purposes only; not FDA-approved for human use; banned by WADA and most professional sports organizations

For a complete overview of its mechanism and research, see our full TB-500 profile. New to peptides? Start with the Beginner's Guide to Peptides.

How TB-500 Dosage Is Determined

TB-500 dosing protocols are derived from animal studies on wound healing and tissue repair, veterinary use (particularly in equine medicine), and community experience from human self-experimentation. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs with FDA-established dosing, TB-500 dosing relies on a combination of preclinical research, veterinary protocols, and decades of anecdotal reports from the research peptide community.

Preclinical Research

The foundational research on Thymosin Beta-4 comes from studies on wound healing, cardiac repair, and neurological recovery in animal models. Researchers demonstrated that Tβ4 accelerates dermal wound closure, promotes cardiomyocyte survival after myocardial infarction, and supports axonal regrowth following central nervous system injury. These studies established the dose-dependent relationship between Tβ4 concentration and tissue repair outcomes.

Veterinary Protocols

TB-500 has been used extensively in equine veterinary medicine for soft tissue injuries, tendon repair, and muscle recovery in racehorses. Equine dosing protocols — scaled down by body weight — informed the loading/maintenance approach that is now standard in human research use. The two-phase protocol (high-frequency loading followed by lower-frequency maintenance) originates from these veterinary applications.

Community Experience & Practitioner Protocols

Over the past decade, the research peptide community has converged on a standard dosing range of 2–2.5 mg per injection, administered twice weekly during the loading phase and once weekly or biweekly during maintenance. This range was refined through extensive self-experimentation and shared reports across forums, practitioners, and clinics offering peptide protocols.

Strength of evidence: Moderate–Low for human use. Animal and in vitro evidence for Thymosin Beta-4's tissue repair mechanisms is strong. Equine veterinary use is well-established. Human clinical trials are limited. The standard human dosing protocol is primarily community-derived and not supported by controlled human studies. Proceed with appropriate caution.

Standard TB-500 Dosage Ranges

TB-500 uses a two-phase dosing protocol: a loading phase at higher frequency to saturate tissue levels, followed by a maintenance phase at reduced frequency to sustain the effect. Dosing is in milligrams (mg) per injection.

Loading Phase

ProtocolDose per InjectionFrequencyWeekly TotalDuration
Conservative2 mg2x per week4 mg4–6 weeks
Standard2.5 mg2x per week5 mg4–6 weeks
Aggressive2.5 mg3x per week7.5 mg4 weeks

Maintenance Phase

ProtocolDose per InjectionFrequencyDurationNotes
Standard Maintenance2 mg1x per week4–8 weeksMost common approach post-loading
Low-Frequency Maintenance2 mgEvery 2 weeks4–8 weeksSuitable once injury has significantly improved
Extended Maintenance2.5 mg1x per week6–8 weeksFor chronic or slow-healing injuries

Weight-Based Reference

Body WeightLoading DoseMaintenance DoseNotes
Under 150 lbs (68 kg)2 mg 2x/week2 mg 1x/weekLower end of standard range
150–200 lbs (68–90 kg)2.5 mg 2x/week2 mg 1x/weekStandard protocol for most users
Over 200 lbs (90 kg)2.5 mg 2x/week2.5 mg 1x/weekUpper end; some use 3x/week loading
Dosing Note: TB-500 dosing is relatively straightforward compared to many peptides. The 2–2.5 mg range per injection is used across virtually all protocols. The main variable is frequency (how often you inject) and duration (how long you run each phase). Start with the conservative protocol if this is your first peptide cycle.

Calculate Your TB-500 Dose

After reconstituting your TB-500 vial, you need to calculate how much liquid to draw in your syringe for each dose. This depends on two things: the amount of peptide in the vial and the amount of water you added.

