BPC-157 vs TB-500
The most frequently co-administered pair in the repair literature, which means they are also the most frequently conflated. They act through entirely different mechanisms.
Tissue Repair
BPC-157
Synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric juice protein, widely studied for cytoprotection and angiogenic signaling.
Tissue Repair
TB-500
Synthetic thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide studied for cell migration and angiogenesis.
Side by side
| Dimension | BPC-157 | TB-500 |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular weight A 3.5× difference in mass — these are not comparable on a milligram-for-milligram basis. | 1419.53 g/mol | 4963.44 g/mol |
| Size class | short peptide | long peptide |
| CAS number | 137525-51-0 | 77591-33-4 |
| Research area | repair | repair |
| Sequence | Gly-Glu-Pro-Pro-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Ala-Asp-Asp-Ala-Gly-Leu-Val | Not published as a linear sequence |
| Available sizes | 5mg, 10mg | 5mg, 10mg |
| Entry price | $39 | $38 |
| Cost per mg | $6.90 | $6.40 |
Mechanism
BPC-157
BPC-157 is a synthetic 15-amino-acid sequence corresponding to a partial fragment of body protection compound, a protein identified in human gastric juice. It is notably stable in gastric acid, a property unusual among peptides of comparable size and one that has made it a frequent subject of oral-administration studies in rodent models. The published literature is dominated by a single research group, which is a genuine methodological caveat worth noting when evaluating the evidence base.
TB-500
Thymosin beta-4 is a 43-amino-acid peptide and the principal G-actin sequestering molecule in mammalian cells. Its central mechanism is binding monomeric actin and regulating polymerization, which underlies its research relevance to cell motility, wound models, and angiogenesis. The actin-binding domain is localized to a short internal sequence (LKKTETQ), and some suppliers sell fragments of this region rather than the full peptide — a distinction worth confirming on any COA.
Evidence quality
Mechanism is not the same as evidence. Where we have assessed the literature, the verdict is stated plainly.
BPC-157
Evidence base: substantial volume, narrow provenance. Weight accordingly and prefer independently replicated findings where they exist.
Full research reference →TB-500
Evidence base: the actin-sequestering mechanism is well established and independently replicated. Claims specific to the LKKTETQ fragment rest on a considerably thinner literature than those for full-length Tβ4.
Full research reference →Research applications
BPC-157
- Angiogenesis and VEGFR2 signaling pathway studies
- Tendon and ligament fibroblast migration assays
- Gastrointestinal mucosal integrity research in rodent models
- Nitric oxide system interaction studies
TB-500
- Actin polymerization and cytoskeletal dynamics assays
- Endothelial cell migration and tube formation studies
- Corneal and dermal wound model research
- Inflammatory cytokine modulation studies
Common questions
What is the difference between BPC-157 and TB-500?
BPC-157 is synthetic pentadecapeptide derived from a gastric juice protein, widely studied for cytoprotection and angiogenic signaling. TB-500 is synthetic thymosin beta-4, a 43-amino-acid actin-sequestering peptide studied for cell migration and angiogenesis. They differ in molecular weight (1419.53 vs 4963.44 g/mol) and in the pathways they are studied against.
Which is more cost-effective per milligram, BPC-157 or TB-500?
TB-500 is lower at approximately $6.40 per milligram at its best tier, against $6.90 for the other. Cost per milligram is only meaningful relative to the concentrations a given protocol requires, since these compounds are not used at comparable masses.
Can BPC-157 and TB-500 be studied together?
Combination designs appear in the published literature for a number of these compounds. Whether it is appropriate for a given protocol depends entirely on the model and endpoint. We supply research compounds and do not provide protocol guidance — consult the primary literature for your specific model.
How should BPC-157 and TB-500 be stored?
Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days. For TB-500: Store lyophilized powder at -20°C protected from light. Reconstituted solution stable at 2-8°C for up to 30 days.
Which has the stronger evidence base?
BPC-157 — Evidence base: substantial volume, narrow provenance. Weight accordingly and prefer independently replicated findings where they exist. TB-500 — Evidence base: the actin-sequestering mechanism is well established and independently replicated. Claims specific to the LKKTETQ fragment rest on a considerably thinner literature than those for full-length Tβ4.
All products are intended strictly for laboratory research use. Not for human or veterinary use. Not for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Not a drug, food, or cosmetic.
Comparison generated from NuVida Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.