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 sold on this website are intended for research and identification purposes only. These products are not intended for human dosing, injection, or ingestion.
Comparison generated from Lyra Vital catalog data. Every specification is reconciled against the certificate of analysis for the shipped batch.