Worked Example:

  • Vial size: 5 mg of TB-500 (lyophilized powder)
  • Bacteriostatic water added: 2 mL
  • Concentration: 5 mg ÷ 2 mL = 2.5 mg/mL
  • For a 2.5 mg dose: draw 1 mL (100 units on an insulin syringe)
  • For a 2 mg dose: draw 0.8 mL (80 units on an insulin syringe)

Second Example (10 mg Vial):

  • Vial size: 10 mg of TB-500
  • Bacteriostatic water added: 2 mL
  • Concentration: 10 mg ÷ 2 mL = 5 mg/mL
  • For a 2.5 mg dose: draw 0.5 mL (50 units)
  • For a 2 mg dose: draw 0.4 mL (40 units)

Quick Reference Table

Vial SizeBAC WaterConcentration2 mg Dose2.5 mg Dose
5 mg1 mL5 mg/mL0.4 mL (40 units)0.5 mL (50 units)
5 mg2 mL2.5 mg/mL0.8 mL (80 units)1.0 mL (100 units)
10 mg2 mL5 mg/mL0.4 mL (40 units)0.5 mL (50 units)
10 mg4 mL2.5 mg/mL0.8 mL (80 units)1.0 mL (100 units)

Skip the Math — Use Our

Enter your vial size, water volume, and desired dose — get instant calculations with zero manual math.

TB-500 Reconstitution Guide

TB-500 arrives as a lyophilized (freeze-dried) powder that must be reconstituted with bacteriostatic water before injection. This process is simple but must be done correctly to preserve the peptide's integrity.

Supplies Needed:

  • TB-500 vial (5 mg or 10 mg lyophilized powder)
  • Bacteriostatic water (BAC water) — contains 0.9% benzyl alcohol to prevent microbial growth
  • Insulin syringes (1 mL / 100 unit, 29–31 gauge)
  • Alcohol swabs (70% isopropyl)
  • Clean, flat workspace

Steps

1

Gather Supplies

You need: TB-500 vial (lyophilized powder), bacteriostatic water (BAC water), alcohol swabs, and an insulin syringe (1 mL / 100 units).

2

Wipe Vial Tops

Swab the rubber stopper of both the TB-500 vial and the BAC water vial with an alcohol pad. Let dry for 10 seconds.

3

Draw Bacteriostatic Water

Draw your chosen volume of BAC water into the syringe. For a 5 mg vial, 2 mL is a common choice (giving 2.5 mg/mL concentration). For a 10 mg vial, 2 mL gives 5 mg/mL.

4

Add Water to the Peptide Calculator Vial

Insert the needle through the rubber stopper and aim the stream of water down the inside wall of the vial — do not spray directly onto the powder. Let the water drip gently down the glass.

5

Swirl Gently — Never Shake

Roll the vial gently between your palms for 30–60 seconds until the powder is fully dissolved. The solution should be clear and colorless. Do not shake, as this can damage the peptide.

6

Label & Store

Label the vial with the date, peptide name, and concentration (e.g., “TB-500 — 2.5 mg/mL — Feb 20”). Store upright in the refrigerator (2–8°C). Use within 3–4 weeks.

Storage After Reconstitution

  • Unreconstituted (powder): Refrigerate (2–8°C) for up to 12 months; freezer for longer storage
  • Reconstituted (liquid): Refrigerate (2–8°C) and use within 3–4 weeks
  • Never freeze reconstituted solution — ice crystals damage the peptide structure
  • Always use bacteriostatic water — sterile water has no preservative and allows bacterial growth, reducing shelf life to 1–2 days

For a complete walkthrough with photos, see our How to Reconstitute Peptides guide.

TB-500 Dosage by Goal

While TB-500's mechanism is consistent across applications — actin upregulation, cell migration, and anti-inflammatory action — different injury types and goals may benefit from adjusted protocols in terms of loading duration, maintenance length, and whether to stack with other peptides.

Tendon & Ligament Injuries

Tendon and ligament injuries are the most common reason users reach for TB-500. These tissues have poor blood supply and heal slowly. TB-500's ability to promote angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation) and cell migration is particularly relevant here, as it helps deliver nutrients and repair cells to tissue that normally receives limited circulation.

  • Loading: 2.5 mg twice per week for 6 weeks
  • Maintenance: 2 mg once per week for 6–8 weeks
  • Stacking: Commonly combined with BPC-157 for complementary healing pathways
  • Timeline: Expect initial pain reduction at 2–4 weeks; structural improvement at 6–12 weeks

Muscle Strains & Tears

Muscle tissue has better blood supply than tendons, so TB-500 can work faster here. The peptide promotes satellite cell activation and muscle fiber repair, supporting recovery from strains, partial tears, and exercise-related muscle damage.

  • Loading: 2–2.5 mg twice per week for 4 weeks
  • Maintenance: 2 mg once per week for 4 weeks
  • Stacking: Optional BPC-157 for localized support
  • Timeline: Noticeable improvement in 2–3 weeks for mild to moderate strains

Joint Pain & Inflammation

TB-500's anti-inflammatory properties can help with chronic joint pain and synovial inflammation. It does not rebuild cartilage directly, but by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair in surrounding structures, it may improve joint comfort and function.

  • Loading: 2 mg twice per week for 4–6 weeks
  • Maintenance: 2 mg once per week or every 2 weeks for 6–8 weeks
  • Stacking: Consider BPC-157 for joint-specific support
  • Timeline: Pain reduction often noted within 2–4 weeks; sustained improvement over 8–12 weeks

Post-Surgical Recovery

Some practitioners use TB-500 to support recovery after orthopedic surgery (ACL repair, rotator cuff surgery, etc.). The loading phase is typically started 2–4 weeks after surgery, once initial surgical healing has stabilized. Discuss timing with your surgeon.

  • Loading: 2.5 mg twice per week for 4–6 weeks (start 2–4 weeks post-surgery)
  • Maintenance: 2 mg once per week for 6–8 weeks
  • Stacking: Frequently combined with BPC-157
  • Timeline: Results depend on surgical procedure; support is complementary to physical therapy

Hair Growth

TB-500 (via Thymosin Beta-4's mechanism) has been studied for its role in hair follicle stem cell migration and activation. Some users report improvements in hair density and regrowth with extended protocols. This is an off-label use with limited clinical evidence.

  • Loading: 2 mg twice per week for 4 weeks
  • Maintenance: 2 mg once per week for 3–6 months
  • Stacking: Sometimes combined with GHK-Cu (topical) for additional follicular support
  • Timeline: Hair growth is slow — expect 3–6 months before evaluating results
Goal-Based Tip: Regardless of the specific goal, the core protocol remains the same — loading then maintenance. The main adjustments are the length of each phase and whether you stack with other peptides. Soft tissue injuries with poor blood supply (tendons, ligaments) generally need longer loading and maintenance phases than well-vascularized tissues (muscle).

TB-500 Injection Guide

Subcutaneous Injection Protocol

TB-500 is administered via subcutaneous (SubQ) injection — meaning into the fat layer just beneath the skin, not into muscle. This is a simple, low-pain injection technique using a short insulin needle.

1

Wash Hands Thoroughly

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Dry with a clean towel.

2

Prepare the Syringe

Swab the TB-500 vial stopper with an alcohol pad. Draw the calculated dose volume into an insulin syringe (29–31 gauge, 1 mL). Remove air bubbles by tapping the syringe barrel and gently pushing the plunger until a small drop appears at the needle tip.

3

Select & Clean the Injection Site

Common sites: abdomen (2 inches away from the navel), outer thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Swab the chosen site with an alcohol pad in a circular motion. Allow to dry for 10 seconds.

4

Inject Subcutaneously

Pinch a fold of skin between your thumb and forefinger. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle into the skin fold. Push the plunger slowly and steadily. Withdraw the needle and release the skin fold. Do not rub the injection site.

5

Dispose of the Syringe Safely

Place the used syringe in a sharps container. Never recap a used needle. Never reuse syringes.

Why Systemic Injection Works (No Local Injection Needed)

TB-500 has a molecular weight of approximately 4,963 Da — small enough to distribute systemically through the bloodstream after subcutaneous injection. This is a key advantage: unlike some compounds that must be injected near the injury site, TB-500 reaches the target tissue regardless of where you inject. Studies on Thymosin Beta-4 demonstrate systemic bioavailability after subcutaneous administration.

Injection Site Rotation: Rotate between 3–4 injection sites (left abdomen, right abdomen, left thigh, right thigh) to prevent lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue from repeated injection in the same spot). Keep a simple log of which site you used last.

Injection Timing

  • Time of day: No strong evidence for a preferred time; most users inject in the morning or before bed for consistency
  • Relative to meals: Can be injected on an empty or full stomach; SubQ absorption is not significantly affected by food
  • Spacing: During loading (2x/week), space injections 3–4 days apart (e.g., Monday and Thursday, or Tuesday and Friday)

TB-500 Cycle Duration & Timing

TB-500 is not designed for indefinite continuous use. The standard approach uses a defined loading and maintenance cycle, followed by a break before reassessing whether another cycle is needed.

Loading vs. Maintenance

The loading phase (4–6 weeks, 2x/week) builds tissue saturation rapidly. Think of it like filling a reservoir — you need to bring peptide levels up to a threshold where the repair cascades are actively triggered. The maintenance phase (4–8 weeks, 1x/week or less) keeps levels above that threshold without the cost and frequency of loading. Once tissue repair is well underway, less frequent dosing is sufficient to sustain the effect.

ProtocolLoading PhaseMaintenance PhaseTotal CycleOff Period
Short Cycle (Acute Injury)4 weeks, 2x/week4 weeks, 1x/week8 weeks4–6 weeks off
Standard Cycle4–6 weeks, 2x/week6–8 weeks, 1x/week10–14 weeks4–8 weeks off
Extended Cycle (Chronic Injury)6 weeks, 2x/week8 weeks, 1x/week14 weeks6–8 weeks off

Cycling Protocols

  • Repeat cycles: After the off period, reassess the injury. If further healing is needed, run another loading + maintenance cycle
  • Stagger with BPC-157: Some users start TB-500 and BPC-157 together during loading, then continue BPC-157 alone during the TB-500 off period for sustained local support
  • Seasonal cycling: Athletes sometimes run a TB-500 cycle at the start of a training season or before a competition prep block to address accumulated wear and minor injuries
  • Avoid indefinite use: Continuous dosing beyond 14–16 weeks without a break is not recommended. Take at least 4 weeks off between cycles
Why cycle off? There are two main reasons. First, TB-500's primary benefit is initiating repair cascades that continue on their own once started — after a full loading + maintenance cycle, the repair process is well underway. Second, cycling off prevents potential receptor desensitization and allows the body to normalize. This is a precautionary practice, not driven by specific adverse event data.

TB-500 Stacking Protocols

TB-500 is most commonly stacked with other recovery peptides that target complementary healing pathways. Stacking aims to accelerate recovery by addressing tissue repair from multiple angles simultaneously.

TB-500 + BPC-157 — “Wolverine Stack”

The most popular peptide stack for injury recovery. TB-500 provides systemic tissue repair via actin upregulation and anti-inflammatory action, while BPC-157 promotes localized healing through angiogenesis, nitric oxide modulation, and growth factor upregulation. Their mechanisms are complementary, not overlapping, making this a synergistic combination.

CompoundLoading DoseMaintenance DosePurpose
TB-5002.5 mg 2x/week (4–6 weeks)2 mg 1x/week (4–8 weeks)Systemic tissue repair, actin upregulation, anti-inflammatory
BPC-157250–500 mcg 2x/day (4–6 weeks)250 mcg 1x/day (4–8 weeks)Localized healing, angiogenesis, gut-protective
Injection Tip: TB-500 can be injected subcutaneously anywhere (it is systemic). BPC-157 is often injected as close to the injury site as practical for maximum local effect. They can be drawn into separate syringes and injected at different sites in the same session, or some users inject them at the same site back to back. Do not mix them in the same syringe unless you have confirmed compatibility.

TB-500 + GH Secretagogues (Recovery + Growth Hormone Support)

Growth hormone plays a role in tissue repair, collagen synthesis, and recovery. Combining TB-500 with a GH secretagogue (such as CJC-1295/Ipamorelin or MK-677) can provide complementary support: TB-500 directly promotes cell migration and tissue repair, while elevated GH levels enhance overall recovery capacity and collagen turnover.

CompoundDoseFrequencyPurpose
TB-5002–2.5 mg2x/week (loading), 1x/week (maintenance)Direct tissue repair, anti-inflammatory
CJC-1295 / Ipamorelin100–300 mcg eachDaily (typically before bed)GH secretion, enhanced recovery, collagen synthesis

This stack is more advanced and involves additional compounds. It is primarily used by experienced peptide users looking to maximize recovery from significant injuries or surgical procedures.

Explore more combinations with our Peptide Stack Builder or browse the Top 10 Peptide Stacks guide.

Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications

Safety Profile: TB-500 is generally well-tolerated based on animal studies and community reports. Thymosin Beta-4 is a naturally occurring protein in the body, which contributes to its favorable safety profile. Side effects are uncommon and typically mild. However, human clinical trials are limited, and long-term safety data in humans is not available.

Reported Side Effects

Common (generally mild and transient):

  • Temporary lethargy or fatigue — often reported in the first 1–2 weeks of the loading phase, usually resolves on its own
  • Mild headache — more common during the loading phase at higher doses
  • Injection site reactions — minor redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site; rotate sites to minimize

Uncommon:

  • Temporary head rush or lightheadedness shortly after injection
  • Nausea — rare; more commonly associated with higher doses
  • Flu-like symptoms — occasional reports during the first few days of use
Key point: Most side effects are self-limiting and occur during the first 1–2 weeks. If lethargy or headaches persist beyond 2 weeks or worsen, consider reducing the dose or frequency. Severe or unusual reactions warrant discontinuation and medical consultation.

Contraindications

  • Active cancer — Thymosin Beta-4 promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis. While there is no evidence that TB-500 causes cancer, it could theoretically accelerate the growth of existing tumors. Do not use if you have active or recent cancer
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding — no safety data available; do not use
  • Children and adolescents — not studied in minors; not recommended
  • Active infection at injection site — do not inject into infected, inflamed, or broken skin
  • Immunocompromised individuals — TB-500's immune modulatory effects are not well characterized in immunocompromised populations; consult a physician

Important Considerations

  • Not FDA-approved — TB-500 is sold as a research chemical, not a pharmaceutical
  • Source quality matters — only purchase from vendors that provide third-party certificates of analysis (COA) with purity testing. Low-quality peptides may contain contaminants, underfilled vials, or degraded product
  • WADA banned — TB-500 is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Tested athletes should not use this peptide
  • Discuss with your doctor — especially if you have a history of cancer, autoimmune conditions, or are taking immunosuppressive medications

Common TB-500 Dosing Mistakes

Even experienced users make dosing and handling errors. Here are the most common mistakes and why they matter:

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways

  • TB-500 is a synthetic fragment of Thymosin Beta-4 — it promotes tissue repair by upregulating actin, enhancing cell migration, and reducing inflammation
  • Standard loading dose: 2–2.5 mg twice per week for 4–6 weeks, followed by 2 mg once per week maintenance for 4–8 weeks
  • Systemic peptide — inject subcutaneously anywhere (abdomen or thigh), no need to inject near the injury site
  • Best for soft tissue injuries — tendons, ligaments, muscles, and post-surgical recovery
  • Top stack: TB-500 + BPC-157 (“Wolverine Stack”) for complementary systemic + local tissue repair
  • Two-phase protocol is essential — do not skip the loading phase; it builds the tissue saturation needed for TB-500 to work effectively
  • Cycle on and off — run 8–14 week cycles with 4–8 week breaks between cycles
  • Reconstitute with bacteriostatic water — refrigerate after reconstitution, use within 3–4 weeks
  • Results take time — initial improvement in 2–3 weeks, significant results in 4–8 weeks for most injuries
  • Contraindicated in active cancer — TB-500 promotes cell proliferation and angiogenesis, which could theoretically support tumor growth

This article is for educational and informational purposes only. See our Disclaimer.

References

  1. Goldstein AL, et al. “Thymosin β4: a multi-functional regenerative peptide. Basic properties and clinical applications.” Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2012;12(1):37-51. PubMed
  2. Malinda KM, et al. “Thymosin β4 accelerates wound healing.” J Invest Dermatol. 1999;113(3):364-368. PubMed
  3. Bock-Marquette I, et al. “Thymosin β4 activates integrin-linked kinase and promotes cardiac cell migration, survival and cardiac repair.” Nature. 2004;432(7016):466-472. PubMed
  4. Philp D, et al. “Thymosin β4 promotes angiogenesis, wound healing, and hair follicle development.” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2007;1112:95-103. PubMed
  5. Smart N, et al. “Thymosin β4 and angiogenesis: modes of action and therapeutic potential.” Angiogenesis. 2007;10(4):229-241. PubMed
  6. Sosne G, et al. “Thymosin beta 4: a potential novel therapy for neurotrophic keratopathy, dry eye, and ocular surface diseases.” Vitam Horm. 2016;102:267-306. PubMed

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